born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
Picture this: a river, shimmering like crystal, flows straight from the throne of God and the Lamb. On its banks, the Tree of Life stands tall, producing fruit every season and offering leaves for the healing of nations. Revelation 22:1–5 paints a breathtaking scene that stirs the imagination and fills the heart with hope. But... Continue Reading →
Over the past few years, conversations about masculinity in the church have taken some troubling turns. It's not uncommon to hear claims that churches alienate men, stifle their leadership, or cater exclusively to women. These ideas aren't just floating around in quiet corners, they have been championed by well-known voices like Mark Driscoll, Doug Wilson,... Continue Reading →
Ever notice how easy it is to collect our old failures and disappointments, almost like trophies? I call it my "trophy case of shame." It's there in my mind, a case lined with memories and words I've heard over the years, each polished up and preserved. If you could see it, you'd find rows of... 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 →
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 →
Phillip W. Martin 