We’re living in a world where pride isn’t just tolerated—it’s rewarded. Where the highest goal is to be seen, heard, praised. But the Gospel pushes against this tidal wave of self-worship with something radically different: humility.

If you feel like your joy is fragile, based on circumstances or outcomes, maybe it’s time to rediscover the joy Paul found…Joy isn’t found in getting what we want. It’s found in giving ourselves for what matters most.

Have you ever heard of Simon of Peraea? Judas bar Hezekiah? Simon bar Kochba They claimed to be the Messiah, just as Jesus did. The Romans killed them too. Here’s the difference: They stayed dead.

That’s why you haven’t heard of them. But Jesus?

This is not the King we’re used to.

We’re not a monarchy-minded culture. We don’t know what to do with a ruler who doesn’t ask for our vote. We prefer leaders we can fire when we’re disappointed. But the Kingdom of God isn’t a democracy. Jesus never said, “Seek first the democracy of God.”

On that mountain, something remarkable happens. Jesus is transfigured. His face shines like the sun. His clothes are blazing white. This isn’t metaphor—it’s manifestation. The unfiltered glory of God, shining through the humanity of Jesus.

The Word of God is not bound. It wasn’t bound in Rome, and it isn’t bound today.

It’s moving in Boca Raton. In Miami. In São Paulo and Jo-burg and Mumbai. In quiet hospital rooms, crowded schools, worn-out churches, and busy homes. In people like Luke—doctors, storytellers, servants. In people like you.

You may feel small or tired. But if God said you’re going to Rome—you’re going to Rome. The promise is stronger than the storm or the serpent’s bite. The Gospel is not waiting for perfect conditions. It’s alive now.

Unhindered.

Life rarely goes according to our plans. We map out our future, set our goals, and expect smooth sailing—until the storm hits. One moment, we’re on course; the next, we’re battered by crises beyond our control. The Apostle Paul knew this well. His journey to Rome was filled with false accusations, imprisonment, shipwreck, and even a serpent bite. Yet, through it all, he was exactly where God wanted him to be.

It's been said, that God answers prayer in three ways: "Yes," "No," and “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Sometimes, His “No” is not a rejection but a redirection. Instead of Asia, Paul was called through a vision to Macedonia—a place that had never heard the gospel. The first convert in Europe would not be a king or a governor but a businesswoman seeking truth.

The Holy Spirit has come to unite us to Jesus and transform us to be like Jesus so that we might do the deeds of Jesus.

The past few days have been difficult, and once again, Americans find themselves profoundly and understandably divided and distressed over what we've witnessed. How should we respond with wisdom and hope?

From the beginning, Christianity spread through ordinary people who carried an extraordinary message.

One cannot separate one's actions towards those broken by want and violence from one's faith any more than one can separate the heart from the body and expect to live. It is impossible.

We are growing in grace when the logs in our eyes loom larger in our concern than the specks in the eyes of others.

What is courage? It’s the capacity to speak up, stand up, and never give up in the face of insurmountable obstacles and fear.

Scripture teaches us, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10). The Christian’s responsibility and priority to care supremely for the “family of faith” does not exclude him from the care he has for others. This can only be done as God gives us resources, but even when we first care for the needs of our family and the family of God, we are not to then look upon our responsibilities as fulfilled but as begun.  

The book of Acts tells the story of a praying, Spirit-clothed people who, despite opposition, fearlessly carried forward the message of Jesus.

In Late-Modern Western society, where faith is often challenged by secularism, materialism, ethno-nationalism, and moral relativism, these virtues serve as an essential framework for living out the Christian faith. Let’s explore their biblical foundations, theological significance, historical development, and their relevance for a fruitful Christian life in the current culture.

The Spirit-filled community described in Acts 2:42-47 provides a model for the Church today. These early believers devoted themselves to four key practices: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They lived with radical generosity, sharing their possessions so that no one was in need. Their worship was marked by joy and sincerity, and their community life was so compelling that it attracted others to the faith.