… though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you. Philemon 8-9. This little letter is more muscular than we’re conditioned to hear. Two-thousand years later, it’s become a master-class in Apostolic understatement, but Philemon got it fresh and […]
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you…” Colossians 1.3 Paul said extravagant things about the saints. Some exalt the wonders of Christ’s union with us or the Church as the recipient of unfathomable generosity. But his exuberance isn’t confined to the transepts and buttresses of the […]
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him. 1 Corinthians 1.4 For those who chose ministry to avoid STEM classes, “coefficient” is used here in its original sense as working together to […]
More than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130.6 God does a lot of nothing. Yes, he is always doing something while he “governs all his creatures and all their actions.” But his reply to our prayers is often some version of “wait” without the “please.” And his answers can be so different than our […]
Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 1 Kings 4.20 That’s a lot of people. You’re forgiven for wondering why God doesn’t send you more. But the bigger question is whether the precious grains of sand he gave into your care are happy? […]
Feed my sheep. John 21.15 The Church saw your potential and gave you a job doing what you once did for free and probably still would. That makes you a professional Christian, which is a greater honor than being a professional athlete and just as fraught with temptations. The first is to think you’re special. You’re […]
May your silver perish with you. Acts 8.20 Peter said that in public to Simon, who came to faith after a life in the dark arts. Of course, offering money for the Holy Spirit is very bad, but don’t forget he was just a toddler Christian. And even if he were a seasoned disciple, Peter’s rebuke would never be allowed […]
…when reviled, we bless. 1 Corinthians 4.12 Spiritual abuse is trending. More accurately, calling out spiritually abusive pastors is trending. Good. Wolves in sheep’s clothing need to answer to Jesus and his people. David’s treatment of Bathsheba and Uriah, Ezekiel’s prosecution of false shepherds, and many other stern warnings should sober selfish shepherds. But the […]
