Grace! and Peace! to you,

So important is Abraham (and, by implication, Sarah); he is mentioned over 100 times in the New Testament. There is a big disconnect in the Christian mind if their place in God’s Story is undervalued. Once correctly linked with the Gospel of Messiah Jesus, Abraham positively affects our theological formation, discipleship, and critical issues like antisemitism: If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise (Gal 3:29).

Recently, I was asked to preach on the subject of Abraham’s importance. It is easy to feel overly familiar with the subject, but I have some hot takes that challenge the status quo. You can listen to that message online at JC Studies. Let me know what you think.

We are Kingdom Treasure Hunters

This principle communicates ancient wisdom (Ps 18:25-26): “In life, you will find what you are looking for.” King Jesus provides the focus for his subjects, Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Our 2025 bookmarks come with a prayer that your year will be full of vision.

Tithing & Giving: It’s Different than You Think

That intriguing title is a new book by haverim Clifton Payne, one I highly recommend you head over to Amazon and buy. Clif’s friendship with Dwight Pryor and JC Studies goes way back. He writes clearly and presents fresh insights based on a facility with the sacred scriptures and their Hebraic foundations. His new book has a wealth of endorsements from trusted names like Dr. Marv Wilson and David Bivin, who wrote, “If you could have just one book in your library on tithing, this would be the book.” I agree.

The Origins of Easter

That is the title of my Passover teaching events in churches. Here is how we promote it: “James will lead our church family through an interactive educational experience exploring how Easter is connected to Passover. We will share a meal and make memories together that will help deepen our appreciation of worship during Holy Week!”

I do not particularly like the word Easter for what it has become and how certain practices obscure crucial biblical truths that we are supposed to be rehearsing during the season. My goal is to fix what the Council of Nicaea broke in 325 AD when they severed the sacrifice of Jesus from its historical context, Passover (1 Cor 5:7): What God has joined together, let not man separate.

How to do that effectively and redemptively is the question. I understand that what I know is only helpful to the person in the pew if we start with a common vocabulary. Hence my title, The Origins of Easter. I have a full calendar in March and April; please pray for us.

Passover, Easter, and Your Dynamic Life in the Kingdom

Passover begins on April 13 this year, and Resurrection Sunday is on April 20. We are calling our special teaching event and practices during the upcoming holy season Passover, Easter, and Your Dynamic Life in the Kingdom. Please join us online.

Here are two things I have learned over the years. First, our good Father gave the annual feast cycle to disciple and mature us. Thoughts like, “I’ve done that before,” or I already know that,” reflect an Easter mentality. Second, the aim of His instruction is action; faith is put into practice as faithfulness. All of our events include interactive projects that turn learning into doing. That is truly Hebraic.

A biblical Passover begins with GOD’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 and concludes on Pentecost with The Promise of GOD in Acts 2. May the Blessing be your portion, dear friends, in Jesus.

Immanuel!  James