How Should Christians Respond to the Syrian Refugee Crisis?

Here’s what is happening in the last half of Matthew 2 in a nutshell: the political environment in Israel grows alarmingly dangerous, and because of the threat of death and violence, Joseph takes the Child and his mother, Mary, and flees from the hostile land of Israel to the relative safety of Egypt, where he … Continue reading How Should Christians Respond to the Syrian Refugee Crisis? →

An Unexpected Journey

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 →

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 Finish the Mission Requires Courage

As we continue our study of Finish the Mission during GO Month 2015 at First Family Church, we come to the topic of courage. A short definition of courage is simply to place yourself in a position where the outcome is uncertain. Courage is often associated with heroes who place their very life at risk … Continue reading To Finish the Mission Requires Courage →

Oh God, Make Your Passion My Mission

One of the core themes of the Star Wars saga is the rebellion of the evil empire against the good represented by the Republic and the Jedi Knights. As we watch movies like Star Wars, we identify ourselves with the good guys, those who fight for the brotherhood of mankind and the ultimate triumph of … Continue reading Oh God, Make Your Passion My Mission →

The Glory of God, the Lostness of Man, and the Gospel of Christ