The Trouble With Trials

The word “rejoice” and the word “trials” don’t seem to fit well in the same sentence. Yet, that is what James is exhorting his readers to do: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Trials can mean different things to different people. Trials can involve our health, … Continue reading The Trouble With Trials →

An Unexpected Journey

An Unexpected King

Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? We know the miraculous reasons, and we can see the sovereignty of God clearly at work, but in a physical sense, what brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem? Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, a city about 70 miles north of Jerusalem. Given this was their family home, it … Continue reading An Unexpected King →

An Unexpected Dream

There are times in life when we can see trials approaching like a storm in the distance. Other times, we are plunged without notice into the deepest, darkest oceans of pain and suffering. This is what Joseph experienced. The months of betrothal are when two strangers develop the deep bonds of love that will carry … Continue reading An Unexpected Dream →

Contend for the Faith

We started our look at the one-chapter epistles of the New Testament by highlighting the importance of truth. A Christian would point to the Word of God as the bedrock foundation of truth. It is from the Bible that we learn and understand the essential elements of the Lord God that define our human understanding … Continue reading Contend for the Faith →

Truth Walkers: Warning #2

Paul’s Thorn In the Flesh

There has been a lot of debate through the centuries regarding the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” He refers to it in 2 Corinthians 12:7: “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of … Continue reading Paul’s Thorn In the Flesh →

Truth Walkers: Warning #1

Paul’s Postcard to Philemon

No one likes conflict. When we are at odds with those we love, it can create a lot of stress. Sometimes, we’re not the one at odds, but we are stuck in the middle between two friends or family members who are at odds with each other. Negotiating that kind of relationship can often feel … Continue reading Paul’s Postcard to Philemon →

To Our Neighbors and the Nations