Jesus wasn't saying that you will get the kingdom if you are sweet enough, joyful enough, or innocent enough. He wasn't preaching works-based righteousness in any way. Instead, Jesus was making a comparison. Some people receive the kingdom. They receive it because they receive things like children receive things. The keyword is "receive." How do children receive things?
Read moreThe Life of David: Go Into the Undesirable (1 Samuel 20)
God is before all things, created all things, upholds all things, is above all things, owns all things, and is the rightful ruler of all things. “Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps” (Psalm 135:6). We call this the sovereignty of God. He is in control, which is good to understand, for we are not. (12 Minutes/3000 Words)
Read moreArchival Post & Podcast: Stop Turning to Miserable Comforters
Job, in the midst of a massive trial, had three friends who attempted to confront him with "their truth," which were all lies, and Job knew it. Though his perspective was not quite yet God's, he recognized a void of wisdom when he saw one. His three friends had not yet tapped into real truth. They had come, perhaps to comfort and console, but had done no such thing. (3 Minutes/600 Words)
Read moreThe Kingdom Is Received With Childlike Faith (Mark 10:15)
I've read and heard many -- contradictory -- interpretations of what Jesus meant. Scholars and pastors run wild with the child analogy Jesus used. I understand. It is tempting to talk up children's innocence, spontaneity, eagerness, or joy. (2 Minutes, 500 Words)
Read moreStop Turning to Miserable Comforters (Job 16:2)
Job, in the midst of a massive trial, had three friends who attempted to confront him with "their truth," which were all lies, and Job knew it. Though his perspective was not quite yet God's, he recognized a void of wisdom when he saw one. His three friends had not yet tapped into real truth. They had come, perhaps to comfort and console, but had done no such thing. (3 Minutes/600 Words)
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