Monthly Archives: January 2011

The central story of the Bible is one of reconciliation.  Through the fall of mankind, we are alienated from ourselves, our fellow humans, and from God.  through Jesus we can live in relationship with God, other people, and ourselves in the … Continue reading →

I can not imagine a stone hitting me and breaking a bone.  I can not imagine being concussed from boulders.  I can not imagine the pain of dying from stoning.  However, Stephen believed in the risen Jesus so passionately and … Continue reading →

When Stephen was accused of bringing the Temple and Moses into disrepute he did a number of things worth noting.  He argued from the scriptures and he argued for Moses and against ‘sacred space’.  Stephen pointed out that God was worshiped … Continue reading →

The disciples were getting caught up administrating all the gifts that were coming in.  Their passion was teaching and spreading the news about Jesus’ death and miraculous resurrection.  However, someone needed to distribute the supplies that the early church had … Continue reading →

Romans 13 tells us to respect the authorities that God has placed over us, and we should.  However, what happens when governing authorities falsely accuse or enforce immorality.  In this case we will have to engage in civil disobedience.  The … Continue reading →

Some people think that the Old Testament is pretty gruesome, but that God lightens up a bit in the New Testament.  He doesn’t really.  On the way to Armageddon, at the end of the New Testament, we have Ananias and … Continue reading →

The Enlightenment is that period starting in the 18th century when reason ascended as the primary way to deal with our problems.  It arose as a reaction to the superstition and fear of the Middle Ages.  Much to its detriment … Continue reading →

Must we have suffering?  If we wish to grow, we must have growing pains.  those who avoid interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict do not grow.  For the church, there will always be conflict as long as people stand up and boldly … Continue reading →

There are few lone rangers in the book of Acts.  When Peter performs a miracle in te temple, it is Peter and John who are working together.  Paul works in teams and the church in jerusalem is obviously a group … Continue reading →

The verses that I have read today answer the question, “What makes a church?”  The apostles’ teaching would have been concerning Jesus and the truths about him taught in the scriptures.  This translates to our churches needing to teach about Jesus … Continue reading →