Often we do not control the most important matters in life. Consider Elisha. The great Elijah calls him to follow, and he does. Elisha leaves his home and serves Elijah. And...

To fully grasp this story’s meaning, we must understand the place of the pig in the author’s time and culture. Even the most cursory look at Jewish dietary law brings to...

I’ve heard an old saying that rings true: “Sometimes you prefer the devil you know to the devil you don’t.” When I was a young seminarian, I counseled with a woman...

In this portion of Galatians, Paul layers his discussion of “the law”—the guidelines laid out for observant Jewish practice in the Hebrew Bible—with his understanding of traditional Greek education. The word...

The central issue of the early Christian church centered on identity. Before Christianity emerged as distinct from Judaism, the question of observation of Jewish law was largely null. Jesus and his...

The issue of doubt remains ever present as the shadow side of belief. Even the most stalwart believers can find themselves in situations that generate doubt about God’s existence or the...

Many of us feel perpetually overwhelmed by financial difficulties, relationship problems, health issues, and more. All of these can weigh on us, leaving an impression in our souls. When I am...

I have two children under the age of four. I often spend my days in a cacophony of shouts, wild laughter, and shrieking tantrums. I frequently find myself competing with the...

One bedrock principle of the Protestant Reformation was justification by faith. We are not justified by meritorious works but by our faith in Jesus Christ. However, this principle depends upon a...

Marketing consultants tell companies that they must “brand” their products. Otherwise they won’t stand out from the other businesses around them. Branding employs external markers to distinguish a product from its...