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How did the early church view the Words of Jesus? Let’s talk about it on Deeper Waters. Last night I was reading Ken Bailey’s latest book “Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes.” It’s a fascinating look at 1 Corinthians and I urge everyone to read it. What I was reading was about 1 Corinthians 9 and something was said that was one of those things we know already, but we don’t really think about until it hits us right...

Does it matter that Jesus was a Jew? Let’s talk about it today at Deeper Waters. For those who don’t know, I’ve taken a new job on the night shift and since I work by myself or with one another, I have found that I can listen to the radio or to podcasts. I have been playing much of N.T. Wright who frequently speaks about the relation of Jesus to Second Temple Judaism. What makes this interesting for me is that a lady I work back...

There has been much written about the scourge of Photoshop, the program that enhances nearly every photo we see in magazines and on the net. Every blemish, every wart gone. No fat from that Christmas candy. Every muscle perfectly toned from hours of disciplined exercise, oh, sorry, every muscle perfectly toned from a few clicks of a mouse.    With the right computer program, you can even generate a completely artificial computer perfection. The...

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.(Mark 14.61b-62 ) I remember back to my early days as a Christian, shortly after conversion. I was gobbling up everything that I could get my hands on. I felt like a whole new aspect of reality was opened to me. But after a short time I...

Worshipping with 13,000 leaders right now at Catalyst. The theme is BE PRESENT. I am: humbled convicted blessed indebted grateful Overflowing with deep connection to our GOD. Here is what I want to tell you from God’s heart to yours: I love you. I have given you everything you need. I am fully pleased with you. I see my Son Jesus in you. You have no need to be afraid. You have no need to worry. I will take care of you. I will protect yo...

“You are holding what is destined to be one of the worst-selling books of all time.” – Todd Friel This is an ‘endorsement’ for a new book entitled The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus: Bowing to the Gracious Despot by Mike Abendroth. The endorser’s point is simple: people don’t like to be ruled because they want to rule. And therefore, they don’t like Jesus the king because they prefer Jesus ...

There was once a day when soldiers and kings mocked Jesus with the props for a fake king. However, there is a day coming when his opponents will bow before him in all regal splendor as he wields a real scepter and makes true judgments. To his cross and above his head in shame, his enemies affixed the mocking title of king. However, in his eternal decree, and to his everlasting glory, Almighty God has affixed this indelible inscription: “I have ...

(This is a guest post by my 15-year-old son, Bryce.) Presidents have always made promises while they run for office. Many times these promises are so huge, so attractive, and their only purpose is to obtain more votes. But when they are actually elected, they seem to have a completely different agenda than before, and the promises are not kept. This is a trademark of the leaders of this world. Deception, even lies, are simply the way to win. Ever...

The scene is hard to imagine.  With the Last Supper’s lingering taste still in their mouths the disciples are led with Jesus out toward the Mount of Olives.  The time of Christ’s crucifixion is at hand. But prior to proceeding on the Scripture includes a remarkable detail: (Mar 14.26) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives Can you imagine this scene?  This is a precious time of singing with the Lord Jesus as h...

“and again, as was his custom, he taught them” (Mark 10.1c) Sometimes, when reading the life of Jesus, we jump over seemingly minor details to get to bigger details that we we know are coming. I would argue, however, that there really are no insignificant items. Take for instance the above reference to Jesus teaching the crowds. We know that Mark 10 goes on to provide a highly charged debate between Jesus and the Pharisess on the topi...