The author of First Peter draws parallels between children of God and newborn babies. Similar to babies who need milk for their sustenance and well-being, Christians need the spiritual milk that...

From the outset the psalmist declares their full trust and dependence in God. The psalmist further pleads with God for deliverance from being put to shame. I recall the fear that...

Stephen was a faithful follower of Christ and a church leader who performed great miracles and wonders through the Holy Spirit. These great acts and miracles posed a threat to the...

Jesus set up a dichotomy between two different kinds of influences on our lives. One leads to life and the other to destruction. Which influence will we allow into our lives?...

In Jesus’ day, shepherds lived on the fringes of society. So, for Jesus to name himself as the Good Shepherd in this text may have been a shock to the original...

Go to any local bookstore and you will likely find a section titled “Self-Help,” entirely devoted to ways to improve a person’s life. Book after book guides us toward maximizing our...

In modern day Israel/Palestine, just east of Jerusalem, there is a wilderness called the Wadi Qelt. It is a deep valley, surrounded by steep, imposing cliffs dotted with caves and crevices....

Tucked amid the tranquil images of Psalm 23, between green pastures, still waters, and an eternal dwelling place, there is this inescapable reality of life: the valley of the shadow of...

The first time Christians gathered in community—before there were impressive sanctuaries, paid professional staff, and denominational structures—they focused on four essential communal practices. They worshiped together. They grew in their faith...

In the wake of Pentecost, we find the early Christians conducting activities familiar to faith communities today: fellowshiping, breaking bread, singing songs, learning and growing, serving others. But before they undertook...