Friday’s section of this week’s lesson asks, if God is in charge why do innocent people suffer? The question reminded me of the story about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11:1-44. Let’s take a look at some of the points in this story that may help us answer this question. When Jesus … Continue reading –>
Mary has slept and eaten little for the last 48 hours or so. Friday was a blur. Her best Friend, her Teacher, her Lord was crucified as a common criminal that day. Her thoughts tumble one over another in wild disarray. He had hinted at his death. That’s why she had bought that expensive alabaster … Continue reading –>
A family I had studied with called me late one afternoon, asking me to meet them ASAP at the hospital. Their mother was dying, and they wanted prayer. Now I believe that God can hear your prayers for your sick loved one, just as easily as He can hear an elder’s prayer. Nevertheless, I met the family … Continue reading –>
“It is finished” John 19:30 When Jesus cried out these last words, He gave up His breath, and rested in the tomb on Sabbath. Four thousand years earlier, He had finished creating the world and rested on the Sabbath. Adam and Eve rested too on that very first Sabbath, though I don’t think they were … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Cost of Discipleship March 26, 1014] 1. A promise of persecution. Have you ever been persecuted? What do you think of Paul’s admonishing us with these startling words: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”? (2 Tim 3:12). What would you say if Peter … Continue reading –>
It’s that time of year when the leaves spring back onto barren trees and flowers bloom back to life. Every spring reminds me of the second coming and resurrection. I believe God lets everything die in the winter and come back in the spring to demonstrate for us His re-creation and resurrection power. Just as … Continue reading –>
“The day of resurrection –” John Wesley sang, “Earth, tell it out abroad! The passover of gladness, The passover of God!” But that brings us no closer. What does that mean? The answer lies far, far away. Go back in time. Back a hundred generations, to the margin of the Roman Empire, in a little … Continue reading –>
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13 NIV [Thought questions for Creation, Again March 27, 2013] 1. Creation continues forever. Have you ever longed for the new heaven and earth that Peter talks about in 2 Peter … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Last Things: Jesus and the Saved December 19, 2012] 1. Pivot point: The cross. How were people saved before the cross? Or were they? Is the cross symbolic? If so, what does it symbolize? What does it mean? What is the reality behind the symbol? When in human history did God begin … Continue reading –>
The death of infants and children seems terrible because the precious ones are gone without having lived a life for Jesus. And, of course, the death of parents and hard-working adults who are giving family members a livelihood and taking care of others are heroes we don’t want to lose. But as we age, the death of … Continue reading –>
