In the Life of Christ “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” — John 3:18 When I read John 3:18, I hear both wonderful assurance and an urgent warning. Jesus doesContinue reading “The Verdict Christ Has Already Changed”
Tag Archives: life of christ
Faith That Refuses to Leave a Friend Outside
In the Life of Christ “Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was.” —Mark 2:3–4 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word spread quickly that He was in the house. PeopleContinue reading “Faith That Refuses to Leave a Friend Outside”
When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular
In the Life of Christ There is something wonderfully unsettling about Jesus in Mark 1:38–45. Just when His ministry appears ready to become a local sensation, He refuses to settle into popularity. The people of Capernaum are searching for Him because they have seen His miracles and want more. Peter finds Jesus and announces, “EveryoneContinue reading “When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular”
When Being Good Is Not Good Enough
In the Life of Christ “For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:20 I can imagine the silence that must have followed those words. Jesus was speaking to ordinary people who knew the reputation of the scribes andContinue reading “When Being Good Is Not Good Enough”
Read the Sermon from the Foot of the Cross
In the Life of Christ When I read the Sermon on the Mount, I can easily turn Jesus’ words into a spiritual checklist. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Pray sincerely. Give without seeking recognition. Refuse lust and hatred. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Those commands are so direct thatContinue reading “Read the Sermon from the Foot of the Cross”
The Savior Who Comes Into the Room
In the Life of Christ There is something about Mark 1:29–34 that makes Jesus feel wonderfully near. He has just left the synagogue in Capernaum, where everyone has been astonished by His authority. He taught unlike the scribes. He commanded an unclean spirit, and it obeyed Him. Then Jesus walks out of that very publicContinue reading “The Savior Who Comes Into the Room”
When God Speaks from the Wilderness
In the Life of Christ Luke does something interesting before John the Baptist ever begins preaching. He gives us names. Important names. Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate. Herod. Philip. Lysanias. Annas. Caiaphas. These were the people who occupied the political and religious structures of authority in John’s day. If you had asked the average person whereContinue reading “When God Speaks from the Wilderness”
THE KING WHO TOOK MY PLACE
In the Life of Christ “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he did not introduce Him merely as a teacher, prophet, miracle worker, or national deliverer. He announced,Continue reading “THE KING WHO TOOK MY PLACE”
When Eternity Stepped into Our Skin
In the Life of Christ “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” —John 1:14a John does not introduce Jesus by beginning with Bethlehem. He takes us beyond the manger, beyond Mary and Joseph, and beyond the opening pages of human history. He carries us into eternity: “In the beginning was the Word, andContinue reading “When Eternity Stepped into Our Skin”
Born From Above, Not Built From Below
In the Life of Christ “Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” —John 1:13 When I read John 1:13, I am reminded that receiving Jesus is both a genuine human response and a gracious work of God. John has justContinue reading “Born From Above, Not Built From Below”