Six parables. That’s all Jesus needed to demystify the kingdom of heaven, making recognizable its continuity from Genesis to Revelation and 2,000 years of bewildering Church history. Having laid the foundation that He Himself is the Sower of good seed in the world, He builds upon it another parable to reveal what else God isContinue reading “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…Pt. 3: A Surprising Mustard Seed”
Category Archives: Gospels
The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…Pt. 2: The Sower of Good Seed
The kingdom of heaven is so vast, the Bible so colossally labyrinthine, and Christians so all over the map as to what this kingdom is all about that we desperately need light to cut through the fog. Jesus’ parables break forth as a breath of fresh air of simplicity in this stuffy room of complexityContinue reading “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…Pt. 2: The Sower of Good Seed”
The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…Pt 1: Have You Understood All These?
If you were asked to describe the kingdom of God, how would you do it? Oh, and you only get six analogies to compare it with. Here’s the kicker: your description of the kingdom of God has to encompass everything the Bible has revealed about it—all the Old Testament, the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and allContinue reading “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…Pt 1: Have You Understood All These?”
All He Asks of Me is to Shine
God has been shaking up the way I see Him in His world! What’s at the epicenter of this spiritual earthquake? Jesus’ parables. On Labor Day weekend I ventured west from Virginia in my ’09 RAV4 for a long anticipated journey to visit family and familiar landmarks from my childhood to college years in Indiana,Continue reading “All He Asks of Me is to Shine”
A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 3: Mary of Nazareth
Today many see Mary as a larger than life superhero who outshines the star of Bethlehem. Truly Mary had a glorious beginning. In response to the angel Gabriel’s astonishing announcement, this young girl’s faith shines: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38 ESV). Continue reading “A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 3: Mary of Nazareth”
A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 2: Mary of Bethany
A Mary can be found at key moments of Jesus’ life—Mary of Nazareth at birth, Mary of Bethany leading up to the cross, and Mary of Magdala in death. Our heavenly Father orchestrated time and space and people and events to reveal His Son, harmonizing these three Marys into His beautiful symphony. They are examplesContinue reading “A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 2: Mary of Bethany”
A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 1: Mary Magdalene
At the major milestones of our Lord Jesus’ time on earth, you find a Mary. At His birth is the virgin Mary. At the final week of His life is Mary of Bethany. At His death and resurrection is Mary Magdalene. These three Marys represent the highest love for Jesus found among women—and perhaps evenContinue reading “A Tale of Three Marys Pt. 1: Mary Magdalene”
Glory Unveiled: Discovering Jesus 