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Two disciples decide to trail Jesus as he leaves the Jordan River: the first is Andrew (the brother of Peter), while the second is generally speculated to be John (the author of this narrative). On the surface, it seems relatively straightforward. Andrew and John hear John the Baptiser proclaim, “Behold the Lamb of God!” and begin following Jesus as he makes his way back into town. Jesus, likely hearing footsteps trailing him, turns and asks what they want.... continue reading
Every human pregnancy involves a mother and a father. A man and a woman contribute to conception. In most cases, a mother wants the father to take an active interest in the pregnancy and preparation for the baby's birth. Likewise, she often wants him to be a reassuring presence during labor and delivery—and an active partner in parenting. Naturally, she will want him to share the grief that miscarriage brings. Nevertheless, the father's experience with miscarriage often goes unaddressed in the contemporary church.
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“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” – Galatians 3:13
Great hymns, as we have seen—whether about Christ’s “wondrous cross” or his “precious blood”—have the ability to unite the family of God throughout history and around the world, in the truths that matter most. But when voices from within the church begin to question or deny what the church holds most dear, great hymns also become flashpoints of controversy.... continue reading
Joseph named his second son “Ephraim,” which sounds like the Hebrew word for “fruitful.” He gives his reason for choosing this name in Genesis 41:52: "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." My first reaction to this name was negative. I didn’t want to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. I wanted my affliction to end. ... continue reading
In many ways, reading the Bible is like reading any other book. However, if the Bible is breathed out by God, there are some key differences that we need to take on board right at the start.... continue reading
When we brought our first son home from the hospital, my husband and I couldn’t get over how the doctors and nurses had just sent us on our way with a newborn. We felt like babies ourselves, but they had entrusted a tiny person to our care without any sort of instruction manual.... continue reading
“I forgive you.” These are simple words, but hard ones. Perhaps they are words you just can’t bring yourself to say. Has someone harmed you so deeply you cannot imagine releasing them of their debt to you? Or perhaps these are words you long to hear. Have you harmed a loved one? Does restoring the relationship seem impossible?... continue reading
“All Scripture is breathed out by God,” Paul famously wrote to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is not a human product infused with divinity; it’s a divine gift produced through human instrumentality. Its every book, chapter, sentence, and syllable was originally given by God’s inspiration.... continue reading
Over recent years we have witnessed the fall of a significant number of church leaders from many different backgrounds. The reasons have varied from one case to another, but often there have been issues of illicit sexuality, mishandling of finances, abuse of power and authority, and substance abuse, among a few others.
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Few situations are more frustrating than an argument with that family member during Christmas dinner. However, not everyone is in the position to have family tussles over turkey. You may have a strained relationship with certain family members because of ongoing conflict. There may be injustice and abuse, or simply absence. ... continue reading
