Word and Testimony

Reflection on the letters to the churches in Revelation and keeping our first love alive.

Surprises and an outline for Revelation. Diving into what might help us read it well

Basics for reading the last book of the Bible and growing to understand it for what it means for our benefit.

We are the treasured possession of God. May we live in obedience and holiness.

Diving into the concept of priesthood in the early segments of 1 Peter

Time to start a new series! We're diving into the underlying logic of 1 Peter in this one. Let's explore the world that makes Peter's first letter make sense.

Triumphal Entry and the beginning of Joshua

Jesus Christ is king of the kingdom

God loves us with an incredible and incomprehensible love

Exploring the NT metaphor of being clothed in our new life in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts on the Kingdom of God

We can be so grateful for God's goodness in Christ Jesus

Thinking about faithfulness and the ways God is pressing on me to be changed into his image more and more.

Mark 4:35-41 and Esther challenge us to be rooted in Sabbath rest with Christ.

God intends to work for our greatest good in all things.

Connections between OT and Johannine Lit

Name and authority

The name of God is holy and glorious.

God is faithful and will refine us to look like Jesus Christ

Let's look at the life of Joseph and lean in to God for the challenge and the test.

Struggle and richness in faith often show up together. Lean in.

Question from a former student about 1 Timothy 1:18-20. What does Paul mean when he says he handed over a couple of false teachers to Satan for them to learn not to blaspheme?

Who hardens Pharaoh's heart and how does that work? Theologically this question is nuanced and can be challenging. My brother sent in this one and I hope this helps bring some thought and clarity to the ideas.

Humble and meek submission to Christ Jesus the Lord is receiving him.

Jesus is the vine, we are his branches. God intends us to be his vineyard.

Do our hearts burn within us to study the Scripture?

Why do Christians get married?

Rooted lives are lives grounded in God's forgiveness

Questions from my sister in law about baptism/baptisms?

Johannine view of baptism and being born of water

Being established in the faith as we walk rooted in Christ.

Audio commentary on Psalm 22, the “Crucifixion Psalm”

Walking with God is one of the most consistent metaphors for this life with Christ

Growing up into the fullness of Christ Jesus.

Looking at receiving Christ Jesus as Lord and how it spurs on our rootedness.

Praying through the Psalms means listening to Selah and prioritizing presence with God over presenting our requests to God.

Looking at Colossians 2:6-7 and the concept of “Rooted”

Question and answer about Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3

Looking at the imagery of the garden and the grave.

Answering questions from a former student about God and if he hates the devil and fallen angels.

Intro to Song of Songs, prompted by student questions.

Looking at concepts for Hebrews and biblical interpretation that shed light on how we understand the Bible and see Jesus and the fulfillment.

Do we believe for more reasons or perhaps more mature reasons than just avoiding judgment for our sins?

Intro to the General Epistles.

We take a look at how the Bible communicates.

Answers student submitted questions. These were some really good ones.

One of my students, Ella, asked why I'm a religious person and why I'm committed to my Christian faith.

Real humility is full of truth and empty obedience and it's hard.

Life with Christ Jesus is beautiful and it is hard. Truth is normally in that tension.

Why did God give us the ability to sin? Why does God keep making people who will not believe in him and surrender their lives to him?

Looking at Jesus' authority and how we follow him in our own.