Finished!
When finished means more than done. “FINISHED!” the young boy yells to his mom as he slams his math notebook closed and heads outside. “Finished!” says the couple as they…
Practicing Christian freedom
In the first installment of "Free in Christ," you learn how two congregations offer adult Bible classes to their members. The approaches are different, but the goals and outcomes are…
Victorious
Jesus’ descent into hell celebrates the fulfillment of the first gospel promise ever made: Jesus would crush Satan’s head. We go to church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday—a solemn…
Saving connection
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” (Matthew 27:46). Lillie was entranced with…
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
You can learn volumes about a man by watching him die. Time is more precious than ever. It’s no occasion for small talk; only the most important words are worth…
Today you will be with me in paradise.
The condemned criminal hanging on a cross outside the walls of Jerusalem knew that he was guilty. He had committed the crimes for which Rome had condemned him. He deserved…
Woman, here is your son.
If one were to ask, “What did Jesus do to save us?” most Christians would answer, “He died on the cross to take away our sins.” And that would be…
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
The trial had finally ended. As I prepared to leave the parking garage after the sentencing, one of the jurors stopped me. “Were you with the man who was on…
I am thirsty.
“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked…
