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Solomon took Israel, a country his father – King David – fought so long to secure, to a whole new level. He refined the capital of Jerusalem with his impressive building projects (I Kings 9:10-23) and redefined the country by expanding its borders and improving its defenses on land and sea (I Kings……  ( Click for more )

The Bible uses several terms to describe our shortcomings in adhering to God’s will, the Lord’s Prayer illustrating the nuances of particular words alluding to that sin. Luke’s account of this prayer includes our asking forgiveness for our sin, with the caveat that we must be likewise willing to……  ( Click for more )

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God…” Rom. 1:1 Considered by many to be the greatest missionary of Christianity and it’s foremost theologian, writing thirteen books of the New Testament while being a focal point of the Book of Acts,……  ( Click for more )

The debate between supporters of creation and evolution ebbs and flows, often turning mean-spirited. Many Christians are reluctant to respond because they feel they have nothing to add to the conversation but ‘The Bible says…’; which doesn’t sound very convincing when others are citing dates……  ( Click for more )

Mark records a rich ruler running up to Jesus and falling on his knees, asking “Good teacher (Rabbi), what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mk. 10:17 Jesus answered by reciting five of the Ten Commandments, to which the man replied, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” Before commenting……  ( Click for more )

What kind of images do you associate with spring? Baby chicks and bunnies, decorated eggs, new clothes, green grass, budding trees and flowers emerging from the ground, an egg hunt, toys, candy – a too-early Sunrise Service, Jesus crucified yet risen? Hopefully the latter is prominent on your list, because……  ( Click for more )

The crucial importance of what some believe is only an archaic Old Testament injunction to “love your neighbor” finds its fullest expression in the New Testament. Paul declaring that the fulfillment of the “entire law” is found in obedience to that command. (Gal. 5:14) Which is only possible……  ( Click for more )

When asked to teach his disciples how to pray (Lk. 11:1), Jesus modeled a prayer that was both practical and far-reaching, powerful and effective. (James 5:16) Last week we looked at some lofty aspects of what has come down to us as the Lord’s Prayer, this week we’ll start with “Give us our daily……  ( Click for more )

Luke describes Jesus in prayer, as he often was, when his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray as well. It might seem an odd request, as prayer was routinely engaged in throughout the day by most Jews; some repeated out of habit, some heart felt and designed for the moment. But these men had heard that John……  ( Click for more )

Any number of issues vex the church today as it attempts to be genuinely tolerant, joyfully inclusive and meaningfully relevant – honestly loving people – while standing firm for decency and scriptural holiness. It’s a difficult balancing act to maintain, similar to Paul’s call for confidence……  ( Click for more )

Jesus’ teachings are packed with allusions to the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. His three favorite books, based on the number of times he referenced them, being Deuteronomy – from the Torah , Isaiah – from the Prophets, and Psalms – from the Writings. These books representing……  ( Click for more )

Such is the cry of all self-indulgent people throughout history. “…rebellious people, deceitful children,… unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.” Is. 30:9 Those who do, “…not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God,…” Rom. 1:28; and thus……  ( Click for more )

Judas, like Benedict Arnold, has become synonymous with treachery and betrayal. While the other Apostles’ shortcomings offer encouragement in their depiction of common people attempting to follow an uncommon God and being used in remarkable ways as a result; Judas Iscariot stands as a warning……  ( Click for more )

The Bible says the least about Nathanael, James the Less and Thaddaeus, yet what it does say is informative and significant. Nathanael first heard of Jesus through his friend Philip, who informed him of his belief that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah. (John 1:43-45) Philip’s……  ( Click for more )

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, disappointed, even disgusted by the political/social/moral dilemmas of our day that don't seem to have a reasonable solution? What were once considered social norms have been replaced by the clamor for the freedom to do – literally – whatever the hell people want. The……  ( Click for more )

If you are prone to seeing the obstacles in life rather than the possibilities (John 6:5-7) and have trouble getting beyond the details that tend to obscure vision rather than expanding it (John 14:8, 9), then you may have more than a little in common with Philip. No Jewish name is given……  ( Click for more )

Matthew was probably descended from the priestly tribe of Levi (Lk. 5:27, 28), but at first glance seems the least likely to be called or respond positively to Jesus’ invitation to follow him; yet his response was immediate. Notorious by virtue of his occupation – a publican or tax collector……  ( Click for more )

I believe in equal rights for women but am not a women’s libber; I believe in equality between all people but don’t ascribe to many of the various “movements” today because of their propensity for radicalism. I am most certainly against the idea of gender fluidity and/or neutrality and vigorously……  ( Click for more )

From the first moment to the last, the disciples struggled to understand the full impact of Jesus’ invitation to, “Come, follow me,…” (Mat. 4:19); failing to fully comprehend the extent to which this call would take them out of their comfort zones and the demands it would make on their lives.……  ( Click for more )

People tend to idealize and even idolize those they admire, Christians being no exception. And while respect should be shown, we must never forget that all of us have our own peculiarities and foibles – weaknesses and strengths. Placing others on a pedestal virtually guarantees disappointment, discouragement……  ( Click for more )

Kathleen Parker is a syndicated columnist, writing for the Associated Press and distributed to numerous news outlets across the country. And while I haven’t always agreed with everything she has written, she is usually balanced in her approach to the newsworthy topics she chooses to comment on. One topic she……  ( Click for more )

In corroboration of last week’s look at Christian fruitfulness/faithfulness, several more scriptural exhortations are available to demonstrate Jesus’ expectations of us after salvation is granted by God’s grace. None are in opposition to that divine principle, as “…it is by grace you have……  ( Click for more )

When Jesus was gathering his first disciples, what did he mean when he said, “Come, follow me,…”? Immediately following that challenge with, “…and I will make you fishers of men.” Mat. 4:19 Several were already fishermen, aware of the tricks of their trade; the nuances of different……  ( Click for more )

In speaking of God’s purpose for mankind, St. Augustine declared, “You have made us for yourself,…”; which when truly understood enables us to find direction and contentment in our relationship with Him. He went on to assert that,”…our hearts are restless until they find rest……  ( Click for more )