Jesus

The modern name for Bethany is Abu Dis, and is located on the Mount of Olives. It is possible to visit the traditional site of Lazarus' tomb, as well as other sites believed to be related to the story of Bethany.
Photo by John Buckner

Impossible Orders in Bethany

"Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha….And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus,...
Nazareth, Nazareth in the Holy Land, Where is Nazareth, Nazareth in the Bible

Nazareth  

Nazareth   “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto...
How To Tell Others About Jesus

How to Tell Others About Jesus

How to Tell Others About Jesus Do you know how to tell others about Jesus? Every Christian is to be a witness of the Christ who lives in them! Yet...
Ancient millstone in Capernaum, with the Sea of Galilee in the background. It is easy to imagine Jesus pointing and saying “It would be better to have that tied around your neck and be thrown in there!” 
Photo by John Buckner

Millstones in Capernaum

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him...
Jesus Taught On the Holy Spirit, What Jesus said about the spirit, understanding the Holy Spirit

Jesus Taught On the Holy Spirit

Truth and the Danger of Overcorrection  All of us who have driven for any length of time have experienced or witnessed the danger of overcorrecting. A slight distraction, a sudden...
Hymn Histories Blessed Assurance

Hymn History: Blessed Assurance

" Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."  - Hebrews...
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Countdown to Christmas

Can you imagine the days leading up to the birth of Christ? No family has ever had thoughts, emotions, and Christmas preparation like that first family! Joseph and Mary, thrilled...
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My First Sermon

Just a few days after my 13th birthday, I preached the first sermon I ever gave behind a pulpit. On that Sunday afternoon, in August, I spoke on the subject...
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Dealing with Sadness

In a generation deteriorating because of sin we must always guard against allowing our own spirits to deteriorate. Sad days must not become sad Christians! Many are sad because of...
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The Leader’s Most Sacred Work

The study of leadership is one that is as conflicted as it is popular. There is often more discussion and debate about leadership than there is real demonstration of it....
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5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)

For at least one day this week people thought of Christ. We have just come through Easter and much of the world has considered the story of Jesus and the...
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3 Times Jesus Wept And What We Learn From His Tears

Several months ago, I preached a message on the tears of Jesus. Our Savior was a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:5). This is more than mere...
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My Morning Meditation

Christ's greatest work was not done in a Temple or a synagogue. It was not accomplished through discussion with religious leaders or debate with skeptics. His work was done outside...
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How to Be Happy In An Unhappy World

My favorite book of the Bible is the little New Testament book of Philippians. I love it for many reasons, but most of all, because it is a book of...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

Portrait of a Peacemaker

In a world of strife peace is a wonderful thing.  There is a peace that is connected to truth and there is a peace that compromises it.  Peace can never...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

My First Sermon and What I am Now Learning From It

On a Thursday night in July of 1989 God made clear to me that He wanted me to be a preacher.  I was 12 years old and full of fear...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

3 Days I Never Want to Forget

Every day is a precious gift from God.  Even difficult days are reminders of God's mercy and grace.  I have enjoyed some wonderful days along the journey.  June 13, 1997...