For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised Christ will be of no benefit to you. (Galatians 5:1-2) Christ has set us free from slavery. The specific slavery Paul’s talking …
Tag: spirit
Jesus and Our Special Olympics
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12) Have you ever seen the video clip of a Special Olympics race from several years ago about all the kids …
With God’s Help
They replied, ‘The survivors there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.’ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept…. (Neh. 1:3-4) When Nehemiah heard that the wall in Jerusalem was still broken …
Jesus Says, “Feed My Sheep”
Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’ (John 21:17) Several people have asked me what I think about the possibility that the Roman Catholic bishops may issue a statement that would exclude from communion any politicians, like President Biden, who think that abortion shouldn’t be legally abolished. My primary response to this controversy is confusion. …
How Jesus Looks at Us
But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about?’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three …
Shining the Light of Jesus’ Love
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may …
To Be “Salt” for Jesus
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13) Jesus led his disciples to a mountain. They were thrilled to be with Him and eager to listen to …
Jesus wants Fairness and Justice for All
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5: 6) It may be hard to comprehend the urgency of this beatitude because we may never have faced serious hunger or dire thirst. Unlike most of us, the average person in Jesus’ day knew life-threatening hunger and thirst. When …
The Sermon on the Mount
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after that, he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit…’ (Mt. 5:1-3) We had just finished a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We gathered at the bottom …
The Joy of the Lord
Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of those who those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’ (Neh. 8:10) After the wall in …