Can you see Me now?

I needed to write a short sermon—a homily—about one of Jesus’s miracles. At first, I decided upon the one where Jesus walks on the water out of the Gospel of Matthew, but Jesus walks on the water in Mark’s and John’s gospels as well. I figured I would read those two accounts for some extra … Continue reading Can you see Me now?

Personal Bias and Reading the Text

When I open a Bible, I approach that moment with a confidence that perhaps is lacking in other areas of my life. I would characterize myself as introverted, independent, and insecure. I bring that baggage to the Bible when I read it, and when I lay open the pages, I find that God expects me … Continue reading Personal Bias and Reading the Text

The Unpardonable Sin (Part 1)

I'm giving some serious thought to forgiveness as we approach the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. As a side not, I acknowledge that this piece is particularly heavy with scriptural references, but since the topic is a little controversial in Christian circles, I thought it would be a helpful tracking device for my train of … Continue reading The Unpardonable Sin (Part 1)

The Unpardonable Sin (Part 2)

There is a passage which reads: "And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, `Who is this that doth speak evil [blasphemia] words? Who is able to forgive sins, except God only?'" (Luke 5:21). In this passage the noun is Greek blasphemia, intimately associated with the verb Luke uses in his "blasphemy against … Continue reading The Unpardonable Sin (Part 2)

Comfort in Times of Loss

I wrote this for my class after a student passed away suddenly. Out of respect for privacy, I've removed the young man's name. ------------------------------------- Ever since last week, we have endured the pain of loss. I cried with you—perhaps even cried on your shoulders—as we said goodbye to our beloved J---. At his funeral, his … Continue reading Comfort in Times of Loss

Marriage (Part 1)

This was written as a lecture for the young women in the youth group that I co-lead, but I don’t think that the guys will be harmed in reading it! ------------------------------------------ I was invited to a baby shower the other day, and I am not sure if you have been to one of those before, … Continue reading Marriage (Part 1)

Marriage (Part 2)

Let me not convince you that marrying a Christian man means marrying a perfect man. None of us are perfect. Jesus (as man) is the ultimate model—and He was perfect—but I’m afraid we are going to fall short in that department. I’m telling you the truth when I say that your husband will do things … Continue reading Marriage (Part 2)

Marriage (Part 3)

We must consider where we have gone wrong on the aspect of marriage, and we cannot listen to all these chic new interpretations of the Bible that say we have obvious problems in trying to apply Paul’s view of marriage to a modern marriage. If you listen to those voices, they will likely tell you … Continue reading Marriage (Part 3)