Unfortunately, today’s debate over gender assignments within church life often leaves the pages of Scripture and engages the battle on the field of contemporary confusions like radical feminism and toxic masculinity. When scriptural exegesis provides clarity, however, only the commitment to biblical authority remains in question. What does God’s Word say?

Often overlooked as a mere extra character in the Christmas story, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, provides an impressive example of obedience for all fathers in every generation. A father’s faithful obedience is costly, but it impacts the entire world.

The most overwhelming enemy of Israel since Pharaoh has taken the field: a giant named Goliath. But the God of Israel never misses a chance to deliver his people and glorify His name. Will you choose to follow God in the light of His deliverance or be overwhelmed by the darkness?

As Paul attempts to strike a death blow to the rivalries and sectarian spirit in the Corinthian church, he uses the human body to illustrate God’s ideal for each local Body of Christ…each part fulfilling an assigned role as designed, each member operating in love and giftedness toward the rest.

The glory of Israel had departed, but God still had plans for Samuel and for His people. This episode from Old Testament history has clear application to the churches of America today: God reveals Himself to desperate people.

In the continual advance of His Kingdom, God never leaves a generation without a witness. He replaces heroes with new heroes drawn from the ranks of the ordinary. He expects people with godly ambition and single-mindedness to raise up their replacements. The awareness of the legacy we have received compels us to prepare the way for those who come after us. 

Great men generally come from great parents, especially great mothers. Before God blesses a nation, He often blesses a family. Our role as parents relates vitally to the survival of our nation and the impact of our church.

With his earthly life almost complete, John speaks of another remarkable encounter with Jesus.  Inspiration for faithfulness comes from an accurate vision of Jesus as He is.  Heavenly realities begin to replace earthly counterfeits.  This understanding is key to life as a Jesus-follower.

Jesus now settles the matter of Peter’s denial with a resurrection interview. This piercing conversation removes the last traces of Peter’s self-confidence and secures a trustworthy leader for the coming church. Likewise, in a postscript, John settles his own standing as well. The call of Christ always follows examination by Christ. 

This passage is the longest account of any appearance of the risen Lord in Galilee. The disciples, still uncertain about the implications of His resurrection for their future, have been instructed to carry out His mission. But how? When? Where? With what resources? Much remains for them before gaining the confidence eventually displayed at Pentecost.