born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
Imagine stepping into a bustling marketplace. Signs everywhere, voices calling, colors popping. But here’s the twist: you are not there to buy anything—they are there to buy you. This is where we are today. In 2024, advertisers in the U.S. alone are spending around $373 billion, all directed toward capturing our time, emotions, and, ultimately,... Continue Reading →
“Don’t go to stupid places; don’t associate with stupid people; don’t do stupid things.” ~ John Farnham “Don’t go to stupid places.” The idea here is simple: stay away from places where trouble breeds. The Proverbs provide vivid warnings about staying off paths that lead nowhere good. “Do not enter the path of the wicked,... Continue Reading →
We stand on the wisdom of those who have gone before us, who faced pressures and powers that felt insurmountable. When Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), He was drawing a line—a reminder that, as citizens of His kingdom, our loyalties, our battles, and our victories are not found in... Continue Reading →
Peter’s story with Jesus begins with water. It all starts in Luke 5. Peter is just a fisherman out on the lake, cleaning his empty nets after a long night. Then Jesus steps into his boat, teaching the crowds from there, and afterward, He tells Peter to cast his nets again. Though he’s exhausted and skeptical,... Continue Reading →
Harrison, C. (n.d.). Visualizations of the Bible: Bible Cross-References. Chris Harrison. https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleVizThis visualization highlights the interconnectedness of scripture, illustrating how the Old and New Testaments form a unified narrative, as demonstrated in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. 1. Scripture as a Unified Narrative When Jesus and the apostles refer to the Old Testament,... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 