Disciples Sent to Speak God’s Word of Love to a Cold World.

In the days following Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples of Jesus locked themselves away in self-isolation for fear that the Romans and Jews might arrest them for being followers of Jesus. This self-isolation was very similar to that which many people today have had to experience due to fear and anxiety. Throughout the entire time of the disciples’ isolation, Jesus appeared to His disciples and strengthened them with assurances of His resurrection, peace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit by which He would always be present in their lives. Continue reading →

“Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good; His Steadfast Love Endures Forever.”

Have you ever noticed how people speak to one another when they fall in love? Once they have first gained the courage to tell the other person that they love him or her, they begin to use this expression quite frequently. As it begins to loose some of its impact, they begin to use expressions like “very much,” or “very, very much.” Ultimately, people who are in love tell the other person that they love the other so much that they will love them “forever,” or for “all eternity.” In fact, if the person you love ever tells you that they love you so much that they will love you until next Thursday, you can be pretty sure that your relationship is in trouble. Continue reading →

“Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has risen just as He said” (Matthew 28:5)

In uncertain times, fear is something with which we are all familiar. After the death of Jesus, His disciples ran away fearful of what the future might mean without Him. As we see war raging in many parts of the world, and hear of political leaders uttering threats to once friendly countries around the world, and economic uncertainty looms on the horizon, fear threatens to over-take all of our lives. Continue reading →