Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior from the dead. Many significant events happened that day and in the days leading up to it nearly 2000 years ago. One of these which coincided with Christ’s death is described in Matthew 27:51a: “And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top […]

You may have had a loved one wrong you or lie about you sometime, and you were hurt. You may have had someone close to you pass away, and that caring heart is no longer there to be your confidant. Perhaps a family member or friend didn’t have the courage to stand by you when

Accurate interpretation is all-important. If you don’t understand the German language, you’ll want a good interpreter when a relative visits from Germany. You’ll look for someone who’s trustworthy and an expert because you want to be certain you receive the communication your relative intends.    A friend gives you a funny look one day, and you

The Word of God encourages biblical faith and commends those who have it, but if we don’t know what it is we can’t grow in it. Incorrect beliefs regarding biblical faith abound, so first consider what it is not. It is not wishful thinking: “If I wish hard enough or believe strongly enough that something

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”(Psalm 18:2). Over and over the Scriptures refer to God as our rock. What does this mean? The context of Psalm 18:2 implies that God offers

Concluding our series of reflections on relationship drama and conflict, let’s look at Joseph from the Old Testament, a survivor of pretty serious conflict and drama. His brothers mocked him, wanted to kill him, threw him into a pit to die, and then sold him into slavery, hoping never to see him again. They followed

In review, with the goal of responding biblically to sin and the drama and conflict of relationships, we remember that Paul encourages us to, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the

We’ve considered 3 points of emphasis in Luke 17:3: the seriousness of sin, the responsibility of helping a sinning brother recognize his guilt, and the importance of repentance. A fourth emphasis in this passage is that Christians must be ready to forgive. Reminding ourselves of our own weakness helps keep us ready to forgive. We

In Luke 17:3-4, Christ instructs his disciples, “’If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, “I repent,” you must forgive him.’” The previous reflection cautioned against assuming someone is wrong before determining the

Nobody is impressed by obvious hypocrisy. In Matthew 6, Christ condemned hypocritical actions of the Pharisees which were outward shows of righteousness with self-centered motivations: public announcements of personal gifts to the needy, grand public prayers, purposeful public gloominess so that all would know they were fasting, accumulation of wealth so that others would think