When I was young, I thought that following God and being a Christian would lead to a life that was kind of easy, filled only with happiness and free from pain and sorrow. Silly me. I’m not even sure where I got that idea, except maybe from teachings spouted by TV evangelists who espoused a…
Prayer: The Garden of Gethsemane
“Not My Will, but Yours” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:41–42 Gethsemane means “oil press.” The Garden of Gethsemane is mentioned in Matthew 26:36: Then Jesus went…
All Things New: The Hope of Renewal
Picture a treasure chest. Not a small box that might hold jewelry on a girl’s nightstand — a large treasure chest, larger than any suitcase you own, larger than any suitcase you’ve ever seen. Picture a massive oak treasure chest, like pirates might have used, with large iron hinges and a huge clasp. The size…
Engaging the Mind: Paul in the Stoa of Athens
I remember my first visit to the legendary city of Athens like it was yesterday. I arrived at night, and my first view of the Acropolis and the beautiful temple of Athena — the Parthenon — was unforgettable. Floodlights illuminated that magnificent structure against the night sky. The beauty and power of the Parthenon…