“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3  Read More

Matthew’s Gospel is primarily about the authority of Jesus Christ. The verses above illustrate how it plays out in the Gospel, though I could have picked more. Matthew 8:5-13 and Matthew 21:23-27 are also about the authority of Jesus (go read those to flesh this concept out more). So, it would be good to consider what authority is. Authority is the permission given by a higher up to carry out a task. This is different than power. Power is the ability to do something.  Read More

Human beings seek to be justified, which means to be made right. Or perhaps to put it more simply, we seek to be enough. Am I enough for someone or something? That is one way of getting at what we mean when we use that theological term called justification.  Read More

Now all the vault of heav’n resounds In praise of love that still abound: “Christ has triumphed! He is living!” Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear! Repeat their song of glory here: “Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!  Read More

One in faith, in love united, All one body, You the head, When we meet, by You invited, You are with us, as You said. One with You and one another In a unity sublime, See in us Your sister, brother, One in ev’ry place and time.  Read More

O sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, Thine only crown. O sacred Head, what glory, What bliss, till now was Thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.  Read More

When You woke that Thursday morning, Savior, teacher, faithful friend, Thoughts of self and safety scorning, Knowing how the day would end; Lamb of God, foretold for ages, Now at last the hour had come When but One could pay sin’s wages: You assumed their dreadful sum.  Read More

Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle; Sing the ending of the fray. Now above the cross, the trophy, Sound the loud triumphant lay; Tell how Christ, the world’s redeemer, As a victim won the day.  Read More

What fading flow’rs His road adorn; The palms, how soon laid down! No bloom or leaf but only thorn The King of glory’s crown. The soldiers mock, the rabble cries, The streets with tumult ring, As Pilate to the mob replies, “Behold, behold your King!”  Read More

Hosanna, loud hosanna, The little children sang; Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang. To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to His breast, The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.  Read More

No tramp of soldiers’ marching feet With banners and with drums, No sound of music’s martial beat: “The King of glory comes!” To greet what pomp of kingly pride No bells in triumph ring, No city gates swing open wide: “Behold, behold your King!”  Read More

Graciously my faith renew; Help me bear my crosses. Learning humbleness from You, Peace mid pain and losses. May I give You love for love! Hear me, O my Savior, That I may in heav’n above Sing Your praise forever.  Read More