Focal Passage: Acts 2:5-16, 36-38  In this week’s study we examine probably one of the most discussed phenomena’s in the New Testament. When the Holy Spirit came upon the believers it marked one of the most remarkable events in the life of a follower of Jesus. Until this time, the Holy Spirit made His appearance in specific instances and only for certain period of time.   However, this time His

Focal Passage: Acts 1:4-11, 23-26  The book of Acts is wonderful and powerful piece of literature. It combines divine power evidenced in factual history in a story narrative. Most scholars believe that Luke is the author and the style is most definitely familiar with his.  There are also internal references as well. Take for instance the fact the book is addressed to Theophilus. We know that Luke’s Gospel was also

Focal Passage: Genesis 50:15-26  One of the mountain top verses of the Old Testament is “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, the saving of many lives.” A transformative verse for me.   A brief story. In the fall of 1983, I was 26 and a student at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Having completed my master of divinity in the spring, I had begun my

Focal Passage: Genesis 45:1-15  While the final note of the story of Joseph would come when the brothers no longer had the protection of their father after the death of Jacob when Joseph professed his love for them, the climax of the story took place in the revelation of Joseph to his brothers (45:1-15). The fulfillment of the dreams was now complete. The worst nightmare for the brothers became reality.

Focal Passage: Genesis 41:14-20, 33-37  As a widower, one of the things that I find joy in, is the occasional conversation with someone that remembers my wife and something that she did or one of her characteristics. We usually laugh about some wonderful memory. I enjoy remembering. I enjoy someone saying her name one more time. And I really enjoy that she is not forgotten. Being forgotten is a fear

Focal Passage: Genesis 39:7-21  All people face some kind of trauma in their life. Sometimes it happens because of their own actions. Sometimes it happens because of what others did. Sometimes there is no explanation.   After trauma occurs, the question becomes “what now?” The default position becomes “I’ve been hurt. I’m a victim. Because of this trauma, my life has been forever changed!” The story of Joseph details another

Focal Passage: Genesis 37:5-8; 18-28  Giving gifts for the most part is just such fun and important. So important, that gift giving is actually one of the Love Languages.  During our early years of marriage, I loved to buy my wife clothes. I knew her sizes. I would walk from one end of the mall to the other looking for just the right things. It was fun and joyful. The

Focal Passage: Genesis 35:1-15  Leaving is never easy. Leaving family after a wonderful holiday season is never easy but is tempered with the knowledge that there will be another time. Leaving a job and friends is never easy even for a new opportunity but again tempered with the knowledge that some friendships will survive time and distance.  However, sometimes leaving means never returning. A bad job. A bad break-up. A

Focal Passage: Genesis 32:22-32  Jacob wrestled with God and lived! Yes, he walked with a limp because of his injury, but his life had been spared. He came face to face with God and lived. This was no dream and no accident.  Alone until daybreak, Jacob wrestled with God. His hip socket dislocated in the struggle did not stop Jacob from wrestling with all his strength and might. In the

Focal Passage: Genesis 30:25-34, 41-43  Patience is a virtue. But try as I might, I am not very patient. I do not like long lines. I do not like waiting almost anywhere. But I try. Even as I get older, I continue working on it. However, patience is a characteristic of value and worth. It means tolerance, persistence, fortitude, perseverance, and unflappability — those things we strive for yet may