“…to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…” –Luke 1:77You can’t get past it. Forgiveness of sins is the salvation that Jesus brings.He doesn’t come to just to model morality or love. He doesn’t come merely to offer peace or platitudes, but he is interested in saving people who have offended him.The hope found in … Read More
On-Time Promise-Keeping
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. –2 Peter 3:9God sees waiting so much differently than we do. He’s waiting to perform the resurrection for those buried in the graves in the picture to the left, for example. … Read More
How a Christian Approaches Conflict and Confrontation
You see the two people walking in the lower right-hand corner of this beautiful photo of the San Diego coast? They are a picture of how Jesus tells us how to approach conflict and confrontation.Let’s look at a couple of key passages on the subject. The first is found in Matthew 18:15-17–“If your brother sins against you, go and show him … Read More
What are my Spiritual Gifts?
The Holy Spirit is part of what it means to be a Christian. The powerful, abiding presence of God’s Spirit is part of what he does in the life of the one following Jesus. Beyond that, however, the Spirit gives gifts to everyone who is following Jesus. The apostle Paul puts it like this: “Now to each one the manifestation of … Read More
Magnificat in 100 Syllables
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with … Read More
1 to 10 Words A Line on Luke 1:45
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But … Read More
Zechariah and Elizabeth
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not … Read More