Fighting Jealousy & Bitterness: Finding Freedom Through a Broken Toilet.
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Fighting Jealousy & Bitterness: Finding Freedom Through a Broken Toilet.

ByIsrael Shaw

Joshua 7:1 “[1] But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel.” (ESV) Every Sunday, my…

Heralding Hope: The Past Advent of Jesus as Savior.  
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Heralding Hope: The Past Advent of Jesus as Savior.  

ByIsrael Shaw

God highlights his sovereign pleasure in his creation by choosing the promise as the way of the Savior. Mercy abounds from the very beginning of the Bible. Only through the promise do we have hope.  In Galatians 3, “Until Christ came,” The Savior has come. It has happened. All of history revolves around this reality.

Is the Law Our Drill Sergeant?  
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Is the Law Our Drill Sergeant?  

ByIsrael Shaw

Picture the law as a person in your life. How would he interact with you, and what role does he play? Do you imagine the law, as a person, will protect you? How can he? His strength is not his own. Indeed, this guardian is generally older and of little use elsewhere.  This law keeper safeguards the limits; and, when transgressed, administers rightful punishment dictated by justice. 

Matthew 18:21-22
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Matthew 18:21-22

ByIsrael Shaw

There is more to forgiveness than its legal aspects. And more manifestations than just the act of mercy. God beckons us to pursue forgiveness in our lives because of how good forgiveness is to us.

The Good Samaritan and Forgiveness
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The Good Samaritan and Forgiveness

ByIsrael Shaw

Forgiveness is an ever-elusive Christian virtue. Especially among Christian circles. I’m confident you know that gregarious, bubbly happy Christian who jumps at the chance to forgive people thus trying to upend my syllogism. I am not that person.

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The Private verses the Public: Pausing to Consider Proof of Salvation

ByIsrael Shaw

How do I know that I’m saved? That is a question I’ve heard with regularity throughout my ministry. It is a vitally important question and doesn’t belong on the heap of theological treatises that have no practical application in life. I come back to this conversation because of a few events within the past few…