Since James is the likely the oldest writing of the New Testament, it appears from James 4:1-17 that church conflicts have been around almost as long as the Christian church has existed. Instead of treating fights as a normal part of church life, this text exposes their causes and provides the solution. Some of the words are blunt, but they are necessary to drive us to God’s grace, which is greater than all our sin.
In the letter to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus had a surprise announcement for the church and promised a surprise visit...
While the Parable of the Good Samaritan is well known, it is easy to miss its shock value, its subtle surprises, and its connection...
In his teachings on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus announced the great reversals that the kingdom of God produces among the first and the...