Billy Sunday once said in a sermon that there are 256 names given for Jesus in the Bible. Then he added, “I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.”
This is significant because the Bible pays particular attention to names. Names speak to one’s character. Identity. Personality. And purpose in life.
The many names of Jesus remind of us His greatness. His majesty. His Deity. His ministry. His mission. And our relationship to Him. Continue reading
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“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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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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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
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
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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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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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
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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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