Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And … Continue reading Encounters in the border land
Grace
The radical, nonsensical nature of grace
Grace makes absolutely no sense. From a biblical standpoint, most of us can accept this. God’s grace for us cannot be earned. We are unworthy. And yet, God poured out grace on us in the blessed blood of his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are taught that, most of us, from the earliest days … Continue reading The radical, nonsensical nature of grace
Grace that won’t be shaken
“'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 Ancient peoples often attributed natural disasters, including earthquakes, to the power of angry gods. Anger the gods, the … Continue reading Grace that won’t be shaken
Christian authors urge faithful to focus on grace, unconditional love
ENID, Okla. — Two nationally-known Christian authors urged the faithful to focus not on legalism and behavior, but rather on God's grace and unconditional love, during a 10-part conference on grace hosted by Emmanuel Enid. The "Too Good to be True" conference featured talks by Jeff VanVonderen, an interventionist on the A&E show "Intervention" and author … Continue reading Christian authors urge faithful to focus on grace, unconditional love
A taste sweeter than honey
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:103-104 “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” That quote from the 1958 film “Auntie Mame” could apply to the state of Christianity today. Faith … Continue reading A taste sweeter than honey
Stay in the fight
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ … stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27-28 We must strive to live up to the gospel. But, we sin. In ways great and … Continue reading Stay in the fight
Set down your yoke, through grace
“Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Acts 15:10-11 This passage recalls an encounter between two … Continue reading Set down your yoke, through grace
The work of hearts and hands
“Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Matthew 15:10-11 All those listening to these words would have been raised under Mosaic Law – a collection of 613 laws that governed every aspect of life, from birth to death and … Continue reading The work of hearts and hands
Set down your boulder
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 In Greek mythology Sisyphus was a man of excessive pride, who believed he could outsmart the gods. As punishment, Sisyphus … Continue reading Set down your boulder
Fostering understanding through ‘Mercy’
OKLAHOMA CITY — As a boy, Imam Imad Enchassi saw two radically different views of Christianity — one of peace and love, the other of violence committed in God's name. As an adult, Enchassi works to foster peace and understanding between Oklahoma's Muslim community and Christians, Jews and other faith groups — a mission he … Continue reading Fostering understanding through ‘Mercy’
James R. Neal 