Few people in our Western culture understand the powerful biblical metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep. In ancient times, the shepherd symbolized a ruler who wielded authority by divine right. The ideal ruler would also care for his people. Jesus came to fulfill the ancient prophecies that God would raise up a Shepherd-King who…
The first chapter of Acts chronicles the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry and adjustments made by his followers immediately after his departure. Verse 3 says that Jesus “presented himself alive” during a 40-day period. Verse 8, a famous restatement of the church’s Great Commission, summarizes the mission of Christ’s followers: “You shall be my…
Peter wrote to comfort first century Christians facing persecution for their faith. He challenged them to remember the grace of God—grace that secures our future hope (1 Peter 1:3-5). Christ put this grace on display in the salvation he secured. Old Testament prophets predicted this grace, but Peter says they found two themes perplexing: the…
Many Christians equate worship with triumphal songs that only communicate happiness. They seldom, if ever, sing songs of sorrow and lament. This is a different kind of service. To those who assess the worth of all things by entertainment value it will feel unnatural.It is designed to help us grieve over the death of our…