Category: New Testament

We aren’t the first to be ashamed about Jesus

Posted on by Eric Costanzo in AD 0-100, Christian History, Church History, Early Church, Jesus, Jesus, Judeo-Christian History, New Testament, New Testament, Religion, Roman Empire, Scripture Impressions and Digressions, The Apostle Paul, The Church and Society

Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Most of us who have endeavored to follow Christ probably came across this verse early in our journey of faith. While I am … Continue reading We aren’t the first to be ashamed about Jesus →

How I Offended my Homeless Friend

Posted on by Eric Costanzo in James, New Testament, Personal, Poverty, Religion, Scripture Impressions and Digressions, Sermon Notes, The Church and Society

A few weeks ago, I preached a message at our church from James 2:14-18 (see below) in which I made the following statement: "James the Apostle understood that the poor, needy, and under-resourced are fertile ground for the good news we call the gospel message. They are often broken people who are keenly aware of … Continue reading How I Offended my Homeless Friend →

The Apostle Paul changed his mind about women…perhaps someday we will too.

Posted on by Eric Costanzo in AD 0-100, Early Church, Hot Button Commentary ;), Judeo-Christian History, New Testament, Religion, Scripture Impressions and Digressions, The Apostle Paul, Women, Women in Leadership

Jewish men would often pray this morning prayer: "Thanks be to God that He did not make me a Gentile, that He did not make me an ignorant slave, or a woman."(1) Paul's words in Galatians 3:28 seem to purposefully upend this prayer: (In Christ Jesus) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor … Continue reading The Apostle Paul changed his mind about women…perhaps someday we will too. →