Category Archives: Writing

Things to read

Messiah in Isaiah • Introduction

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THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

During Isaiah’s ministry, the northern kingdom of Israel (also known as “Samaria”) fell to the Assyrians, and the ten tribes were taken into Exile, never to return again as an intact nation. It looked as if Judah would fall as well, but Isaiah prophesied that God would preserve them (Isaiah 37). Their incredible deliverance came as the angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army in the middle of the night as they were encamped against Jerusalem.

But, because of Judah’s continued moral failure, Isaiah knew they would eventually go into exile as well (Isaiah 39:1–8). The difference for Judah, though, was, unlike the northern tribes who disappeared in their exile, Judah would be restored after a time of correction in captivity. Their restoration from exile becomes the theme of the last 26 chapters (40–66), and begins with the powerful word, “Comfort!”

Isaiah is one of the most Messianic of all the OT prophets. His words have a huge impact on the message of the Gospel. Continue reading →

John 1:1 & the Love of God

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The burning question in my mind since the first time I opened my door to a friendly team of Jehovah’s Witnesses when I was about 20 years old is this: Why do they work SO hard to minimize Jesus? Why are they so offended at the idea that God would become man? What is their motive?

Consider these passages:

John 1:1 • …In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Continue reading →

Pit to Palace

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Well, it’s finally here! The list price is $12, but our bookstore sells it for 20% off, plus tax. Currently, the best way to get a copy is to stop by the Calvary Chapel of Oxnard bookstore and get one in person. If you don’t live nearby, I will be posting an order form shortly. Until then, contact me! I’ll mail you a copy.

Pit to Palace Front Cover

Pit to Palace Back Cover

Why Peter, James, and John?

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A Discipleship Devotional from Mark 9:1–8

There is a truth–gem hiding away in the Mount of Transfiguration account about Peter, James, and John. The clue to this gem is found in the two ancient prophets that God sends to honor Jesus: Moses and Elijah.

Part One: The Background (feel free to skip down to the “Big Lesson” if you want a shorter devotional reading).

First: why did Jesus pick Peter, James, and John to be His inner circle of ministry training? There are several explanations for this: Continue reading →

Matthew 13 – What is your trajectory?

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(this is from CCS chapel, 2/28/14…)

Matthew 13:18–19a | Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom… that which is sown in his heart

1 Peter 1:23 | For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 | For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

Jeremiah 4:3 | For thus says the Lord… “Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.

3.5% error in navigation and Cold War tension leads to the tragic loss of 269 lives.

3.5% ERROR IN NAVIGATION

KAL Flight 007, 31 years ago…

Due to a couple of small problems in navigation, ended up 150 miles off course!

After flying over the Soviet Union, was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet over neutral water! All 269 people on board die, including a US congressman – former president Nixon had been scheduled to be on this flight, but didn’t take this flight.

This leads to the tensest moment in the Cold War after the Cuban Missile Crisis

This illustrates an important LIFE QUESTION – what trajectory are you on? Continue reading →