Stephen McDonald

Advent

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Now that the weather has warmed up, it’s like we’ve come out of hibernation. There are people everywhere. The pace of activity has gone up a notch or two. And Christmas is only a handful of weeks away! So, how should we approach Christmas? Technically speaking, the Christmas seasonContinue reading “Advent”

Knowledge Without Faith (Acts 24:22-27)

Sometimes we expect change: At the end of the year, students get their university offers. Workers move to other jobs. People move or retire. But not all changes are expected: The call back to see the doctor about those tests, today! The policeman’s knock at the door. The devastating letter from the accountant or theContinue reading “Knowledge Without Faith (Acts 24:22-27)”

A Good Reason to Stand Trial (Acts 23:12-24:21)

What we believe about the future changes how we live today: If you believe the stock market will crash, where will you keep your money? Under your mattress, not in the bank. If you believe that this life is all there is, you’ll work to enjoy it all you can. You’ll work and enjoy theContinue reading “A Good Reason to Stand Trial (Acts 23:12-24:21)”

Courage to Bear Witness (Acts 22:22-23:11)

How do we bear witness to Jesus when our beliefs are unacceptable to the people around us? Here in Acts 22 & 23, Paul finds himself in a similar position to us. He lives in a world where you can worship anyone or anything you want, as long as you don’t insist that people onlyContinue reading “Courage to Bear Witness (Acts 22:22-23:11)”

“If You Will Go With Me…” (Judges 4:1-24)

The book of Judges has many stories of victory against the odds. In chapter 3, there’s Ehud, who bluffed his way into a king’s palace and stuck a sword into his massive belly. Or Shamgar who killed 600 Philistines with a stick. How could they risk it all? Are there are still people like thatContinue reading ““If You Will Go With Me…” (Judges 4:1-24)”