Christmas Characters – Mary: A Child’s Faith

In the tenth chapter of the gospel of Mark we witness a scene that betrays the cultural attitude of the ancient Jewish world toward children. The disciples were condemning those who brought their children to Jesus to be blessed by him. Jesus rebukes their bigotry by declaring, “Let the children come to me; do not [...]

Luke 1:5-25 Zecheriah: Faith Without Belief

In the beginning of Luke’s gospel we encounter an aging priest named Zechariah and his infertile wife Elizabeth. Though both are godly people, they were considered by their culture to be cursed with the inability to have children. It seemed like an impossible situation. But God always has the last word on what is truly [...]

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 – “Where the Rubber Meets the Road”

“Where the rubber meets the road.” We’ve all heard the phrase. It had originally to do with the process whereby latex from rubber trees was drained into containers, shipped off for processing, and then made into any number of rubber products, including the tires of our cars. So when we use the phrase, “This is [...]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 – Thanksgiving: A Choice but Not an Option

Given the persecuted status of the young Thessalonian church, one might think that the apostle Paul displayed an amazing lack of sensitivity when he commanded the church, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Certainly Paul could not be serious! After all, [...]