The other day one of our regular readers, my friend, and preaching colleague, David Tant, sent me the picture shown above of a church sign in Marble Falls, Texas.
“No Rules, Just Jesus” the sign opines.
Through the years I’ve seen and heard this idea expressed in various ways.
“You don’t have to follow rules to follow Jesus” advertises one church. Continue reading
Filed under Jesus
This week I’ve been reading what is often called “the most famous trial in history.” The trial of Jesus.
I was reminded that the judge was a man unqualified for the job. His position was the result of the right connections. And a fortuitous marriage to Claudia Proclua, whose father was Tiberius, the Roman Emperor.
So in A.D. 26 Pontus Pilate was appointed governor of Judea. He was responsible for maintaining law and order in the raucous land filled with Jews that hated Rome. He handed out justice. And collected taxes. Continue reading
Filed under Jesus
In his book, God’s Psychiatry, Charles Allen tells this story that occurred as World War II was drawing to a close.
The Allied armies had gathered up many hungry orphans and they were placed in camps where they were well fed. Despite excellent care, they slept poorly. They seemed nervous and afraid. Finally, a psychologist came up with a solution. Continue reading
An American author and minister, Marshall Hayden, wrote an article several years ago with the intriguing title, “Would Every Non-Hurter Please Stand Up?”
Hayden observed that people come to church services and seem fine. They put on their best smile. Wear their best clothes. And look happy. Yet, he pointed out that we need to look beyond the facade and below the surface to realize that our pews are full of hurting people. Continue reading
Filed under Jesus
Do these three names mean anything to you? Melchior? Caspar? Balthasar?
Tradition has it that these men were the 3 kings of the Orient who came bearing gifts to baby Jesus.
You’ve heard the song, “We Three Kings”? And you have seen the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the animals, and the shepherds all together? Continue reading
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Last Sunday night NBC televised live the rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, the adaption of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s 1970 musical stage play.
The storyline is told from the point of view of Judas Iscariot. In the opening song, Heaven on their Minds, Judas is speaking to Jesus and says.
“Jesus! You’ve started to believe
The things they say of you
You really do believe
This talk of God is true. Continue reading
Over 2,000 people, including family, friends, dignitaries, and common folks were assembled under one big tent in celebration of the life of evangelist Billy Graham.
What the people repeatedly heard in the 90-minute service was the name of Jesus. Not 15 seconds into the ceremony Jesus was mentioned. And before it was concluded Christ was referred to almost 100 times. Continue reading
Filed under Jesus
