In the news this week was the story of a luxury yacht that sank just minutes after it was launched on its maiden voyage. Something was clearly wrong. From all appearances, the yacht was perfect, beautiful, clean, shiny, modern, and attractive in every way. But she wasn’t what she appeared...
We are told in Hebrews 13:15 to offer a sacrifice of praise. That’s a powerful idea, but it seems almost contradictory. What’s praise got to do with sacrifice? Why did the author of Hebrews put this in here? What are the practical concepts on how we can apply this truth...
A few weeks ago, while reading the book of Joshua, my 3rd-grade daughter was shocked to learn that Rahab was “a harlot” (Josh 2:1, NASB). What scandalized her was not so much Rahab’s profession, but rather the fact that this had been hidden from her thus far. “They didn’t tell us...
Some people are naturally inclined to discipline. It is a great help to them in almost every area of life. I am not one of those people. Discipline is hard for me. Studying for this passage this week confronted my need to be disciplined by decision and not rely on...
March 14, 1590, was a day marked by battle and bravery. On that day, now known as the battle of Ivry, two armies met in a violent contest for the future of France. On one side were the soldiers supporting the Duc de Mayenne and the Catholic League in their...
Coming to the end of Hebrews 11 was a little like coming to the end of a good book for me. It was satisfying to see all the lessons of faith come together and secure themselves in Christ, but it was also a little sad to see this incredible journey...
Most of us can look back across our lives and see seasons in which God was accomplishing specific things. There are times of growth, accomplishment, and clarity. There are times of weakness, loss, and trial. One aspect of the life of Moses that is intriguing is the sharp and neat...
Is it possible for our faith to get stronger? Can our faith grow so that we have a closer relationship with God? The answer is a resounding yes. Faith is not static; it is dynamic and meant to grow as we become more like Christ. The Essence of Faith The...
If we haven’t heard the cliché recited to us personally, we’ve certainly witnessed it in one of the myriad films that continue to repeat the line. Suspended on a rope over a chasm, crossing a dangerous bridge far above a cataract, or navigating a ropes course at a summer camp,...
This last week I had the privilege of sharing some of both my story and my wife Amanda’s story with those who attended our adult Sunday School hour. I had shared that story before in other contexts, and I had often reflected on the various ways God has worked through...
Easter is past, but the hope of the resurrection does not fade. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. It offers a hope that transcends the difficulties and darkness of this world. As the Apostle Paul said, “... that I may know Him and the power...
Heart change. What does that mean? We frequently use this term to differentiate between genuine actions from those that are not. For instance, we all want our children to obey, but we want them to obey with a sincere heart. How can you tell the difference? Sometimes it’s obvious, but...
“We have such a high priest.” These words were the central meditation of our time in Hebrews 8:1-6. I know I was freshly impressed with all that it means for us today to have Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, ministering on our behalf. At the close...
The anchor was a popular symbol of the Christian faith in the early Church. It symbolized Hope for all believers, and the early church "latched on to it." Much like the cross, the anchor portrays our Hope in Christ. The catacombs in Rome are adorned with the anchor. In fact,...
Studying Hebrews 6:4-8 is difficult. In fact, when comparing the many (many) views on this passage, the only element in common to all of them is that this passage is unsettling. It shows us in stark frankness the spiritual disaster of tolerated sin and committed immaturity. It is a loud...
From time to time, I recall an incident in my life—something I did, something I said—and upon replaying it in my mind, I do a cringeworthy facepalm at the thought of my incredible immaturity at the time. How could I have done that? How could I have said that? What...
A baby will put anything in its mouth. Every parent has endured that stage of infancy, constantly fishing anything and everything from little baby’s mouth: marbles, coins, rocks, sand, wood chips, food on the floor, and many things that are just totally disgusting. A baby does what is instinctive, and...
Since the early days of our marriage, we have used a prayer journal as a means of ordering our prayers. When our first son was a toddler, we prayed with him and did our best to teach him how to pray. As is often the case, our example as parents...
Rest is a one-syllable word. Yet, when it comes to understanding our rest in God, its meaning is manifold. The idea of entering into God's rest, as taught in Hebrews, cannot be easily defined. C.H. Spurgeon began a sermon on rest with these words, "REST! A dainty word indeed! Too...
I remember as a child hearing Mozart’s variations on the tune of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star for the first time. I was amazed at the ability of Mozart to take such a simple tune and present it in so many different ways. Each variation managed to retain the heart of...