Lystra - Interesting

Lystra and the events that happened there have always intrigued me. Lystra was a country town in Galatia (in what is now central Turkey) that Paul and Barnabas visited on their first missionary journey as recorded in the New Testament, Acts chapter 14 (48AD).

They spent a year and a half in southern Galatia and they operated out of four towns: Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Their trip through Galatia is told in Acts 13-14.

Galatians Paraphrased for the 21st Century Reader

This post is Part 1 of a book titled Dead but Living, written by Ray Sammons. The entire book, including 29 colored pictures of the places Paul may have seen, is available in print and ebook here.

The Forward and Introduction explain the book and its purpose.

Faith or Works (Paul vs James)

Faith, DEAD?

Recently I’ve had reason to revisit the idea that Paul and James have conflicting views of justification by faith alone. By selecting ‘proof’ verses it is easy to quickly generate more heat than light.

Here are the verses:

Do it Anyway

While doing some work on another project I came across some information about Mother Teresa and her efforts in India. These ideas gave my heart a lift and they inspired me as I thought about how we are to treat each other.

Without A Cause

My heart is burning with excitement, joy, and peace, the kind that words cannot convey. I am completely satisfied in God’s love for us.

A part of my joy is prompted by John 15.25:

It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.' (Joh 15:25 NRSV)

Our Anger is NOT God's Righteousness (James 1:16-18)

This week we look at some of the ways James outlines for Christians to live, and being angry is not an action that shows God's righteousness in our lives. He follows that with some things we can and should do to pattern our lives to show God's righteousness (James 1:19-27)

Loving God when Tempted (James 1.16-18)

This weeks lesson covers some straight forward instructions about living our lives out wherever we are. James tells us that God does not change, and that he loves us so much that he gave us his good news (word of truth) making us the First Fruits of his creatures! Good News! (James 1:16-18)