The smell of barbecue drifted through the neighborhood, mixing with laughter, music, and the clink of serving trays. Barbara flipped burgers behind the grill, sweat glistening on her brow in the golden light of late afternoon. Elijah stood nearby, slicing watermelon, while Jeremiah moved from group to group, greeting neighborsContinue Reading
It was one of those Southern Saturdays that felt like a quilt—patches of sunlight sewn in with the hum of cicadas and the sweet scent of honeysuckle twisting through the breeze. The three of them—Barbara, Jeremiah, and Elijah—had planned a simple morning hike out at Cedar Ridge, just past oldContinue Reading
The morning bustle of Contoso Café was at its peak. Sunlight streamed through the wide windows, catching the motes of cinnamon and coffee dust that danced in the air. Behind the counter, the espresso machine hissed like a judgmental prophet, drowning out low conversations and clinking saucers. Tucked in theirContinue Reading
In a world that grows increasingly loud with opinions, protests, and posturing, I find myself asking a deeper question that pierces through the noise: What does it take to truly magnify the Almighty God? Not just in worship assemblies or private prayer—but in the presence of hostility, confusion, and unbelief.Continue Reading
It was a peaceful afternoon at Contoso Café, where the sun filtered through stained-glass windows, casting kaleidoscope patterns across the hardwood floor. The comforting clatter of mugs, soft jazz humming through the speakers, and the rich aroma of cinnamon-laced coffee set the tone for a conversation that would linger inContinue Reading
When Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” He issued more than a comforting statement—He issued a call to action. To follow Jesus means committing every part of ourselves—boots and all—into a life of trust, obedience, and faith. It’s not a passive, part-time endeavor; it’s a bold decision to walk the path He leads, no matter the cost.Continue Reading
When we talk about faith, it often feels like an abstract concept. But what if we grounded it in something familiar, something universally powerful—like Grandma’s sweet tea? A drink so rich, so sweet, so undeniably strong, it could outlast the hottest summer day. That’s the kind of faith we’re aimingContinue Reading
In the snug comfort of Contoso Café, with its walls lined with books and the soft murmur of jazz in the background, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Barbara convened around their favorite corner table. The trio, with their usual cups of coffee steaming before them, found themselves grappling with the outcome ofContinue Reading
Scene: Barbara’s cozy living room, strewn with ancient city maps and the warm glow of a sunset spilling through the window. Barbara: “Well, isn’t this something! They’ve been digging into the Christian Building at Dura-Europos again. Looks like our understanding of early Christian worship spaces might need a serious overhaul.”Continue Reading
Deliberations at Contoso Road Church of Christ In the warmly lit hall of Contoso Road Church of Christ, the old wooden beams echoed with the hum of eager conversation as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and two visiting elders, Thomas and Samuel, gathered around a robust oak table that seemed as seasoned asContinue Reading