Jesus uses the imagery of the open door as an invitation to enter into His salvation. “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and…
Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault- finding or finger-pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store. NT Wright Leaving Nazareth, [Jesus] went and lived in Capernaum ……
The Lenten season begins Wednesday. This week I’m exploring the history and practices of Lent. Defining Lent Lent is a period of fasting, penance, and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter, the most important Christian festival. It has been observed for over a thousand years. Origins The origins of the Lenten season are unclear. Many…
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” Elisabeth Elliot Over the next few weeks,…
Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God’s gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to. Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey: A…
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” Elisabeth Elliot Over the next few weeks…