Author Archives: Roots Disciple-Maker and Trainer

In June, we are making our way in the New Testament from narratives to letters.  The first set of letters come from the Apostle Paul, beginning with Romans.  This week’s blog covers Romans, perhaps Paul’s most famous letter.  This letter is often seen as a mini theological handbook.  However, it is best to view itContinue reading “Romans”

First Kings is to be understood together with 2 Kings.  This blog will explore 1 Kings.  These two books conclude a history of Israel that begin with Joshua.  Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, and 1-2 Kings tell the story of entry into the Promised Land and exile from it.  First Kings represents both the highContinue reading “1 Kings”

In last month’s special topic post, Pastor Peter answered the question, “What is the Bible?”  Part of his answer was, “the biblical history tells a story for a particular purpose, from a particular perspective, and to a particular people.”  I want to spend some time in this blog unpacking what makes the Biblical narrative aContinue reading “Special Topic: The Story of Redemption”

The first sermon I ever preached was from Acts 4:1-22, and I gave it the title, “Risk: Fearing Nothing But God.”  I think I chose that title as a kind of pep-talk to myself because I knew I had to stand up in front of 1500 people and preach three times that Sunday.  I wasContinue reading “The Acts of the Apostles”

The Church’s Hymnal.  The Psalms were collected and ordered the way we currently have them on purpose.  While each Psalm stands alone, each one is rather like a tree in a forest.  Yes it stands alone, but it also can be seen as an integral part of the overall forest.  We do well to lookContinue reading “Psalms, Part 4”

The Bible contains some of the most magnificent literature in the world.  The books of 1-2 Samuel tell well-told and gripping stories of a unique time in Israel’s history.  First Samuels speaks of the transition to monarch, and 2 Samuel is about the rise and fall of David.  Let’s spend a bit of time inContinue reading “1-2 Samuel”

If you receive 4 pieces of mail in the morning, you will read each one depending on what kind of mail it is.  You may receive a utility bill, an advertisement from a local realtor, a thank you note from your niece, and an update letter from a missionary you support.   If these letters areContinue reading “Special Topic: What is the Bible?”

Have you ever heard the phrase, “one of these is not like the other”?  In a sense, these words apply to the Gospel of John among the four Gospels in the New Testament.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called “the Synoptics,” because they share a similar (syn) perspective (optics).  Let’s explore together what makes theContinue reading “The Gospel of John”

Today is April 13, the day after Easter when we remember and celebrate the resurrection of our King Jesus.  Christ is risen and the King of kings reigns!  Tomorrow our Year in the Bible journey leads us into the Book of Judges where we are told story after story that illustrate our need for aContinue reading “Judges and Ruth”

The book of Joshua celebrates God’s faithfulness, as he leads God’s people to enter, conquer, and possess the Promised Land.  The faithfulness of God is upon display for all who read this book.  Let’s explore together how, in Joshua, God was and is faithful to his promises and his people. Knowing the place of theContinue reading “Joshua”