She didn’t read the fine print. Or maybe she simply chose not to believe it. Entering the second year of treatment for a cancer that could not be cured, she started talking with her family about last things. Plans for her funeral. Distribution of her estate. Last wishes. Always a realist, she seemed ready toContinue reading “Read the Fine Print”
Category Archives: Exposition
When You’re Not Mary Poppins
In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul teaches believers how to overcome anxiety and worry and experience joy and contentment in the Christian life. His prescription begins with understanding the tremendous power of our thought life. When we learn to guard our hearts through right thinking—focusing on things that are good, beneficial, and pleasing to God—our renewed attitudes andContinue reading “When You’re Not Mary Poppins”
Jesus Was the MAN
OK, let’s admit it. We love superhero movies. Or at least that’s what the box-office numbers are telling us. By the end of 2019 (2020 doesn’t count), superhero movies represented a mind-blowing 25 percent of the domestic movie marketplace. But this fascination is nothing new. I can still remember watching the reruns of Superman—the originalContinue reading “Jesus Was the MAN”
Do You Really Want To?
19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near withContinue reading “Do You Really Want To?”
What’s with the Cross References in My Bible?
Few people enjoy reading the fine print. I lament that Bible cross references are overlooked. Packed into the margins in a miniscule font, they strike many modern readers as tedious. They’re not the flashiest tool, compared to Bible apps that reward consistent reading with streaks and milestones, or videos that unpack passages. But cross referencesContinue reading “What’s with the Cross References in My Bible?”
How Long Were Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
Genesis chapters 1—2 give us the details of God’s creation of the world, including humanity. Adam and Eve were the first human beings, from whom every other human being descends. God formed Adam from the dust and breathed His own life into the man (Genesis 2:7). God fashioned Eve out of Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:22).Continue reading “How Long Were Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden”
A Rock That Is Struck
It should astonish us that we can walk to faucets in our homes and instantly turn on running water. Never in the history of mankind did people have water so readily at their disposal. Most of us in the Western world have never known what it is like not to be able to find waterContinue reading “A Rock That Is Struck”
Am I Supposed to Be Righteous or Holy?
Righteousness and holiness are two words that describe states of moral excellence. There is a slight difference between the two concepts. Oxford Dictionary’s definition of holiness is “the state of being holy,” and the definition of holy is “dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred” or “morally and spiritually excellent.” The OxfordContinue reading “Am I Supposed to Be Righteous or Holy?”
Did He Say That?
His retirement drew near. He’d been serving Rome faithfully for 23 years. Now 43, he was ready to hang up his helmet. His decision to enlist with the Roman military had been a practical one. As a poor man’s son, he knew he needed a stable source of food and shelter. He often wondered whatContinue reading “Did He Say That?”
Practices That Help Us Better Understand the Bible That We Neglect
Most churchgoers say reading the Bible is essential. But how do we move others from merely knowing about the Bib Churchgoers are quick to say it is important to understand the Bible, but often neglect practices that help them do so. in a recent Lifeway Research study in partnership with Explore the Bible curriculum, we asked churchgoers about theContinue reading “Practices That Help Us Better Understand the Bible That We Neglect”
