The Transforming Power of Jesus’ Death

As Jesus hung on the cross, the crowd taunted him saying that he saved others, he should save himself. Their taunt revealed how much they misunderstood Jesus They judged Jesus by their own standards, rather than by God’s love. Their value was to save themselves, to do what would benefit themselves and assumed that JesusContinue reading “The Transforming Power of Jesus’ Death”

Freedom That No One Can Take Away

When Jesus declared to the 70 that they should not rejoice in their authority over evil spirits, he pointed out an important spiritual truth. We tend to equate our self-worth and value with what we can do or accomplish. The 70 had done great things with the authority that Jesus had given to them, evenContinue reading “Freedom That No One Can Take Away”

Believe Jesus’ Warning

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructed his disciples to watch and pray that they might not fall into temptation, because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Earlier that evening, Jesus had warned Peter that Peter would deny him. However, Peter refused to heed Jesus’ warning. When Jesus told PeterContinue reading “Believe Jesus’ Warning”

Pray Boldly

In the Old Testament, men like Abraham and Moses boldly made assertions to God. In the case of Moses, Scripture informs us that God changed his mind due to his bold prayer, even though God had commanded Moses not to pray for Israel. Moses disobeyed God’s command and prayed that God would not destroy IsraelContinue reading “Pray Boldly”

God’s Will

Anyone who has participated in team sports knows the importance of each player listening to and implementing what the coach taught. For even one player to ignore the coach’s instructions and do what he or she wants can be disaster for the team. If all the players were to follow their own will instead ofContinue reading “God’s Will”

Implications of Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Because of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, the believer does not come to Father as a beggar hoping to convince him to do what is right or good. Rather, the believer comes as a beloved child whom God the Father loves and delights in providing for. Jesus is not in any way describing a formal relationship,Continue reading “Implications of Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer”

Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Over my years as a pastor, it was not uncommon to hear people asking how to pray. Their question resembled the command/request that one of the twelve disciples posed to Jesus in Luke 11:1. “Teach us to pray like John taught his disciples.” Jesus responded with what we now call the Lord’s Prayer. This prayerContinue reading “Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer”