Pentecost: Open to the Spirit

The Great Samaritan

Most of us read the Good Samaritan and ask, "Am I the priest? The Levite? The Samaritan?" But Jesus may have intended something very different. What if we're not supposed to see ourselves as the one offering help—but the one needing help? The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus did not pass us by. Jesus became the wounded Man to rescue those who wounded Him. And because we have been shown mercy, He calls us to become people who show mercy.

Pentecost: Open to the Spirit

Pentecost is about far more than a strange moment in Acts 2 where people spoke in tongues. Pentecost is a massive convergence of Old Testament promises: a new and greater Sinai, the reversing of Babel, and the day the prophets longed for. And it is all initiated by the Spirit of God descending from heaven to dwell within His people—revealing that the gospel is about far more than simply going to heaven when we die. The Spirit desires to transform us, empower us, and partner with us in bringing heaven to earth right now—changing the way we understand salvation, kingdom, mission, and everyday life.

Stamped: Image, Kingdom, Allegiance

When Jesus was given the opportunity to publicly condemn one of the most corrupt governments in human history, He didn't go there. In fact, He almost seems dismissive. Holding a Roman tribute coin, He says: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s—and to God what belongs to God. Because Jesus recognized the greater danger is not merely living under a corrupt government—but giving that government an allegiance that belongs to King Jesus alone. You can hold that coin—as long as that coin is not holding you.

Not-So-Happy Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is not joyful for everyone. For many, it carries comparison, rejection, loneliness, disappointment, or the feeling of never quite being enough.   In Leah’s story, we discover a powerful truth: people may fail to see our worth—but Yahweh never does. And when our hearts finally awaken to the love, acceptance, and identity already offered to us in Christ, striving gives way to worship. “This time, I will praise the Lord.”

The Question Behind the Question

Jesus’ authority was never the real question—the response to it was. Most of us don’t lack clarity—we resist surrender. The call of discipleship is simple: say yes to the King and live under His authority.