Edward Bolwell, ascension day, Acrylic Paint on MDF Board; 2017 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,”they said, “why do you …
The Demand of Jesus: we must die in order to live
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses …
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Is Spiritual Conflict Real?: guidance from the Apostle Paul
In Matthew 12:22-37 Jesus is accused of exorcising demons by the power of Satan. The entire episode raises an important question: is spiritual conflict, or spiritual warfare, real? The Apostle Paul addresses that pretty directly in the last chapter of the book of Ephesians, where he closes out the letter by writing these words: "Finally, …
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Too Long Delayed?: Kenneth Bailey on the parable of the young women in Matthew 25
This past Sunday in my message, "Keep Your Lamps Lit," I mentioned some insights from Kenneth E. Bailey about the parable of the ten young women and their lamps related to the wedding banquet. If you're not familiar with Bailey's work, particularly his book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies on the Gospels, I …
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Standing Firm in the Lord: a reflection on Ephesians 6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11) What always captures my attention in these verses is the reality of our conflict and the source of our defense. Paul takes it for …
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Matthew Erickson 