Sharing Christ’s Sufferings

There is a line in a well-known story of Jesus (Matt 20:20-28) that often gets overlooked. James and John have just allowed their mommy to ask Jesus for permission for them to sit at his right and left hand in his coming kingdom. Jesus ignores the mother and speaks to the two men: “You do … Continue reading Sharing Christ’s Sufferings

“Into Him” and “In Him” in Ephesians 1: Should We Leave These Out When We Translate into English?

A couple days ago I was reading Ephesians 1 in Greek during my morning Bible-reading time. As I read, I was drawn to two phrases that are clearly present in Greek but often eliminated in English. The two expressions that get removed are “into him” (εἰς αὐτόν) in the middle of verse 5 and (“in … Continue reading “Into Him” and “In Him” in Ephesians 1: Should We Leave These Out When We Translate into English?

What Does “I Can Do All Things through Christ who Strengthens Me” Mean? (Philippians 4:13)

It is one of the best-known verses in the Bible. It appears on wall art, bumper stickers, social media profiles, and even tattoos. But we usually misinterpret it. Philippians 4:13 is not about personal empowerment. It is not a promise that you can become anything you want when you grow up if you want it … Continue reading What Does “I Can Do All Things through Christ who Strengthens Me” Mean? (Philippians 4:13)

Joy

“What are the joy-stealers? Why do so many of us struggle with joy?” I often ask my students this question when we open the book of Philippians. “Time pressures.” “Financial pressures.” “Unfulfilled expectations.” “Hurts from the past.” These are common responses from my students. But Paul would point us toward two other foundational reasons for … Continue reading Joy

“Authenticity”

Authenticity. Now there’s an important word in our generation. Young people are fed up with fakeness and sick of sham. Not long ago a youth pastor told me that the kids in his youth group preferred listening to unpolished or even stammering speakers whom they perceived as genuine over speakers who were slick but inauthentic. … Continue reading “Authenticity”

Are You a People Pleaser?

Are you a people pleaser? Do you do things for others so they will like you, thank you, or just not get upset at you? The Urban Dictionary facetiously remarks that when people-pleasers die, it isn’t their own lives that flash before their eyes; they see the life of someone else flash before their eyes![1] … Continue reading Are You a People Pleaser?

“Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God”: A Devotional Reading of Colossians 3:3

A hymn I learned as a child was running through my mind. I was perched on the side of a mountain overlooking the town of Idyllwild, California—one of my favorite places to pray. I had set aside this time for prayer because I sensed a spiritual storm on the horizon. Here is the chorus of … Continue reading “Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God”: A Devotional Reading of Colossians 3:3

Can I Recommend a Christmas Gift?

One of the hardest things about being a Christian author is determining how much—or how little—to promote a book I’ve written. Nevertheless, in the presence of the Lord, I know that I have the responsibility not only to prayerfully and carefully write books that strengthen people’s faith and further Christ’s kingdom, but also to encourage … Continue reading Can I Recommend a Christmas Gift?

Our Hope is in Christ, Not in a Vaccine

“We’ve just got to hold on until the vaccine comes out.” Some people I know are simply “gritting out” life because they have heard that in a few months a vaccine will be ready to protect everyone from Covid-19. They have heard about many dozens of clinical trials currently underway, and believe that at least … Continue reading Our Hope is in Christ, Not in a Vaccine