peace

Why Flee to the Mountains?

July 19, 2018 // 10 Comments

When trouble comes, you have two choices: fight or flight. Fleeing is the underrated choice. In these days of belligerence and bullying, the temptation is to fight or die. Yet Jesus told his disciples that there would be times when fleeing is the better option: Whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the [...]

Why Did Jesus Ask for Swords?

April 14, 2017 // 39 Comments

He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one… The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied. (Luke 22:36-38) On the night he was betrayed, Jesus commanded his disciples to buy [...]

How to Live at Peace in a Hostile World?

August 28, 2014 // 67 Comments

Our world is marred by violence, greed, and all the fruits of sin. What this world desperately needs is a revelation of Jesus and his peaceable kingdom. But how do we live at peace in a world of hostile Herods and Pharisees? Jesus said, “When you go someplace to preach the good news, let your peace rest on that [...]

The Test of Your Gospel

May 8, 2011 // 38 Comments

I once heard a preacher say that “80 to 90% of Christians are unacquainted with the gospel of grace.” I guess this estimate is not far off the mark as evidenced by the large numbers of believers who are still trying to earn what God has freely given them. If you were to ask these people about grace they would [...]