In Romans 1:1-7, Paul establishes the foundation of his mission, the identity of Jesus, and the purpose of the gospel. 1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King...  Read More

The social and cultural context in which Paul wrote the Book of Romans around A.D. 57 is complex, shaped by both the Roman Empire and the early Christian movement. Understanding this context helps to clarify many of the themes Paul addresses.  Dominance of the Roman Empire: Rome was the political and cultural center of the powerful Roman Empire, which spanned much of Europe, North Africa, and the ...  Read More

The title for this series is our church mission statement; Our Mission is to Learn, Live and Share the Good News of Jesus. There is no better NT document to turn to than Romans to learn what this good news is, how this good news transforms the way we live, and why this good news creates in us a sense of urgency to share it.  Read More

Disciples are more than people who have prayed to accept Christ. That is really just the beginning. Once the ‘Amen’ is said, there needs to be learning, living and sharing to become a disciple.  Read More

As I delve into the details of Jesus' suffering on the cross, I am struck by the sheer scale of his sacrifice. The depth of his love, which fueled his endurance of such a barbaric ordeal, is truly inspiring. It's truly astounding to consider how someone who is fully God and fully human, the King of Kings, Lord of lords, and King of the universe, could willingly endure such immense suffering and shame.  Read More

This passage draws a striking contrast between Jesus' innocence and the sin of everyone else. Judas declared Jesus innocent. Pilate recognized the accusations against Jesus were unfounded and motivated by envy.  Read More

Jesus’ trial is just another story about how the powerful and the liars win. Position and influence are more important than truth. The “powers that be” in this account are fueled by self-righteousness, anger, and hatred.  Read More

Failing can sometimes be a good thing because it reminds us that we need help and we don’t have it all together, were not perfect and we need God. Peter thought he had it together and he thought he could do a great work for God by himself, in the flesh (his own physical power) as did all the other disciples.  Read More

Jesus used the bread and the cup at the Passover meal as symbols of his death in order to show that he was fulfilling a number of OT passages and events.   Read More

It is interesting that the decision point for entry to heaven is how we live, not the mere fact of us “knowing Jesus as Savior.”  Read More

Jesus has expectations of us to manage well everything we are entrusted with. He does not force us. We have free will. But one day we will answer for our stewardship.  Read More

This chapter begins with a discussion between Jesus and his disciples about the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus prophesied that the temple would be destroyed. The disciples followed up with a question about the timing of Jesus’ return and the end of the age; the time of God’s final judgment.  Read More

It is possible to be orthodox in our beliefs about God and be diligently engaged in religious practices, spiritual disciplines, and moral behaviors without being a true Christian.  Read More

The Triumphal Entry has taken place. Jesus has been in the Temple in Jerusalem teaching and healing people. The Sadducees and the Pharisees are doing their best to test Jesus with their questions.   Read More

If you realize people are trying to force you into a tight predicament by asking a question that they are not interested in the real answer, we need to be slow to give an answer, sometimes praying and being mindful of how we say things can make a world of difference.  Read More

The reading for today consists mainly of two parables of Jesus. They are both directed at the Pharisees and Chief Priests. The first parable compares the actions of two sons. The first son expressed an unwillingness to obey his father initially but he changed his mind and obeyed the father’s instructions, but never followed through obedient actions.  Read More

MATTHEW 21:18-27SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS: Vs 22 - And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Vs 27 - So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. OBSERVATIONS:Jesus was hungry and went over to a fig tree, found no fruit on it and then pronounced a curse on it and the tree died. This is a curious ...  Read More

The first 11 verses of Matthew 21 are called The Triumphal Entry. This event of the life of Christ is one of the few events that are found in all 4 Gospels. So we can conclude that this is a significant event not only to the people who were there but to us today as well.   Read More

Jesus showed us what “greatness” is all about and it is completely counter to our cultural understanding.  Read More

All those invited to God's kingdom receive equal blessings according to God's grace and will. Therefore, we should revere God's grace and will and lead our actions and attitudes with trust and obedience.   Read More

Who gets into the kingdom of heaven? This passage has a contrast between children who are welcomed and blessed by Jesus and a young man who goes away disappointed.  Read More

The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus by having Him choose sides in a theological argument about divorce. The two schools of thought which represented two opposing views of divorce.   Read More

We are to be persistent when seeking reconciliation; if our first private attempt fails, we should include 2-3 fellow Christian to get the facts straight. If that fails, we should involve the church.  Read More

Paul challenges us to take on the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:3-11.  Read More