DAILY READING Luke 4:38-44 REFLECTION   An Amazing Kingdom By Dave Mann   In this passage, Jesus shows us what the kingdom of God is like.  He is proclaiming the truth and waving high the banner of the kingdom of God.  He is preaching with authority.  He is showing compassion and power by healing the sick and by casting out demons from the afflicted.  In all this, the people are amazed.  Why?  Because the kingdom of God is different from the status quo.   The work of the church today is still...

DAILY READING John 2:13-22 REFLECTION   To Believe! By Dave Mann The word “believe” is used 85 times in the gospel of John, many more times than in any other book in the New Testament – believing in God, trusting in him.  This is a principal theme of John’s writing, as he wrote in the prologue of his gospel, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who  believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God  (John 1:12). This cleansing of the temple and the brief discussion of the...

DAILY READING Matthew 16:24-28 REFLECTION   The Center of It All By Dave Mann   Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24-28 find their parallel passages in Mark 8:34 ff. and Luke 9:23 ff.  These verses are not an isolated instance in Jesus’ teaching ministry.  They are the main theme of Jesus’ teaching and life.  This cross-bearing challenge is not reserved for the holiest of saints.  It is for everyone who would call himself a follower of Jesus.  When Jesus calls his disciples in the 1 st  century and...