born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
In the opening verses of Mark's Gospel, we embark on a profound journey from spiritual wilderness to a place of deep, transformative worship. Through the narrative crafted by Mark, inspired by his unique perspective and close relationship with Peter, we encounter the pivotal moments that define the mission and identity of Jesus Christ, the Son... Continue Reading →
In the concluding remarks to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the importance of offering spiritual sacrifices to the Lord, which include praising God, doing good, and sharing with others. This message from Hebrews 13:15-16 prompts us to consider how we can better practice our faith by actively engaging in positive actions. It reveals a critical aspect... Continue Reading →
The translation process inevitably involves betrayal or a loss of the original text's essence. This perspective has significant implications for translating the biblical text, a foundational religious and cultural document for many communities worldwide. Loss of Nuance: The original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—contain nuances, idioms, and cultural references that are often difficult... Continue Reading →
The theological echo between the narrative of Nain and the story of the Shunammite woman profoundly examines themes like compassion, resurrection, and divine intervention. Despite their unique contexts and challenges, these narratives share compelling parallels that encourage readers to identify deeper meanings about the essence of faith and the nature of the divine. In Luke... Continue Reading →
No one: Hey, it would be fun to revisit your trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel in 2019. For the next few days, you should post letters describing each day. Me: Say less Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you all well and joyful in the Lord. Today, I want to share the wonders and lessons... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 