Christianity in ancient Pompeii
One day in 79 AD, an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried Pompeii, a thriving Italian town of about ten thousand people, under a mound of volcanic ash. By destroying the town, the eruption preserved a treasure trove of data about life in the Roman empire in the first century. Archaeologists have been gathering and analyzing this data for 275 years, with much work still to be done.
Great boldness
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’
Matthew 5:33-34a & 37 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made. But I tell you … All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
What’s a rainbow?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “A rainbow is caused by sunlight and atmospheric conditions. Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending as it goes from air to denser water. The light reflects off the inside of the droplet, separating into its component wavelengths — or colors. When light exits the droplet, it makes a rainbow.”
The precious name
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’ ” (Acts 4:18-20)
Who are you going to listen to?
Matthew 5:21a and 22a “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago … But I tell you …”
Basketball and perseverance (part 2)
Last week I wrote about my 6-year-old son Zeke playing basketball. During his first couple practices, he experienced something new, hard, and uncomfortable. He even failed a little bit in catching and shooting the ball. I reminded him of what it means to persevere through hard times.
Empowered with courage
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
Balancing the checkbook and fulfilling the law
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Basketball and perseverance (part 1)
My son, Zeke, started playing basketball in January.
