“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 A plot twist that makes the audience audibly gasp is a writer’s goal. Whether it is for film, TV, or novels—this is the pinnacle of great storytelling. When all the evidence points to this one …
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…” Genesis 12:2 Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and destroyed the city of Pompeii. Today it is a remarkable trip back in time. Buried under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash, pumice, and …
“On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret…” Luke 5:1 It was almost eerie. We were out—which we had been already, but most people were still anxious and respecting space. Not on this night. We were packed in like sardines. The auditorium was …
“In the Beginning…” Genesis 1:1 In yesterday’s gospel reading, Jesus tells the crowd that he has come to fulfill the fullness of the law. He references every iota and every dot (other translations speak of every jot and tittle). We understand this better today as every t that is crossed and every i dotted. In short, Jesus didn’t come to …
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 Every step is the way. Every action is formation. Lonnie was among the best supervisors I’ve ever had. It was a summer job at a warehouse, and I had all kinds of tasks that kept me busy. I inspected products and sorted pallets. I checked rodent traps; repainted safety …
“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16 Where is the darkest place you’ve ever been? I was a mile above sea level and in the middle of a cavern. Our family was in Montana, and we had an …
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2 As I shared yesterday to start my sermon, Martin Luther King Jr. was in London in 1964. He was preaching, and he …
“And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 “And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God…” Matthew 4:3 It is the subject of poignant movies and television commercials. It is when TV dramas make parents relatable and TV sitcoms provide a …
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 The holidays are over—time to do some reflecting. How did you do? Not with your diet or gift-giving or decorating. Instead, grade yourself on your interactions with others. Did you pass with flying colors? Fail? Crash and burn??? The holiday season, if you listen to …
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 In his letter to fellow scientist Robert Hooke, Sir Isaac Newton stated, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Five hundred years earlier, Bernard of Chartres said the …
