I don’t often write multi-part blog posts, but when I tried to tackle all seven “I Am” Statements in John, it became apparent very quickly that I would never be able to cram them all into one article. If you haven’t had the chance to read the first part, you can find it here. I … Continue reading “I Am” the Treasure (Part 2)
“I Am” the Treasure (Part 1)
Behold. Believe. Abide. Three active verbs encapsulate the entire message of John’s Gospel. The Beloved Apostle tells his readers that he wrote for the express purpose of their belief: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life … Continue reading “I Am” the Treasure (Part 1)
My Favorite Books of 2024 (July-December)
It’s that time again! Twice a year I like to do a brief round-up of a few of my favorite reads. Throughout the second half of this year many of my favorite Christian books were rereads, many of which have already made this list; so I won’t take the space to plug them again. What … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2024 (July-December)
Treasure in the Dark
“And in despair I bowed my head;‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said.”1 Nineteen century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned these words as part of his Christmas poem today known as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Longfellow had seen his share of tragedy as his wife died in his arms after receiving … Continue reading Treasure in the Dark
The Cost of Thanksgiving
Sixty bucks. According to statista.com, that was roughly the grocery bill for your Thanksgiving dinner last year, at least if you had ten people around your table.1 While sixty dollars may seem like quite a bit to spend on a single meal, you’d have a pretty tough time eating at any restaurant—even the Golden Arches—for … Continue reading The Cost of Thanksgiving
Help! I’m Supposed to Lead a Small-Group Discussion!
Small groups Bible and book studies have become a vital component of many thriving churches. The more informal and intimate atmosphere fosters transparency and allows mentoring relationships to grow and flourish. I’m sure no two of these groups—even within the same church—are identical in their operation, yet no doubt their similarities far outweigh their differences. … Continue reading Help! I’m Supposed to Lead a Small-Group Discussion!
From Limelight to Shadows: Growing in Humility
A little different. Strange. Eccentric. A bit off. Straight-up weird. No matter how you put it, John the Baptist was not your average guy. He dressed funny, had a strange diet, and played a unique role in prophetic history. Despite his unorthodox appearance, John had a significant following as he prepared people for the coming … Continue reading From Limelight to Shadows: Growing in Humility
The Beautiful Truth About Genuine Comfort
Whipped to the full extent of the law. Beaten with a rod. Stoned. Shipwrecked. In constant danger. Hungry. Thirsty. Deprived of sleep. The Apostle Paul knew about suffering. And his afflictions didn’t even end with this list. Eventually he would be beheaded at the hands of Roman Emperor Nero. Nearly every city he visited ran … Continue reading The Beautiful Truth About Genuine Comfort
The Trouble with Competitiveness
I’d rather not write this article. Anyone who knows me knows that competitiveness lodges deep within my bones. I want to come out on top whether playing tic-tac-toe, four-square, taking a test, or parenting my kids. I size up the competition and track the most likely path to victory. Of course, I don’t always win. … Continue reading The Trouble with Competitiveness
Truths to Anchor Your Heart Before, During, and After the Election
Election seasons are like a roller coaster. As the poll numbers fluctuate up and down, so too do your emotions. Yesterday you were confident; today you’re feeling anxious. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Corkscrews, loop-the-loops, and precipitous drops—all perfect descriptions of your emotions throughout this season. Election seasons are like a wildfire: unpredictable, consuming … Continue reading Truths to Anchor Your Heart Before, During, and After the Election
Bible Study Nerd 