Latest writing
July 4, 2020
According to Jude’s personalized introduction, the Christian faith is to impact us in a fitting, subjective way. Meaning, we must be able to say, “This is my truth, my faith, my Lord,” and I am called, beloved, and kept. Yet, the set, objective Christian doctrine proves to be the essential basis for this Christian living.
May 15, 2020
“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
If directing questions toward God were inherently sinful, we would not have this question recorded in Scripture from our Savior. Through Jesus’ question, we have a model for prayer in suffering. For, we see how Jesus prayed with dependency on the Father in His ultimate suffering for us.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
April 2, 2020
When the apostle Paul writes to the Galatian church, “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7), the agricultural community would have understood the process of sowing, the patience required for growth, and the joy when crop was available for plentiful reaping.
The concept of "you reap what you sow" comes from farming. For modern readers unfamiliar with farming, James A. Patch explains the amount of work required in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. In biblical times, farmers would till their fields to prepare for sowing and plowing in hilly regions or where ground had not recently been used. The plains, by contrast, often needed little preparation for plowing.
When sowing, seed would be carried through the field in a jar, basket, or loose pocket. Once scattered, seed would be plowed again so that it would not become food for birds. The fields would sit for the winter rains, after which a second sowing would be made.
Then, in early summer—the dry season—reaping would begin. Families would travel to the fields and be there until the conclusion of harvest. A section of grain crop would be held by a sickle in the right hand, near the earth. The left hand would clutch the grain and simultaneously the crop would be yanked, slicing it and detaching it from the roots. These handfuls would be gathered by helpers, typically children, and placed in mounds. These piles would later be removed to the threshing-floor.
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March 28, 2020
While being in chains for the gospel or on long missionary journeys, the apostle Paul modeled intentional prayer for other believers while at a distance from them. Though Paul was separated from believers for different reasons than the COVID-19 “shelter in place” orders or self-isolation, he still leaves us an example. When we are apart from our brothers and sisters in Christ, they need not be far from our hearts and minds in prayer.
Having care and concern for the physical health of other believers has biblical precedent: “Believer, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 1:2). We can pray for stamina, strength in immune system, healing, and wellness for each other.
As we do, we can also pray for each other’s souls. Paul’s letters can be surveyed to glean ideas for how to pray for one another from afar. Learn from this servant of Christ to pray:
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March 24, 2020
Psalm 91 bursts with assurances about the protection of God—replete with words like shelter, refuge, fortress, shield, deliver, rescue, and satisfy. At this time of global pandemic with the novel coronavirus COVID-19, this Psalm speaks God’s power, presence, intentions, and protection against fear. Described as a covering for His people, God’s comfort is a wing of security amidst this world’s uncertainties and suffering.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Elena Volf
February 27, 2020
We often hear Psalm 139:14 referenced when a friend announces a new baby. The miracle of new life is truly incredible, enough so that David says we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." But beyond pregnancy and birth, what do these words mean for the life of every human being? What does it show us about the character of God, and how can we live our lives fully believing that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made"?
February 16, 2020
The book of Jude is one of the shortest in the Bible, at just one chapter. However, this letter has plenty to say about our gift of salvation. Follow along as we break down two of Jude's most encouraging statements, to see how they point towards the grace that permeates every believer's life.