Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? My morning Bible reading was from Matthew 26 which describes history’s worst betrayal. Although none of us, like Jesus, are without sin, there are still lessons to be learned: (1) Jesus was betrayed by a friend/a member of His “staff” (2) Jesus had loved, helped, and given him incredible opportunity (3) Not content with Jesus’ plan and timing, Judas saw something in the betrayal for himself (4) It was not Jesus’ fault…..
One of the most-broken of the Ten Commandments is the last: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Obviously our 21st century application would change part of the list, but think about these things: (1) Coveting isn’t about wanting something you don’t have, it’s about wanting something that is off limits to you because it belongs to…..
After all, according to His eye-witness biographers, Jesus did raise several people from death: His friend Lazarus, the widow’s son, and Jairus’ daughter. So why didn’t He do that much more frequently? Wouldn’t it have been a staggering witness of His identity and power to unbelievers if He had regularly robbed the grave and restored life to those who had ceased to live? Couldn’t God still do that today? What a witness it would be if God regularly brought people…..
My morning Bible reading included these words of Jesus from Matthew 24: “So you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” Even those of us who really do believe His promise to return, seldom live in expectancy of that momentous event. He anticipated that response in those who reason, “My master is staying away a LONG TIME” (24:48). Perhaps this was a tip off that His return would…..
“Worshipping together” is what Jesus’ followers do every Sunday — prioritizing coming together with other Christians to celebrate God–who He is, what He has done, and what He will do–as well as to encourage and help each other. “Worshiping alone” is what Jesus’ followers do all week: living intentionally in the presence of God by (1) setting times to talk to God (prayer) and listen to God (Bible reading), (2) maintaining a running conversation with God, (3) meditating on Scripture,…..
World renowned Australian atheist,Bill Hayden, at age 85, has renounced his atheism and been baptized into the Catholic Church. What brought this octogenarian to faith in Jesus after not believing in God throughout many decades of his adult life? The former Labor Leader and Governor-General said that his decision was prompted by “witnessing so many selfless acts of compassion by Christians, and deep contemplation while recovering from a stroke.” For all of us who profess to follow Jesus, this is…..
“Stop saying ‘the Bible says’” sounds shocking till you read the rest of what Andy Stanley said. God used people to write the Bible, and knowing their story gives credibility that some people might miss without a second look because they can too easily be disinterested in or haven’t been convinced about “the Bible.” God chose to give us the Bible through people — human authors guided by the Holy Spirit; people with remarkable stories that make it hard to…..
Yesterday I chased two would-be thieves out of my back yard. When I showed up they were so afraid of me that they both jumped the fence in a single leap. Don’t be overly impressed by my intimidating crime prevention. The would-be thieves were a doe and fawn who were about to devour my not-quite ripe tomatoes. Now I know why a number of them have disappeared from the vines. In reality, I didn’t intentionally chase them off–I love deer…..
Visiting Maple Grove Community Church during their honeymoon, Brendan and Tanya glanced at each other with raised eyebrows when they realized that the pastor was a woman. Both came from churches where there had been unchallenged agreement that the Bible limits the pastoral office to men. They grew up being reminded that the Bible commands that women “should remain silent” in the church (1 Cor. 14:34)and that they are notpermitted “to teach or to have authority over a man”(1 Tim.2:23)……
Welcome. My name is Bill Rudd, author of Should Women Be Pastors and Leaders in Church? My Journey to Discover What the Bible Says About Gender Roles. I’m so happy to have you as a visitor to my blog. I’ve connected this blog to my website about my book because I hope to share my excitement about my journey and the things I’m learning about gender roles in the Bible. I’ll be sharing personal stories and biblical- and life-related thoughts, some guest…..
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