Many Christians are ambivalent about the law—and perhaps with good reason. The apostle Paul depicts the law as a force that holds us captive. Paul claims that Christ replaces the law...

When I read that Abraham “did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body,” I wonder how he managed that. I’m not even close to one hundred, and my...

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. That mind-set permeates our culture. For example, here in the South, we are taught never to return a dish empty after someone gives...

God called Abram into a relationship that took Abram from his home and kindred. Abram left Ur not knowing where following God would take him. The call in today’s passage is...

I cannot read Psalm 22 without thinking of my friend Andie, whom I met when she was about seven years old. Andie grew up living her faith enthusiastically. She was funny,...

Peter demonstrates the nearly universal human aversion to pain and struggle—and seemingly even discussion of them. Jesus tells the disciples “quite openly” that he must suffer and die. Peter doesn’t want...

God’s covenant with Abraham was a sovereign act. Over and over in Abraham’s story, God takes the initiative, speaking to Abraham apart from any apparent intent by Abraham to seek God....

As a spoiled and somewhat pampered American, I have struggled with the whole idea of Lent. With its call to fasting and self-denial, Lent runs counter to my culture and the...

In today’s poetic discourse, David cries out to almighty God for help and assistance. David, who was powerful, invincible, secure, and successful according to human standards, yields all of his societally...

Jesus leaves his hometown of Nazareth in Galilee and journeys through Samaria down into the region where John is baptizing followers. Jesus, an outsider, presents himself to be baptized by John—a...