Fulfillment
Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17). How? By commanding the royal law (James 2:8). Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (God is love). And the ways of Jesus fulfill the law.
Word for Word
One Greek word for 'word' is logos. It refers to a message, reason, logic, or revealed wisdom. The scriptures are what God has to say in written form. Jesus is what God has to say in living form.
Tumbled Brick
Years ago, we had the chance to build a new house. The exterior was a combination of cedar and brick. For the brick, we chose an option that has been tumbled before firing, resulting in a more irregular texture.
Forgiving Oneself
Forgiveness is about creating a space for reconciliation and healing. Sometimes we commit offenses against ourselves. We tell ourselves things God would never say. We foolishly put ourselves in harm's way, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
Through and Through
The New Testament envisions the Church being thoroughly saturated with ⏤ marinated in ⏤ the character and ways of Jesus. We take the Father's name. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Sovereign Servant
We can scarcely imagine sovereignty apart from control. Words like dominion, majesty, and preeminence describe an exalted position. With that position comes authority.
I Don't Trust Myself
I enjoy philosophy (love of wisdom). As an engineer, I appreciate the value of systems and processes. But where is the wisdom rooted? How pure is the aim?
Status
At some point, money and agency are no longer matters of survival or even comfort. They morph into wealth and power, seized to ratchet up status. Worldly status.
Face to Face and Side by Side
Some interactions are face-to-face. Your attention's on me, and I'm focused on you. Other times we're side-by-side, looking at the same thing and sharing our thoughts about it.
Cultural Kintsugi
People ask, "How do I bring the Kingdom into my workplace?" I suggest not with a bulldozer or a hammer.
Cost of Ownership
Some cars have a high cost of ownership. But people happily buy them for a particular lifestyle.
The Interpretive Key
Have you noticed Christians use the same language, from the same texts, yet seem so different? Mother Teresa and the Crusaders. Domination and withdrawal. Prosperity and asceticism.