Tag Archives: Jesus

Fasting and Secrecy

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Don Merritt

The spiritual practice of fasting is well-known, but not always well understood. It can be practiced corporately as when a group or a congregation might set aside a day of fasting and prayer for something such as healing for instance. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Lesson in Transition

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 18:18-28 Paul eventually left Corinth taking Aquila and Priscilla with him to Ephesus. Paul remained there only a short time, and then left the two in Ephesus, probably to set up a base for more operations in the future, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anybody Listening?

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Don Merritt

Most people would agree that listening is an important skill; most of us aren’t all that good at it.  It’s hard to communicate when all of the communication goes only one way! I’m not talking about listening to other people, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God Has Paul’s Back

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 18:1-17 After leaving Athens, Paul moved onto Corinth, where Silas and Timothy would eventually meet him. While there, he once again began teaching n the synagogue. He quickly became acquainted with a man named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Solitude

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Don Merritt

The spiritual practice of silence is primarily about being silent; the spiritual practice of solitude is primarily about being alone. For many of us, we need solitude to find silence, both within and without. Yet solitude does not necessarily require … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Paul Speaks at Mars Hill

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 17:16-34 As was the usual custom, Paul first taught in the Jewish synagogues upon his arrival in Athens. From there, he also taught in the marketplace where he came across some interesting people. Luke tells us that Paul had … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

 Moving Forward

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 17:1-15 The great adventure was not nearly over when Paul and the others left Philippi; it was just getting started. Luke mentions a number of towns they visited, and then tells us of some of the details of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Study, part 2

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Don Merritt

As a Theology Professor, I was pretty good at teaching Scripture from a purely academic perspective; it was my job after all. I would never denigrate academics, quite the opposite, in fact. Yet in the academic environment, I had the nagging … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Adventures in Pilippi

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 16:16-40 As the story continues, Paul, Silas and the rest of their group were teaching in Philippi when one day they were accosted by a slave girl who had a demon. The spirit had been irritating Paul for days, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Things Never Change

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Don Merritt

John’s last letter. So short, so telling. John is writing to his friend and brother Gaius.  He seems to have been a leader in the church, and even though there are other mentions of men with this name in Scripture, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment