In the 3rd and 4th chapter of John Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman seem to be polar opposites on the surface but they are actually the same on the inside. Both of them are too worried about what people think. Nicodemus had a good reputation. The Samaritan woman had a bad reputation. Both of them […]
Tag Archives: grace
“Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’” (Jn 8:10). This is one of the most riveting scenes in the Bible. It perfectly encapsulates God’s mercy and justice. This woman has been set up, preyed upon. She is but collateral damage for the religious leaders real target. […]
Jesus spent 3.5 years doing things for others. He healed, preached, taught, even fed people. The crowds were always great because the need was great. But at Gethsemane everything changed. Overnight Jesus went from doing things for others, to having things done to Him. Betrayed, kissed, arrested, passed around, beaten, humiliated, and finally killed. And […]
Luke 15:13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” It is easy for some to disassociate themselves from the prodigal story. And yet if we looked just a little below the surface we would find we […]
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8 (ESV) God certainly knew what He was doing when He created the Sabbath. It’s something we all need. So why are those who keep the Sabbath misrepresented as Pharisees, or legalists? Is it more legalistic to trust in God by obeying Him and resting in […]
The Lance Armstrong fiasco has been filling the media outlets the past few weeks. We have heard crys demanding better monitoring, demanding the truth, demanding justice. The social media realms have been ablaze with cries for the truth. Many were appalled at the interview he had with Oprah. They weren’t satisfied with his comments. I […]
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. In Paul’s first epistle to the church of Corinth, in chapter 13, we have the famous chapter […]
Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. This verse reminds […]
2 Kings 5:13 (NIV) Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” Surely it can’t be that easy. There must be something else I need […]
Richie Halversen 