Continuing our exploration of personages important to Lent, this week we’ll consider Nicodemus. We first learn of Nicodemus in John 3:1-36. This is the famous section of scripture that deals with the necessity of persons to be “born again” in order to achieve Salvation. But that is not our focus today. Today, we want to … Continue reading “There was one of the Pharisees called Nicodemus…” John 3:1 // Nicodemus
Author: Richard
“Caiaphas…said…’one man should die…rather than…the nation perish.’” John 11:50 / Caiaphas
As we continue our Lenten exploration of individuals important to Jesus’ Passion, this week’s post examines Caiaphas. Among the individuals who participated in Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and death most Christians view Caiaphas with special distaste. His actions are frequently accounted as having been equally as odious as those of Judas and Pilate. He is seen … Continue reading “Caiaphas…said…’one man should die…rather than…the nation perish.’” John 11:50 / Caiaphas
“…Mary surnamed the Magdalene…” [Luke 8:2] // Mary Magdalene
This week we consider one of the most important early disciples of Jesus, Mary Magdalene. Here we’ll explore what we know about Mary, some of the myths that have been perpetrated about her over the centuries, and her importance to modern Christians. What we know. Mary first appears in the narrative about Jesus in Luke … Continue reading “…Mary surnamed the Magdalene…” [Luke 8:2] // Mary Magdalene
“…seeing His mother…Jesus said…” [John 19:26] / Mary
Our brief survey of persons important to Jesus during His Passion would not be complete without an exploration into Mary, His mother. Prophesy Foreshadows Jesus’ Death. Mary had known before His conception that Jesus would be the Son of God, and thus holy. [Luke 1:35] But, when she and Joseph presented Jesus (still an infant) … Continue reading “…seeing His mother…Jesus said…” [John 19:26] / Mary
“He is not here; He is risen…” Luke 24:6 // Christ’s Resurrection
For this week’s post I’d like to consider Christ’s resurrection, but in an unusual manner. Last fall I posted two pieces exploring the resurrection from different angles. I’m not being “lazy” but believe that the ideas and thoughts presented in these posts to be particularly important and topical for today. So, I offer them to … Continue reading “He is not here; He is risen…” Luke 24:6 // Christ’s Resurrection
“They chose Stephen, a man of faith and the Holy Spirit…” Acts 6:5 // Stephen the Chosen
Introduction. Events of this week have again drawn into stark realization that being a Christian remains a dangerous prospect, even in the 21st Century. The massacre of nearly 300 Christian men, women and children in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka appears to have been in reprisal for the killing of dozens of Muslim worshipers … Continue reading “They chose Stephen, a man of faith and the Holy Spirit…” Acts 6:5 // Stephen the Chosen
“…whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Mark 10:44 // Christ the Servant
Christ’s focus on being in service to others. Much of our theology and religious thought revolves around Christ as our Savior. And, it’s true that His primary purpose in coming to Earth was to be just that person, our Savior. His selfless sacrifice allowed the reconciliation of Man to God, thereby restoring the opportunity for … Continue reading “…whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” Mark 10:44 // Christ the Servant
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 // Worship
Setting the Stage. This week, we begin to examine worship and the various forms it can assume. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines worship first as, “to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power.” This definition applies when we intentionally spend time with God (or any other deity the worshiping person is addressing); … Continue reading “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 // Worship
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 / Prayer as Worship
Continuing the series on Worship, this week we explore how Prayer is Worship. We consider some aspects of Prayer. And we offer some ideas for how to deal with our perception that our prayers seem frequently to be unanswered.
“…Go and do likewise.” / Luke 10:30-37 // The Good Samaritan (a radical story)
A Wonderful Story. Most people have at least heard of the Good Samaritan and his story, but let’s do a quick review: “… Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest … Continue reading “…Go and do likewise.” / Luke 10:30-37 // The Good Samaritan (a radical story)
