born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
Sometimes, understanding where we stand with God—especially about something as big and mysterious as our forever future—can get tricky. It's like this tension doesn't easily go away. On one side, you have this fear that maybe, just maybe, we could mess up big time and lose out on God's love. And on the other, there's... Continue Reading →
It's fair to acknowledge that for many who view church attendance as increasingly optional, reserved for the deeply religious, or particularly committed, it's crucial to reassess the value of our presence in the church community. With that in mind, here are a few things to think about. The encouragement from Hebrews 10:23-25 speaks directly to us: "Let... Continue Reading →
The Garden of Eden is not merely a location from the early pages of the Bible; it is the fertile ground from which foundational theological concepts grow. This narrative, deeply embedded in the soil of Genesis, provides rich insights into sin and redemption, free will, and the human relationship with creation. The genesis of all... 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 in good health and spirits. As I journey through Israel's remarkable landscapes, I am reminded... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 