God is a missionary God. That truth flows through Scripture like a steady, unrelenting river (see Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 96:3; Revelation 7:9, 14:6). Yet, in today’s pluralistic world, where different beliefs are considered equally valid, this very idea can make people just a little uncomfortable. Mission? Evangelism? These words trigger suspicion in a culture where the mantra is… Read More »
When Jesus Comes to Your House: Lavish Grace in Unexpected Places The story of Zacchaeus is a compelling one. It’s bigger than being at a Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, or Human League concert and being called out in person in an immense crowd. Zacchaeus, as we find him, had a problem—he was desperate to see Jesus, but the… Read More »
What do you do when God hides His face? Psalm 88 presents a similar challenge and, to be blunt, is one of the most jarring and raw passages in all of Scripture. Our place is not to avoid it, though. There is no uplifting ending, no bright turn towards hope—just a desperate cry from someone drowning in darkness.… Read More »
Leviticus is not the easiest book to read or understand. If the Bible were a marathon, Leviticus would be the mile where many well-intentioned runners drop out. We start off strong in Genesis, captivated by the creation narrative and the dramatic lives of the patriarchs. Exodus keeps the momentum going with its epic tales of plagues, parted seas,… Read More »
As a teenager, I enjoyed a weekend treat of sailing on the Möhnesee—complete with the ever-increasing threat of getting knocked into the water as the boom swung over during a jibe. I don’t know how you feel about sailing, but there are moments when life feels like a boat caught in a sudden storm—one minute, you’re floating peacefully,… Read More »
It is very easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, to focus only on what happens next in life. We often do this in church, even when we hear powerful proclamations through the gospel with messages such as, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God,” “There is now no condemnation for those who are in… Read More »