“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for…

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Rom. 15:5-7).…

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the…

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14). So, what is the tune you are singing today? Perhaps it is Elvis’ “Blue Christmas.” We often tend to…

“But as for me, my feet almost slipped, I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2-3)      I was given my favorite cookbook decades ago, and its pages continue to give me inspiration in my cooking. It is published by the Mennonites…

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins” (Isaiah 40:1-2).      Musically speaking, the greatest telling of the Christ story is unequivocally Handel’s “Messiah.” It is…

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble” (Prov. 4:18-19). On the first day of November each year, the church traditionally celebrates All Saints Day. We…

“A people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isa. 9:2).      Much of our life of faith is spent living in between God’s promise and its future fulfillment. All through the Bible, God makes big promises and then…

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (Psalm 107:1).      Most of the students I’ve taught over the years will know that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Oh,  doIn’t have to enjoy turkey and all the fixin’s, though a slice of pumpkin pie is treasured. But I realize that there are many we…

“Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened”…