It is a glorious picture. The Apostles standing on the temple steps at Pentecost and proclaiming the Word of God, at which 3,000 respond. Not long after, 2,000 more come at Peter’s second great sermon, bringing the total number of Christians to an impressive total of about 5,000 in Jerusalem. The Church is growing, everyone …

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that there are a few topics that I don’t feel entirely comfortable/qualified to talk about. Nuclear thermodynamics? Not a clue. Quantum mechanics? Nope. Child raising? Talk to me in about 1,000 years, but probably still no. That being said, there are a few things that …

I can remember growing up listening to older people lead prayers, lead singing, or deliver invitations that had the most eloquent words I had ever heard. Phrases flowed with such grace that would make Shakespeare envious, and afterwards hearing everyone “amen” or nod in approval. When I reached the age where it became my turn …

For thousands of years, the Jews attested that one who prospered much in this life was obviously approved by God. This belief held so firmly that even the Apostles asked Jesus in John 9:2, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” The association of blessings with approval from God is …

“Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?” (Job 38:36). Two simple questions that God asks; two seemingly easy answers. Job is perhaps one of the most troubled characters in the Bible, having had it all, lost it all, and not understanding a thing about the back story …

Who was Barabbas? Utter the name and instantly the reaction you’ll get from most people is one of cold anger. “He was the reprobate whose spot Jesus took on the cross that night! I hope he realizes what Christ did for him!” And in truth, we should hope he realizes it. Barabbas was dead to …

It is a startling scene, and not just because of the severity of the punishment. Nadab and Abihu present “strange fire” before the altar, and in response, fire comes forth from the Lord and consumes them both instantly (Leviticus 10:1-2). What the “strange fire” consisted of is anybody’s guess – some have supposed either coals …

We often look at Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) as the “anti-Christians.” While everyone else in the church in Jerusalem was committed to giving their possessions “as anyone might have need” (Acts 2:45), there was apparently one couple that did it for more than the simple act of benevolence. These people had the idea that …

Ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf? My mother used to tell it to me when I was younger whenever I would fabricate a story with the intention of getting my brother a whooping. It is a simple story that talks about a young man who would alarm the people in his …