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Category Archives: Old Testament
What Determines a Church’s Direction? Memory or Imagination?
…he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith (Matthew 13:58). Huntingtown United Methodist Church needs both. I have served churches that were planted in the late 1800s, so I understand the power and value of … Continue reading
Moses, the Burning Bush, and Choosing a Major
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 The question of vocation seems to be a crisis at … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Old Testament, Uncategorized
Tagged burning bush, calling, christianity, college major, Moses, Old Testament, vocation
1 Comment
What Did Jesus Do on the First Holy Saturday?
“He descended into hell.” The Apostles’ Creed (359 A.D.) According to the Gospels, Jesus’ disciples mourned his death and hid in fear. According to Luke, the women prepared spices and ointments on Friday, rested on the Sabbath and went to … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Old Testament
Tagged hades, Holy Saturday, intermediate state, Jesus, resurrection, sheol, the realm of the dead
2 Comments
Can Christians Be Certain?
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 One of my favorite quotes comes from a book titled The Workshop Way of Learning, which was written in 1951. Dr. … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Old Testament, Proverbs, religion, Uncategorized
Tagged certitude, christianity, confusion, doubt, religion
2 Comments
Father Abraham and Sexual Exploitation
“He treated Abram well for her sake…” Genesis 12:16 The Old Testament is replete with sexual violence, which is not so different from The Game of Thrones or the news. Thankfully, organizations like the International Justice Mission are opening our … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Old Testament, Sex Trafficking, Sexual Violence, Uncategorized
Tagged Abraham, Abram, Sarah, Sarai, Sex Trafficking, sexual exploitation, Sexual Violence
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Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 I just received a bag of ashes in the … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, fasting, Old Testament
Tagged Ash Wednesday, ashes, christianity, church, community, Gospel, judgment, mortality, Old Testament, prayer, reconciliation, religion, theology
1 Comment
God’s Dysfunctional Families
“While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” Genesis 4:8 It’s pretty easy to find biblical principles applying to marriage and family life. Ephesians 5-6 highlight sacrificial love, mutual submission, trust, respect and nurture as … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Jephthah, Old Testament, religion
Tagged biblical teachings on family, cain and abel, christianity, church, community, dysfunctional families, family, love, marriage, Old Testament, religion
1 Comment
What Happens When God’s Messengers Challenge Authority?
“Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.” Exodus 1:8 The story of Moses begins where the story of Joseph ends: in Egypt. There are some interesting parallels between the two: Both were unlikely … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Old Testament
Tagged christianity, church, Egypt, Joseph, Moses, Old Testament, Pharoah, prophet
1 Comment
A Theology of Bowling
As silly as it sounds, bowling can illustrate biblical truths. Here are a few theological reflections on a recent outing with the Susquehanna Charge youth: Do not rely on previous victories. I easily broke triple digits the last time I … Continue reading
Posted in Bowling, christianity, Elijah, Elijah, Jephthah, Old Testament, Proverbs, Uncategorized
Tagged Ai, bowling, Cana, Elijah, fellowship, Jephthah, Joshua, Mount Carmel, parties, Proverbs, Revelations, theology of youth ministry, virgin
1 Comment
Do I Really Need Coffee?
Our desires and habits are not set in stone. Like many, I think a morning coffee is enjoyable, but I won’t go so far to say that I need it to function in the morning. Thirty days without it and … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Ezra, fasting, Old Testament, Persian Empire, Uncategorized
Tagged coffee, Ezra, fasting, food addiction, humility, overconsumption, spiritual disciplines
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The Other Six Days 