These Dangerous Days

The Boston Marathon bombing was a shock to America. "We are such nice people. Why would anybody want to bomb us?"

But in fact, our society is becoming less and less civil as time progresses. Anything goes but nothing matters. Everyone pursues his or her own goals - even if it means running over other people to get there.

Spring Days

One of the things I like about living here is the changes in the seasons. I can appreciate each of the seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - but my favorites are Spring and Fall.

Summer is hot. Winter is cold. Spring and Fall have the mildest temperatures and the dramatic changes to foliage.

Tuesday was sunny and warm. Wednesday we had a steady rain and falling temperatures.
Today started with temperatures below freezing, but it is sunny and will be nice.

The grass is green. The trees are leafing out. Spring flowers are still blooming, but the magnolia tree a few blocks over is losing its blossoms.

Early in the morning - in the early light 30 minutes before the dawn - the birds begin to sing their Spring songs. The robins, the sparrows, the cardinals all sing loudly. When it is full light they quit to work on building nests. (Too bad that here in the city we don't have some wild turkeys. That would add a special music to the morning songs.)

Nine Lessons For Disciples

Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after his resurrection and convinced them that he was really alive. But after a month he ascended to heaven and left them to carry on as witnesses - to convince others that he was really alive.

John 21 recounts nine lessons for the disciples that would help them in this task that is continuing today. Nine lessons for living as Jesus' disciples in the world after his resurrection and ascension to heaven.

Believing

The Gospel of John comes down to the statement of purpose in John 20:31, "...but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."

In this message we look at what believing really is and why someone should believe on Jesus.

Resurrection Religion

Most religions in the world provide systems by which people try to earn God's favor through good behavior and religious ritual. But biblical Christianity is supposed to be completely different. The letter to the Colossians highlights the differences. It says, "If then you have been raised with Christ..." you should not be living according to the elementary principles of this world.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes all the difference!