The central issue of the early Christian church centered on identity. Before Christianity emerged as distinct from Judaism, the question of observation of Jewish law was largely null. Jesus and his...

The issue of doubt remains ever present as the shadow side of belief. Even the most stalwart believers can find themselves in situations that generate doubt about God’s existence or the...

Many of us feel perpetually overwhelmed by financial difficulties, relationship problems, health issues, and more. All of these can weigh on us, leaving an impression in our souls. When I am...

I have two children under the age of four. I often spend my days in a cacophony of shouts, wild laughter, and shrieking tantrums. I frequently find myself competing with the...

One bedrock principle of the Protestant Reformation was justification by faith. We are not justified by meritorious works but by our faith in Jesus Christ. However, this principle depends upon a...

Marketing consultants tell companies that they must “brand” their products. Otherwise they won’t stand out from the other businesses around them. Branding employs external markers to distinguish a product from its...

Naboth’s widow and children could have written Psalm 5. The psalmist praises God as the one who takes no delight in evil, greed, dishonesty, or treachery. The psalmist’s God is the...

Israel’s royal ideology demands that its kings deliver the needy from oppression and defend the poor from violence. Jezebel and Ahab do not simply neglect this responsibility; they intentionally repudiate it...

King Ahab covets the vineyard next to his palace. He approaches its owner, Naboth, with an offer that he cannot refuse. But Naboth does refuse. He knows that his land is...

This story concludes with a description of several other women who follow Jesus. They too live generously and gratefully in response to Jesus’ healing and forgiveness. Like the Twelve, they are...