Jesus’ metaphor in our reading from Matthew 12 teaches us about the importance of a positive religion.

In our reading today from 1 Samuel 23, we're in the middle of Saul chasing after David, something that started back in chapter 19 and continues until the death of Saul in chapter 31. One thing you may notice as you read through the account is that certain events repeat themselves.

The second half of Isaiah contains a lot of warning about idolatry, and in today's reading in Isaiah 65, we read about how the Israelites worshiped false gods. They're named in verse 11 – "But you who forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain...

I am always intrigued by how Jesus taught. For instance, in today’s reading in Matthew 9, in reaction to the Pharisees judging him for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus tells them to, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” (v13).

Why is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit the unforgivable sin? Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be...

The words of our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount dig very deeply into our souls. In Matthew 7 are perhaps some of the most difficult for us to obey, even though the concepts themselves are straightforward to understand. Let’s look at the example of choosing the narrow gate. Jesus tells us,

Here in the USA, COVID-19 cases are increasing again with daily positive test results breaking records.People are getting anxious again as we return to the stricter lockdown measures of a month ago. Will this thing ever go away? Will a vaccine be available soon, and will it successfully deal with the problem?

In Matthew 23:12, Jesus says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Being humbled is an uncomfortable, but necessary part of growing in Christ. If we stubbornly resist God will make sure we encounter situations in our lives that do humble us.

The three temptations Jesus endured in the wilderness were more than just examples of how to deal with natural desires. They were specific temptations applicable to what Jesus was to face throughout his ministry. God had just declared Jesus to be His Son at his baptism when the voice from heaven said...

We are living in politically polarizing times. A critical time, for the world, and for our community. The media has become politically polarizing, and agenda driven. The world is bombarded with...

Most of this special issue tells inspirational stories of the impressive growth of our community around the world. A few of the articles discuss preaching methods that have run their course and need to be updated or replaced. Another article reviews common reasons churches die and emphasizes how critical adapting to change is to stay alive.

"Autopsy of a Deceased Church": It’s just a little book — only 96 small pages. You can read it in one sitting. But it has an extra-large message. Churches in America are dying, losing members and closing their doors. Why? Is there a set of common characteristics of these dying institutions?