Scripture shows us (mostly in metaphor) that Jesus can & will 'enlighten' us.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:28 challenges believers to "examine themselves" as we approach the New Testament Passover to partake of the symbols of Jesus' sacrifice for us. This challenge is to allow us to examine that our personal growing faith is genuine and in accord with following The Great Shepherd of the Sheep. This is documented in 7 precious statements made in Psalms 23 that are turned into 7 relevant questions that make us think and consider that only ourselves can truthfully answer. This is Part #2 of a 2-part series in which the last 4 relevant questions will be explored.

Polycarp and Polycrates’ early fight to retain the Passover and the subsequent Sabbath attack are examined.

Many people quietly wrestle with the feeling that they haven't done enough to be acceptable to God — enough prayer, enough service, enough sacrifice. These things matter, but do they actually determine our standing before Him?

The prophet Micah confronted this same question centuries ago. His audience, like ours, assumed that doing more was the answer. But God reframes the question entirely: the issue was never the quantity of what we do, but the quality of life He calls us to — one shaped by justice, covenant loyalty, and humble dependence on Him.

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:28 challenges believers to "examine themselves" as we approach the New Testament Passover to partake of the symbols of Jesus' sacrifice for us. This challenge is to allow us to examine that our personal growing faith is genuine and in accord with following The Great Shepherd of the Sheep. This is documented in 7 precious statements made in Psalms 23 that are turned into 7 relevant questions that make you think and consider and only you can truthfully answer. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series in which the first 3 relevant questions will be explored.

The parable only takes 5 verses but carries important lessons.  In this message, we discuss the overall point of the parable, which is clearly stated in the text.   Then, we provide the important background of what was a Pharisee and what was a tax collector and how each was perceived by the society at the time.  Then, we discuss four discernible "threads" within the parable.   Finally, we end with three lessons to apply in our lives.

Psalm 92 has a title designating it as a song for the Sabbath. And yet, it doesn’t directly refer to the Sabbath at all? What makes this a psalm for the Sabbath day?

This message was given on President's Day holiday weekend in America which is dedicated to reflection on our national leaders. The message focuses on the famous four presidential figures on Mt. Rushmore in contrast to The One "whose name is above all names" - Phil. 2:9. While the four are men of renown, they were subject to the forces of history and at their best--still very human and died. This message takes scripture and sculpts The One that ask us to look up to a spiritual and eternal summit--Mountain Zion upon which He rests as a living stone---eternal, perfect, accessible, loving, and the "same  yesterday, today and yes--forever" (Heb. 13:8).  

The false doctrine that Jesus was a created being is discussed. Then the verses Arius thought upheld his heretical view are explained.

Explore the theological connection between Jesus’ promise to “prepare a place” in John 14:1–4 and the burnt offering of Leviticus 1. This message reexamines the Hebrew concept of kippēr (atonement) not simply as the removal of sin, but as the purification of sacred space that makes it possible to draw near to God. In the burnt offering, we see God’s revealed pattern for approaching holiness—an offering wholly given that prepares the way for living in His presence.

The Syro-Phoenician woman of Matthew 15 is discussed. Her amazing trust, humility, reverence, and faith are highlighted as examples for us today.

Jesus mentioned several times in Scripture to faithful followers "to enter into the joy of the Lord". What does that encompass? Hebrews 12:2 states, "for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross". There can be many facets to this verse, and this message focuses on one facet --The Wedding Supper with His Bride--the saints.  What did our Savior see that we too must see and hold onto as we face the challenges of life to not only be "guests", BUT the bride at this future incredible event?

After telling the disciples about the events leading up to the end of the age and His coming, Jesus relates 5 parables in rapid succession, the last parables of His ministry. Why? What did they have to do with the prophecies of His return? And what meaning do they have for us?

Paul says in Rom. 1:16: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation..."   2 Tim. 1: 8:  "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ..."  This message is about not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ and the testimony of our Lord.  Using God's Holy Spirit, we can appropriately be a follower of God and representative of the Kingdom by living our beliefs and faith without fear, shame, and embarrassment.

2 Peter 3:18 implores us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How may we as members of the Body of Christ not only know, but grow in worshipping God not only "in the truth", but in the spirit" (John 4:24). As we move into a new calendar year, here are 7 signs to show us how to OPEN UP OUR LIVES before God and His Son in our walk before Them and those here below. The opportunity, the role, and the responsibility lies before us and in us to be about our Father's business.

Is peace simply the absence of conflict, or is it something deeper? Explore the contrast between the world’s fragile, situational peace with the enduring peace offered by Jesus Christ. True peace isn’t an escape from hardship; it is a foundational reality that remains intact through pain and suffering. Drawing from the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, we explore how to cultivate a peace that holds firm even when life is under pressure.

Although it sounds like Paul said “there is nothing unclean”, the English translators used the wrong English word. Paul was addressing clean meat that had offered to idols. This is examined and explained.

Let us remind ourselves that God has involved us in a lifelong educational program.  God supports education.  The Bible promotes education.  God's Church is involved in education.  Of course, in all cases we are talking about the right education, not miseducation.  God would want followers to be educated in His way and purpose.

The recent tragedy of anti-Semitism at Bondi Beach, Australia brought forth a glimmer of light and hope as a Muslim man risked his life to take down the rifle-toting terrorist, thus sparing many lives. What can we learn by this unique and daring action fulfilled by "the other"--people that in our lives we humanly tend to marginalize and create distance. Jesus takes this "head on" in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the startling conclusion of healing of the 10 Lepers. The most powerful sermon each of us can offer is not what we know, but what and how we enter one another lives in time of need.

These three Bible verses summarize!