At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on His […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
Valuably Weak
Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, or with these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I […]
Much Too Common
All humans seem to have a few common bad habits. One is complaining. One is accusing others of evil motivations. One is being afraid of being complained about. One is being afraid of being accused by others of evil motivations. We can be free from all of these and the scores of others I didn’t name. Every event that we face, every thought that we think, every concern that we […]
Preserves
Preserving: our reputation, our estate, our opinion, our status, our control, instead of our integrity, our King’s authority, our King’s honor, our allegiance to our King, might be indication of a conflict of kingdoms. Lead us to find our provision and protection and guidance and identities by being absolutely devoted in our love for You and our obedience to You, Lord Jesus. Make us able to know the […]
Who Loves You?
How many people agape you? Most of the people who would say, “I love you,” are saying that they have what Greeks would call “eros.” It is a desire for something that brings us pleasure. Another possibility is “phileo.” That is a tribal or familial love. If I only love my troublesome little brother because he is family, that is phileo. Gangs have this for fellow members. If someone likes […]
Healed by Trusting
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not rely on your own understanding;think about Him in all your ways,and He will guide you on the right paths.Don’t consider yourself to be wise;fear the Lord and turn away from evil.This will be healing for your bodyand strengthening for your bones.(Proverbs 3:5-8 HCSB ©®)
Imagine That
That part of our brain that is designed to make us afraid is very effective when we let it be. It will help us when we see some situation suddenly become bad, like a strange noise in the car motor, or being called to the boss’s office, or a bad grade on a test, or… or… or… If we listen to the narrative it will give us about what it […]
Commanded to be Prepared
“If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.(Matthew 19:21-22 HCSB ©®) The context of that quote and comment is Matthew 19:16-30. In it, there is much teaching about sacrifices and the Kingdom. […]
Family Style Theology
The fact that there is very little systematic theology in the Scriptures we call the New Testament should maybe seem to us as a bush that is burning but not consumed, drawing us to turn aside and discover something mysterious. Theologians have tried to make up the gap by answering all the questions and explaining all the mysteries, but they all disagree with one another, implying that some of them […]
Legally Bound
Are gentile Christians required to abstain from eating pork and shrimp? Are gentile Christians required to keep the Sabbath? Are gentile Christians required to pay tithes to the temple storehouse? Are gentile Christians required to participate in the feasts Yahweh commanded all Hebrews to celebrate? Are gentile Christians required to keep any of the law Yahweh gave to Moses to make the descendants of Israel His nation? Acts 15.