born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
In the intricate quilt of a local church, unity threads its way through the very heart of a Christian community. The words of King Jesus fervently prayed for the unity of His saints. They emphasized its deep importance (John 17:20-21). David, too, painted a vivid picture of the blessings of unity in Psalm 133, extolling its... Continue Reading →
Let's embark on a profound exploration of charity and forgiveness through the sacred pages of Scripture. Our endeavor seeks to unveil the timeless wisdom nestled within the Bible and learn how these principles can shape our daily adventure. The journey begins with the essence of charity, or love, as illuminated in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. The... Continue Reading →
In the gospel of King Jesus, we find a profound commandment: to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35; Eph. 5:2; 1 John 2:7-8; 3:11, 23; 4:21). This brotherly love is vividly illustrated through the parable of the Good Samaritan, teaching us how to extend love to our neighbors (Luke 10:25-37). Let's... Continue Reading →
In the face of tribulation, many Christians grapple with discouragement, contemplating abandoning their service to the Lord. Challenging circumstances can drain our enthusiasm, leaving us questioning whether God has failed them. Tribulation is inevitable in the human experience, affecting Christians and non-Christians alike. Paul discovered comfort during tribulation despite facing severe hardships. In 2 Corinthians... Continue Reading →
The Story of the Bible rotates around the tension between two fundamental constructs of human existence: God's garden and man's city. This conflict can be traced back to the beginning, as detailed in Genesis 1-2 and Genesis 4:16-17. These passages give us insight into the foundational struggles that have shaped human history. God's Garden In the opening chapters... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 