7 Ways Luke’s Introduction Shows the Truthfulness of His Gospel
Luke begins his Gospel with an introduction that gives us multiple reasons to trust his Gospel as a whole. Here’s Luke’s introduction in the first four verses: “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who […]
The Christmas Shepherds: Why God Picked Them and What They Teach Us
You ever feel like you’ve missed Christmas? Where it came, went, you did a bunch of activities—but you kind of missed it? Most people did. Most everybody in Israel and even Bethlehem missed the first Christmas. There were only a very few people who actually got it. Even the Wise Men missed it, as they […]
Singleness in the Bible: A Q&A with Pieter Valk Exploring the Gift of Singleness
Is the theme of singleness in the Bible? While we find romance and marriage celebrated in the Bible (e.g., Song of Solomon), we also find lifelong singleness described as a gift and calling from God for some Christians. What are we to make of the fact that both Jesus and Paul, themselves single, celebrated the […]
Better to Be a Good Samaritan Than a Good Priest
“Good Samaritan” has entered our English vocabulary to mean someone who helps a person in a tough spot. The phrase comes from a story Jesus told of an unlikely hero who crossed ethnic lines to rescue someone who would otherwise have died (the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”). Jesus ends the story by inviting us […]
What Are the Gospels in the Bible? A Summary of Each Gospel
Have you ever wondered what is unique about each of the Gospels in the New Testament? The four Gospels in the Bible are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels provide a comprehensive portrait of Jesus, allowing the readers to see his central place in the scheme of redemption. The climactic death, burial, and resurrection […]
Learning to Pray: Rejoice (Part 2 of P.R.A.Y.)
Prayer is more challenging than we’d like to admit. At its most basic elements, prayer is having a conversation with God. Sounds easy enough. But what if you don’t know what to say? What if you never hear anything from God? What if you get distracted? It’s easy to see where things fall apart. We […]
Learning to Pray: Pause (Part 1 of P.R.A.Y.)
Prayer is more challenging than we’d like to admit. At its most basic elements, prayer is having a conversation with God. Sounds easy enough. But what if you don’t know what to say? What if you never hear anything from God? What if you get distracted? It’s easy to see where things fall apart. We […]
Being Discipled in Discernment
As someone who works in an assisted living facility, I’ve witnessed many cruel infirmities that afflict the elderly. Osteoporosis is one such disease that can seriously cripple someone. It truly bends and binds the stricken—restricting them from enjoying the mobility to do some of the most common tasks in life. I recall one such woman–wheelchair […]
