When you join the celebration, you validate mercy.

Luke 15:1-10

February 19, 2012

Occupied and annexed

Imagine living in Judea during the time of Jesus’ life.  It’s been 1500 years since Moses gave his people God’s ten commandments, and a full millennium since the glory days when David and Solomon led Israel as the regional superpower.  The last six or seven centuries have mostly been lived under the rule of a series of occupying empires – Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.  None of these shared Israel’s faith in one God or its unique spiritual culture honoring the sanctity of sex within marriage and the rhythm of one day in seven as a Sabbath for rest and worship.  The Greeks in particular had “Hellenized” every place they conquered, imposing their language and culture.

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It’s rare to find a new book on an old subject with a fresh approach based on ancient advice.

The Kellers’ book on marriage is all of that and more.  Wherever you are in the marriage journey, but especially if you’re somewhere between unattached and newlywed, I highly recommend you read this book.  It’s especially appropriate as Valentine’s Day comes around again.

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You can’t take Jesus for a test drive.

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46

February 5, 2012

Kingdom ideals

There is no shortage of expressions these days for what an ideal America would look like.  You probably have your own ideas.  So do the presidential candidates.

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               The current issue of Christianity Today includes a fascinating article on strategies to help the poor in developing countries.  How would you rank the following in order of effectiveness?  I rearranged the list in alphabetical order the way the strategies appeared in the article.

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I’m currently leading a six-week Sunday School class for Corinth members who travel on business and their spouses.  Yesterday’s class was on marriage and family life, and I thought the reflections that emerged from the class might be helpful to share with a wider group.

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