Matthew 3:13-15

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then...

What is Preaching? Jan16

What is Preaching?

I want to ask you a question. It might sound like a slightly odd question, but it’s nevertheless genuine. So here it is: “What is preaching?” The reason it might sound odd is that, well, I teaching preaching, and you’d think I’d know what it is I’m teaching. But in recent years...

Matthew 3:7-12

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able...

The Power of Humor and Determination

Humor – particularly the ability to laugh at one’s own faults, foibles and circumstances – combined with determination is a powerful combination. I found this TED Talk amazing because comedian, actor, writer, philanthropist, and advocate Maysoon Zayid is just that: this unstoppable force of humor and determination. I won’t say much more, because I don’t want to spoil your fun. But I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy — and inspired by — her 14 minutes of candor, humor, and unquenchable spirit. Note: If you are receiving this post by email, you may need to click the title at the top of the post to watch the...

Matthew 3:1-6

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his...