Welcoming What We Resist

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.  It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter. . ....

Volunteering for Death

1 Corinthians 15:31 “I die daily.” Observation: This simple statement comes in the midst of a discourse by Paul on death and resurrection—on the differences between those who have eternal life in Christ and will be given new and imperishable bodies in the...

More Than a Caterpillar

2 Corinthians 4:7, 11 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves…For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be...

Mostly Dead

Jeremiah 5:1 “Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and look now and take note. And seek in her open squares, if you can find a man, if there is one who does justice, who seeks truth, then I will pardon her. John 12:24-25 “Truly, truly I say to you, unless...

Inexpressible Joy

Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives it name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory…”            Observation: Ever the good pedagogue, Paul is teaching...

Higher Form of Ooze

Romans 5:12 “Therefore just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin… ” (NIV). Observation: Romans 5 is a robust passage uniquely used in the development and defense of the Christian faith. It opens with Paul’s declaration of justification by...