“Affirming The All-Merciful’s Affirmation of Us” “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 by Dr. Ralph Blair (PDF version here) Along with Philippians 4:13, Tim Tebow’s favored eyeblack is John 3:16, the second most…
“Participating in His Providence” “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.” Jeremiah 29:11 (PDF version here) Each of the three top-tweeted Bible verses reveals that God initiates our relationship with Him and…
Your Story in His Story The 2015 Evangelicals Concerned Autumn Weekend in Ocean Grove October 9 – 11, 2015 Thornley Chapel Commemorating the Centennials of Anna Bartlett Warner, Fanny Jane Crosby, William Howard Doane and Booker T. Washington Including Three Teachings by Dr. Ralph Blair “The Bible Tells Me So”, “This is My Story” and…
To Reject or Receive God’s Reign Matthew 13:1-30, 36-43 In July, Time magazine published The 100 Most Influential People Who Never Lived. Editors drew up this list of fictional characters with some help from “contributors” such as F. Murray Abraham, Jodie Foster and Chris Colfer. The public then voted for its top choices from…
The Humility of God’s Reign Matthew 18:1-10 One day, Jesus did more than merely tell a parable. He produced a parable. He portrayed a parable. He presented a little child in tableau vivant – a “living picture”. Then, as now, a picture can mean more than mere words. But, still, just as ears must be…
God’s Revolution and Reign Mark 2:16-17, 21-22; Luke 5:36-39 Let’s hear God’s word: “When the scribes of the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples: ‘Why is he eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?’ ” “Sinners” was a catchall term for all Jews who didn’t follow…