There are many views of Jesus. Some view him as a prophet, life coach, moral philosopher, profound teacher and Jewish Messiah but Christians are clear that while his identity includes these things He is more; He the Son of God, fully divine. John the apostle opens his biography of Jesus with the following. John 1:1& 14 states: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Wor...  Read More

Jesus once said the second greatest commandment was “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). What fascinates me is where Jesus looks for evidence of one who loves his neighbor. Specifically our neighbor is the one who is struggling. In the parable of the sheep and the goats Jesus commends and gathers to himself those who feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, invited in the stranger,...  Read More

Years ago I heard author John Maxwell say, “everything rises or falls on leadership.” That sentiment resonated with me. It does not matter whether it is a business, university, church or country; if the leader is healthy, wise and growing, the entity does better. If the leader is toxic or stagnant, the entity will struggle or fail. Healthy leaders have many traits such as wisdom and perseverance. ...  Read More

HEALTHY LIVINGAt the beginning of the year many spend some time thinking about their health. In my experience, churches rarely talk about our physical bodies. In contrast, the Bible does talk about the body. Starting in the creation account the human body along with the rest of creation receives God’s stamp of approval “it is good” (Genesis 1:31). In the psalms King David writes, “For you created ...  Read More

In John15:1,2 Jesus gives us a powerful picture about life with Him. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” This is one of the famous “I am” statements in the gospel of John where Jesus is basically making a deity claim. The “I am” part...  Read More

A NEW YEAR IS COMING!Christmas is over, a new year is almost here. Many take some time as the yearends to evaluate where they are and where they want to be a year from now. Some callthis process making new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most of us struggle with thefollow through. We start the new Bible reading plan, we join a gym. We try a newhobby but by the end of January many of these good ...  Read More

In Luke 2 an angel shares with the shepherds about Jesus, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born, He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10,11).Jesus carries many names and titles but the three mentioned by the angel reveal the heart of His mission. First is Savior. Jesus saves us from our sins. This S...  Read More

The negativity of our culture can be overwhelming at times, but Christians are calledto be light. Light is about sharing the truth. Let’s focus on the light of truth we are toshare.Christianity teaches that we are the special, intentional creation of the one trueloving God. We are made by Him in His image (Genesis 1:27). Whatever our race,educational or economic level, we are all profoundly valuab...  Read More

     It has been said that we live in an “Eeyore culture.”  Sadness and depression permeate America today.  It’s not surprising when most are feeding on a steady diet of news and media focused on scandal, division, and disaster.  In contrast, Christians are to be marked by joy.  Joy is even listed as one of the defining virtues of a Christian (Galatians 5:22,23). The Scripture says, “Blessed (Happ...  Read More

       Author Max Lucado once said, “We are what we think” (Tame Your Thoughts, 4). Our thoughts are powerful. The great escape artist Houdini was famous for showing up in a town to put on a show of amazing escapes.  He would get positive media attention by having the local sheriff lock him in a jail cell and then escape in front of reporters.  However, one sheriff only pretended to lock the cell ...  Read More

Paul once wrote “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). We are to exhibit a Spirit led character. Our lives are to be marked by the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23): love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How do we as Christians practically “live by the Spirit” and how are we “led by the S...  Read More

     We live in an angry, hostile culture.  Recently I was teaching about Joseph of Genesis in a local halfway house.  I was talking about how Joseph forgave his brothers even though they sold him into slavery.  This forgiveness goes against our natural inclinations.  To forgive is to “give mercy instead of judgment, to give kindness instead of retaliation, to give pardon instead of punishment” (U...  Read More