When I was a boy, I was given a set of recordings of dramatized Bible stories, and they captivated my attention. They were well-produced audio narrations complete with sound effects like the clanking of swords, rushing waters, roaring lions, chariots, and nails being driven through Jesus’ hands. The stories lodged in my head as I […]
How Should We Understand the Stories of the Old Testament? Read More »
Books are great Christmas gifts because when the right book is given at the right time, it can change a life. Here are my book picks for this year. (In the interest of decorum, I won’t recommend my own books. Info about one is here.) Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and
Book Picks for Christmas Read More »
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Hope: A Reading for the First Week of Advent Read More »
My wife, Ingrid, and I were talking yesterday about how we might keep Christmas simple this year in order to focus on the things that really matter. (This, by the way, is a conversation we have every year, and sometimes it actually makes a difference!) The thing about festivals and holidays is that you have
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 It was the largest crowd ever
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted
Hope is More Than Wishful Thinking Read More »
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 The Easter season was always challenging for the three generations of the Morris family. It seemed as though everybody had their own ideas about how to mark and celebrate this
Focus on What Matters Read More »
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. John 18:36-37 Pastor Ed Dobson at one time had access to the highest places of power
THURSDAY NIGHT – INTERNATIONAL CENTER OPEN FORUM I am really looking forward to drawing out the stories of our 20 guests from 18 different countries for the Elmbrook Church International Center tomorrow night (Thursday )from 6:30-8pm. If you’re in the area, c’mon over to the Chapel. Expand your world–grow your heart! These people have amazing stories. (They are
International Center Open Forum Read More »
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. Matthew 11:12 One night in April 2014, a group of armed militants broke into a girls’ secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria, killing the guards and abducting hundreds of girls ages
You Cannot Force Someone Toward God Read More »
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish…. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:47-50 By all external
Appearances Can Be Deceiving Read More »
The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough. Matthew 13:33 Kim Joo Il was a soldier in the North Korean army for eight years, serving the dictates of the “Great Leader,” Kim Il Sung. As he recalled,
Brainwashed or Transformed? Read More »
For group or class leaders and pastors… So many organizations have concluded in recent years that biblical illiteracy is one of the greatest limiting factors in the lives of believers and in our churches. I’ve been working with Bible Gateway for the past year in preparing a new resource called “How to Understand the Bible.”
For group or class leaders and pastors… Read More »