At the church where I serve, we have a monthly memory verse. The more you get into God’s word, the more God’s word gets into you. Recently I introduced John 14:6. It’s quite well-known. I asked the congregation who had memorized this at some point in their lives. About 40 hands went up. These words … Continue reading Jesus is our Map

As Christians we have a commission. It’s a word that means “with a mission.” Whenever we use language like this the first thing we often think about is the “great commission” in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples of all nations. But there is a lesser-known commission in John 20:21-22. Jesus said: “As the … Continue reading Ordinary missionary

When Fred Craddock was young he remembered listening to preachers and teachers talk about what it meant to be a Christian. He heard stories about Mother Teresa working with the poor in the slums of Calcutta. He heard about Albert Schweitzer as a medical missionary. He heard about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. … Continue reading Sacrifice that doesn’t make the news

In John 17, Jesus prayed for his followers, both then and now.  It’s important for us to remember that these aren’t just the prayers of some random guy. Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God! Therefore, what Jesus prays for you IS God’s will for you. Hopefully that perks up your ears and heart. … Continue reading Jesus prayed for unity among believers

In a prayer for his disciples—both then and now—Jesus prays: “Father, I want those you have given me… to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” (John 17:24). Jesus prays that we will see his glory. This surely includes a growing appreciation of … Continue reading The glory of Jesus outshines

In The Pilgrim’s Progress, a character named Christian makes his way to the Celestial City. He would have considered himself “religious,” but doesn’t come to personally experience the significance of the cross until after he has already begun his journey. As he walks along the path, he carries a big “burden” on his back. It … Continue reading When you finally “get” the cross

Harold Kusher tells the Hasidic story of a man who got a telegram. It told him that a relative had died and left him some valuable property. He had to contact a rabbi for details.  When he did so he was told that the relative was Moses and the valuable property was his religious tradition.  … Continue reading Wisdom or real estate?

Bobby Fischer was a world chess champion. There’s a story about a time when he went to see a film, called The Seventh Seal. A medieval knight plays a game of chess with death, the evil one. As the film progresses, they make moves back and forth. Finally, the evil one makes a move and … Continue reading The king has one more move

Today is Good Friday. Christians from all over the world gather at special services to ponder the cross and to thank God for what he has done for us in Christ. He has given his life for ours. The Reformer Martin Luther called it the “glorious exchange.” We’re the ones who deserve to be up … Continue reading Four words for Good Friday

Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s not as well-known as Good Friday, Easter morning, or even Palm Sunday. Some churches hold special services; some don’t. Either way, it’s a very significant day. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to … Continue reading And we are its hands