Category Archives: Jesus

April 11, 2020 · 6:45 am

Jesus Christ: Superstar or Son of God?

“Jesus Christ, Superstar, do you think you’re what they say you are?”

This question, sung by Judas Iscariot and a backup chorus, is at the heart of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, which NBC will re-air tomorrow night on Easter Sunday.  Superstar is the adaption of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s 1970 musical stage play, with musical star John Legend playing Jesus.

The question regarding Jesus’ identity has not only reverberated across our culture for the past 50 years, it has, in fact been an issue for almost 2,000 years.  It’s a question that’s at the very core of Christianity. It’s fundamental to our faith.  And vital to the assurance of our Hope Continue reading →

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July 5, 2019 · 12:31 am

Bible Lands Tour #2–The Rock

Among yesterday’s highlights of our second full day of touring the Bible lands was visiting sites on the North side of the Sea of Galilee.

We began at Hazor which Joshua conquered during the conquest of Canaan and burned the city (Josh 11:13). It is mentioned several other times in the Old Testament.

Dan was a fascinating stop where Jeroboam, the first King of the Northern Tribes of Israel, set up an altar and built a calf for the people to worship (1 Kings 12:29-30). Continue reading →

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April 16, 2019 · 8:09 am

Disturbed By the Name of Jesus

Several years ago Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a short, simple but powerful song with these moving lyrics.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
But there’s something about that name
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
But there’s something about that name Continue reading →

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April 11, 2019 · 7:21 am

Is Jesus a King Without a Kingdom?

We hear and read a good bit about the “Evangelical Right” today, especially in the area of politics. However, what may be little known to the average person, is that the doctrine of Premillennialism reigns in Evangelical theology.

For the past 100 years Premillennialism has gained a wide acceptance in the Protestant world in general and evangelicals specifically. Some trace the growing belief to the publishing of Scofield Reference Bible in 1909. Continue reading →

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November 29, 2018 · 6:34 am

Does Jesus Have Any Rules?

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 →

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November 15, 2018 · 6:25 am

What Shall I Do With 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 →

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October 26, 2018 · 5:52 am

Soul Food For Spiritual Hunger

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 →

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July 31, 2018 · 5:19 am

The Great Invitation

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 →

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July 17, 2018 · 7:30 am

Truth vs Tradition

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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April 5, 2018 · 7:33 am

Jesus Christ: Superstar or Son of God?

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 →

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