Sketch by Patrick Murphy: inspiredsketch.blogspot.com “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Gal. 2:19-20, HCSB). This is one of the most…
Category: The Gospel
The Key of David
The book of Revelation has fascinated and bewildered readers since it was written. Among the scriptures, it is perhaps unrivaled in its use of images, symbols, and prophetic theater. Yet nearly all the images, symbols, and dramatic events in Revelation can be found elsewhere in scripture. Revelation isn’t unique as far as its content goes….
Facing Incompleteness
The old covenant high priest in his ministerial garments “Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God” (Rev.3:2). Jesus said this to the church at Sardis. A more literal (but akward) translation would read, “I have not found your works made…
Thumbs Up!
As one called to preach and write about Christ, God often challenges my motives. Why do I do what I do? Am I still functioning out of His life and calling? Have I slipped into letting ambition drive me? Do my own efforts sustain what I do or am I energized by Christ’s energy? (Col….
A Worthy Answer
Icon of the Apostle John When the holy Evangelist John had lived to extreme old age in Ephesus, he could be carried only with difficulty by the hands of the disciples, and as he was not able to pronounce more words, he was accustomed to say at every assembly, “Little children, love one another.” At…
Interpretive Hypocrisy
At a men’s group this morning, we discussed how to interpret the Bible. Our conversation reminded me of a booklet I wrote: “This Is What Is Written: What the Scriptures Say about Their Interpretation.” Below is the introduction: For most Christians, how to interpret the scriptures is central to their beliefs. After all, the way someone interprets…
The Gospel According to Jim Zorn
My favorite football team is the Seattle Seahawks. They just played an unforgettable game against the Greenbay Packers. The Hawks were behind the entire game. In the last few minutes of the fourth quarter, they tied the game and forced it into overtime. Everyone was saucer-eyed and open-mouthed as the Seahawks scored the touchdown that…
Another Face in the Crowd
Minions from Despicable Me Most of the time, I don’t feel very spiritual. I feel average. My day is filled with mundane things like brushing my teeth, going to work, caring for kids, taking out the garbage, etc. Amidst daily responsibilities and stressors, sometimes I keep my humor, sometimes I don’t. On occasion I’m a shining…
Come!
Revelation ends with an invitation: “Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Anyone who hears should say, ‘Come!’” (Rev. 22:17). I’ve often heard that the Spirit and the bride are saying “Come” to Jesus. But the next sentence says, “And the one who is thirsty should come.” John does say, “AMEN! Come Lord Jesus”…
Worth
Only one is of ultimate worth–God–because He gave with no thought for Himself. He gave knowing full well how much He would suffer, and He gave anyway. No one has ever done that. That is why I love and worship Jesus alone. And if His selfless love is manifest through me in even the smallest…
The Voice of One 