In a tradition starting as early as the thirteenth century members of the royal family in the United Kingdom give gifts to people in need on Maundy Thursday the day before Good Friday The practice is rooted in the meaning of the word maundy which comes from the Latin mandatum ldquo command rdquo The command being commemorated is the new one that Jesus gave to His friends on the night before He died ldquo Love one another As I have loved you so you must love one another rdquo John Jesus was a leader who took on the role of [... more]

I attended a family birthday gathering where the hostess wove the theme of ldquo favorite things rdquo into the decor the gifts and best of all the food Because the birthday girl loved steak and salad mdash and white chocolate raspberry Bundt cake mdash the hostess grilled steak spun spinach and ordered that favorite cake Favorite foods say ldquo I love you rdquo The Bible contains many references to banquets feasts and festivals pairing the physical act of eating with celebrations of God rsquo s faithfulness Feasting was a part of the sacrificial system of worship practiced by the Israelites [... more]

What responsibilities do Christians have toward the poor Today R C Sproul examines Jesus' Beatitudes as they are recorded in the gospel of Luke beginning with the blessing Christ pronounces on the poor Get R C Sproul's Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of Luke for Your Gift of Any Amount https gift renewingyourmind org luke-commentary Don't forget to make RenewingYourMind org your home for daily in-depth Bible study and Christian resources [... more]