born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
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 →
I have been graced to be a father, an elder, a preacher, a brother, and a friend. Inside me, there exists a deep-seated instinct—a longing to step forward and bear the burdens of those teetering on the edge of despair. Yet, the essence of our calling does not rest on the shoulders of one to... Continue Reading →
In every age, there whispers the tale of leaders seduced by power, only to see their dominions, as transient as paper, dissolve beneath the weight of their arrogance. The Scriptures cast light on this human penchant with narratives that resonate across the ages. Through the lives of monarchs and prophets, of affluence and ruin, the... Continue Reading →
The Scriptures strongly emphasize the virtues of compassion and empathy, urging us to engage deeply with the emotions of others. Romans 12:15, for example, teaches us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." This should remind us of the importance of sharing in the emotional states of others without judgment or comparison.... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 