Gossip: Evidence of a debased mind

Gossip: Evidence of a debased mind

What do you think of when you hear the term “a debased mind”? A deranged serial killer? A sexual predator? A heartless dictator? Of all the sins you would associate with “a debased mind,” how far down the list is gossip? When Paul wrote to the Romans of God giving...
Principles for peacemakers

Principles for peacemakers

If you have worked with children in any capacity, perhaps you can picture this scene: Two children come screaming to you, fighting over a particular toy. Each insists that he had it first and that the other took it from him. The solution appears simple: Remove the toy...
All the King’s men: In a brother’s shadow

All the King’s men: In a brother’s shadow

When we think of the apostles, Peter, James, and John quickly come to mind. These three formed an inner circle with Jesus. They alone witnessed the resurrection of Jairus’s daughter. They alone saw Jesus transfigured. Jesus took those three with him into Gethsemane...
All the King’s men: Extraordinarily ordinary

All the King’s men: Extraordinarily ordinary

Previously, I introduced this little mini-series considering the lives and ministries of the twelve apostles, with the intention of separate posts considering lessons from each of their lives. In every list of the apostles, the “first” is “Simon, who is called Peter”...
Warning and hope

Warning and hope

Paul was no lone ranger. In general church life and in gospel ministry he surrounded himself with those who would encourage and strengthen him. Sometimes, however, other Christians deeply disappointed him. His honesty about both his encouragements and his...
Bushfires and the Bible

Bushfires and the Bible

Australia is no stranger to seasonal bushfires. Stories and images of this season’s fires are impossible to miss. While the current disaster is hardly the worst in recorded history (the 1974–75 fires consumed in excess of 95 million hectares, compared to the present...