“When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”Daniel 6:10 It’s a common assumption that Daniel is … Continue reading Daniel’s Defiant Gratitude
Author: colbyhetcel
Studying the Bible (at Church)
What is the goal of studying the Bible? Or maybe, what is the goal of studying the Bible at Church? I can think of two answers: 1) We study the Bible as a form of corporate worship. And 2) we study the Bible to gain from it godly wisdom so that we might navigate our … Continue reading Studying the Bible (at Church)
Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
“For whoever is not against us is for us” – Mark 9:40 When starting ministry in a new area, one of my favorite things to do is reach out to local pastors who have been serving within that community for a while. It’s great to talk to seasoned veterans of ministry. They know the lay … Continue reading Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: Luke 22:36
“Then he said to them, ‘But now, whoever has a moneybag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.” – Luke 22:36 There’s been a lot of talk about guns as of late. And this blog entry isn’t really going to add … Continue reading Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: Luke 22:36
Guests at Jesus’ Table
“Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him – that she is a sinner.” – Luke 7:39 The Gospels are stories about Jesus. They’re not quite biographies. … Continue reading Guests at Jesus’ Table
Family Meals
“When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who … Continue reading Family Meals
Our Blood Cries Out from the Ground
“Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:9 This morning I woke up to the video of a young Ukrainian boy dying after the ground under his bike exploded from the impact of a Russian bomb. My daughter is … Continue reading Our Blood Cries Out from the Ground
Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: Revelation 3:20
“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” Revelation 3:20 During this past month, the students in my church’s youth group have been learning how to share their own testimonies. We have … Continue reading Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: Revelation 3:20
Combating Christian Nationalism without Giving into Outrage
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32 There has been a lot of focus on Christian Nationalism as of late, and rightly so (see last post). Christian Nationalism is a deadly idolatry. It is the temptation to … Continue reading Combating Christian Nationalism without Giving into Outrage
Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 This post is the beginning of a new blog series that I’m titling Not-So-Straightforward Scripture. Within each post … Continue reading Not-So-Straightforward Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Scripture Simplified 