born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
Exploring the Hebrew Bible reveals four pivotal encounters between humanity and Satan, each revealing unique insights into temptation, adversity, and divine justice. Here's a brief exploration of these encounters and their interconnected themes, viewed through the lens of their implications for us today. In the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3): Satan, appearing as a serpent, tempts... Continue Reading →
As we read Job, we encounter a man besieged by profound suffering and loss. His friends, who come with the intention of comfort, provide what Job calls “windy words” instead of solace and understanding. Job’s frustration with their lack of empathy and genuine support is captured vividly in his lament: “I have heard many such... Continue Reading →
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in... Continue Reading →
At the heart of Christian worship lies a practice rich in grace and remembrance: the Lord's Supper. This act, observed in countless gatherings every Sunday, invites us into a narrative far beyond our own, directly shaped by Jesus Himself. Through the Eucharist, we engage with the profound mystery of sharing in Christ's body and blood,... Continue Reading →
The journey of a quarterback is both celebrated and scrutinized. Consider this: of the 67 quarterbacks who have had the privilege to start in all 58 Super Bowls, 36 experienced the heartbreak of defeat in their first outing. Yet, among these, a resilient few—only three—overcame this setback, returning to compete again and secure victory. Their... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 