But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8 Into the Word Picture a city after a flood. Water covers the streets and fills the ground floors. A man paddles a rubber raft between rooftops, looking for something to drink. There is water… Continue reading Plenty of Love Songs, and Still Thirsty
Two Men Praying, Thirty Miles Apart
Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them. — Acts 10:20 Into the Word Cornelius was a centurion stationed in Caesarea, a Gentile officer in the Roman army. Luke describes him as “a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and… Continue reading Two Men Praying, Thirty Miles Apart
What We Cannot Find in Ourselves
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?— 1 Corinthians 1:13 Into the Word Corinth had more spiritual gifts than it could handle. Paul says the believers there were enriched “in all speech and all knowledge” and were “not lacking in any gift” (1 Cor. 1:5,… Continue reading What We Cannot Find in Ourselves
What If the Gift You Buried Was God’s Trust in You?
“Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.” — Matthew 25:24–25 Into the Word Jesus tells of a man who leaves on a long journey and puts… Continue reading What If the Gift You Buried Was God’s Trust in You?
What Does It Mean to Be “In Christ”?
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Romans 8:1 Into the Word Paul could have written that there is no condemnation for those who try hard, or for those who feel forgiven. He wrote “for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). If we count close variations… Continue reading What Does It Mean to Be “In Christ”?
Can We Be Right and Still Lose Love?
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. — Revelation 2:4 Into the Word Of the seven churches in Revelation, Ephesus received the first letter. It was the leading city of the Roman province of Asia, home to the great temple of Artemis, and the place where… Continue reading Can We Be Right and Still Lose Love?
Untied to Be Tied Again
Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine. — Genesis 49:11 Into the Word Jesus sent two disciples ahead into a village near Jerusalem with an unusual errand. They would find a colt “tied at a door outside in the street” (Mark 11:4), one no one had ever ridden.… Continue reading Untied to Be Tied Again
Why Did God Appear Through a Thornbush?
The Deliverer, Part 3. On the bush that was not consumed. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. — Exodus 3:2 Into the Word Moses was tending his… Continue reading Why Did God Appear Through a Thornbush?
How God Turns the Years That Look Wasted Into a Calling
The Deliverer, Part 2. On forty years in the wilderness. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. — Exodus 2:24–25 Into the Word Moses sat down by a well in Midian (Exod. 2:15). He had left Egypt… Continue reading How God Turns the Years That Look Wasted Into a Calling
What Did Moses Learn in Pharaoh’s Palace?
The Deliverer, Part 1. On the right heart and the wrong way. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. — Exodus 2:12 Into the Word Stephen tells us Moses was forty years old when it came into his heart to visit… Continue reading What Did Moses Learn in Pharaoh’s Palace?