There were some crazy things going on in Ephesus in the first century, as recorded in Acts 19. I would call it at first blush a bad “Jerry Springer Show” episode, assuming there’s ever been a good one. But you’ve got healing hankies being handed out, wanna-be exorcists beaten up by a demon-possessed man and … Continue reading It was crazy good in Ephesus
Tag: christianity
We really don’t know how Aquila and Priscilla treated each other in little things, this couple living in Corinth when Paul found them. We don’t know whether Aquila served his wife by helping with household chores. Someone said, “The most important four words in a marriage are, ‘I’ll do the dishes.’” We don’t know whether … Continue reading Five marks of a strong marriage
When Paul entered Athens in the first century and was provoked to see it was a city submerged by idols, he didn’t turn around and walk out. Neither did he go to the city square holding a sign that said, “God hates Athens.” No, he reasoned with the people there, in three very different arenas. … Continue reading Go and gossip the Gospel
No, it’s not a country song, though it would make a good one. It’s a story right out of the Bible, about two unlikely characters who came to faith in Jesus in first century Philippi. The slave girl was possessed of a spirit of divination, by which she made lots of money for her owners … Continue reading A slave girl and a jailer
Lydia came to faith in Jesus Christ when she heard the Gospel preached by Paul, and the Lord opened her heart. She did not come to believe by doubling down on doubt. Zaccheus came to faith in Jesus Christ when the Nazarene invited the vertically-challenged tax collector to clamber down the sycamore and let the … Continue reading Faith, not doubt, opens hearts and homes
When Jesus was crucified, there was darkness over the whole land for three hours. We know what it’s like when the power goes out, don’t we? But even when we had no power a few weeks ago because of the ice storm, we could see during the day. The “light” was still on. But at … Continue reading The dark day had to come first
J. Mark Fox 