Jesus in 2 Peter

Jesus in 2 Peter

Our background gate today sits on a piece of property which once used to be vacant and barren.  It was just a lonely empty field, on the corner of a busy street … with a dilapidated house and…
Jesus in 1 Peter

Jesus in 1 Peter

Our gate today is not a fancy gate.  It does not even have a hinge.  Nevertheless, this gate is very effective at doing the work of a gate. -  It swings open and shut. -  It provides protection.…
Jesus in James

Jesus in James

Taking a quick glance at our background photo today, one would not even question whether or not this is a gate. However … upon taking a closer look, the question arises:  Is this really a gate??  It doesn’t…
Jesus in Hebrews

Jesus in Hebrews

Our background gate today is weary.  It is weathered and worn down. So also the book of Hebrews was written to people who were weary.  They were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus.  They were worn out.…
Jesus in Philemon

Jesus in Philemon

Our gate today is a very warm welcoming gate.  It looks like we are coming home. As humans we are well-aware that we make mistakes.  We fail.  We mess up. Yet God offers us grace and forgiveness. Because…
Jesus in Titus

Jesus in Titus

What does it mean to be a Christian??   What does it look like to live the Christian life?? The book of Titus offers the answer. The island of Crete is located in the Mediterranean Sea, below Greece and…
The Hope of New Life

The Hope of New Life

When we moved into our home a couple of years ago, there existed underneath the back deck a small bird’s nest.  It was built high in a protected corner and served as home for many little bird babies…
Jesus in 2 Timothy

Jesus in 2 Timothy

Our gate today is a lonely gate … near the bottom of a steep hill.  It is a chained gate. In the book of 2 Timothy, we see that the Apostle Paul is lonely.  Everyone has deserted him.…
Jesus in 1 Timothy

Jesus in 1 Timothy

Throughout the Bible, the people of God are often referred to as “sheep.” -  Isaiah 53:6 – “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” -  Matthew 9:36 – “When…
Passover Seder

Passover Seder

The shadows gather. Day comes to an end. Candles are lit. Passover begins. The first cup is passed. The blessing is said. “I will bring you out” – from Exodus is read. The sacrifice of a pure, spotless…