Jesus set up a dichotomy between two different kinds of influences on our lives. One leads to life and the other to destruction. Which influence will we allow into our lives?...

In Jesus’ day, shepherds lived on the fringes of society. So, for Jesus to name himself as the Good Shepherd in this text may have been a shock to the original...

Go to any local bookstore and you will likely find a section titled “Self-Help,” entirely devoted to ways to improve a person’s life. Book after book guides us toward maximizing our...

In modern day Israel/Palestine, just east of Jerusalem, there is a wilderness called the Wadi Qelt. It is a deep valley, surrounded by steep, imposing cliffs dotted with caves and crevices....

Tucked amid the tranquil images of Psalm 23, between green pastures, still waters, and an eternal dwelling place, there is this inescapable reality of life: the valley of the shadow of...

The first time Christians gathered in community—before there were impressive sanctuaries, paid professional staff, and denominational structures—they focused on four essential communal practices. They worshiped together. They grew in their faith...

In the wake of Pentecost, we find the early Christians conducting activities familiar to faith communities today: fellowshiping, breaking bread, singing songs, learning and growing, serving others. But before they undertook...

At the beginning of today’s scripture passage, Jesus reveals himself to the disciples through Communion. “When [Jesus] was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and...

Luke’s Gospel account of the walk to Emmaus in chapter 24 is a powerful example of God’s promise to be with us always. Nothing in this life, including death, can separate...

It is easy for us to focus on the material things of this world. Every day we go to work, drive the kids to school, cook meals, prepare for the next...