More righteous than the Pharisees?

Posted on June 3, 2013 Written by Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

Jesus states we must be more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. How is this possible? Why would Jesus say this?

Farewell to a neighbor: Four lessons I learn from his death

Posted on June 17, 2012 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

The unexpected sadness at the death of a problematic neighbor prompts four observations concerning his life and death. He was a pain when he was alive, but I am surprised that at hearing the news of his death I am more sad than relieved. Read on to discover why.

Jesus does not agree with this church marquee . . .

Posted on November 20, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 1 Comment

A picture of a church marquee stimulated thoughts on the exclusive claims of Jesus.

The blessing of being poor (in spirit) – Matthew 5:3

Posted on November 6, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 4 Comments

Matthew 5:3 reads: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NASB) One must assume that Jesus knew what he was doing when he put this Beatitude first in the list. Blessed are the poor in Spirit. Luke’s record shortens this saying to simply, “blessed are you who are poor” […]

Good news, not good advice

The gospel is not about choosing to follow advice, it’s about being called to follow a King. Not just someone with the power and authority to tell you want needs to be done – but someone with the power and authority to do what needs to be done and then offer it to you as good news.

The Idol of Perfectionism

I have been challenged to confront my tendency to hold a standard for myself that is unrealistic and idolatrous. I have struggled with attempting to be perfect in some areas of my life. What is wrong with holding a high goal? I’m glad you asked. The problem comes when I start avoiding people and activities […]

In what does Christ’s exaltation consist?

The answer given is, “Christ’s exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day; in ascending into heaven; in sitting at the right hand of God the Father; and in coming to judge the world at the last day.”

Hard Headed but Soft Hearted

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus enjoins his disciples to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. John describes Jesus as being “full of grace and truth” in John 1:14. Both of these verse show that we are to be precise and determined in our thinking but open and gracious in our behavior toward others. To […]

A check that won’t bounce

During a recent Bible study where we were discussing the resurrection of Jesus I thought of the analogy of writing a check. Jesus claimed to have power over death, he claimed that he would die and then rise again. Using the analogy of writing a check, Jesus wrote a large check to us when he promised that we could be raised to new life.

Thoughts on the upcoming election

For the first time in my adult life, I don’t like either candidate that the major parties have put forward for the office of President of the United States. I see more harm than good coming from either candidate being elected to that office. I wish we could have a do-over for the primary elections, but alas we cannot.