#SV – Gritty Faith

The very reason that makes Christianity beautiful is the same that makes it challenging. For example, love is central to Christianity: Love is something beautiful, yet Christian love is very challenging because it includes the “love for enemies and prayers for persecutors” (Matt.5:44). Another example is the nature of Christian faith. On the one hand it is that absolute assurance of God’s abiding presence and help for which no one can ever dispute (Is.50:7). On the other hand, this faith is tested in good works and in suffering. The Apostle James makes it clear that faith without good works cannot … Continue reading #SV – Gritty Faith

#SV – Fixing the Interior

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalemgathered around Jesus,they observed that some of his disciples ate their mealswith unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. —For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,do not eat without carefully washing their hands,keeping the tradition of the elders.And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. —So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the eldersbut instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He … Continue reading #SV – Fixing the Interior