By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Acts 9:26-28, 11:21-26

Like a lot of folks, the name by which I am called is not my real name. From birth, my parents referred to me by the nickname “Jay.” Few people would recognize me by my legal name. Today’s Bible lesson is about a man whose formal name was “Joseph.” But he is much better known by his nickname “Barnabas.” In fact, of the 30 times he is mentioned in the New Testament, only once is he not called “Barnabas.” [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: John 15:9-14

In 1984 the musical band “Foreigner” declared “I want to know what love is! I want you to show me!” Those two statements can be thought of as a prayer. We certainly long to know what love is. Who better to show us than the Lord Himself? In this passage, Jesus helps His disciples know how to recognize love.

Love looks like obedience. “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, (John 15:10). Love is not a mere feeling, though it certainly will stir feelings within you. Rather, love is an act of the will. Oswald Sanders affirmed this when he wrote, “We are each as close to God as we choose to be.” It is a voluntary decision to obey. While we can be forced by suppression into compliance, genuine love freely chooses ongoing obedience. [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Ephesians 1:7-10, 18-23

Have you ever stopped to notice that our National Anthem begins with a question? We usually do not sing it with the vocal inflection of a question. Still, the opening line asks the listener, “Oh, say can you see?”

Some of Paul’s opening words in the letter of Ephesians express his prayer that these believers “see” some things: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know …” (Ephesians 1:18 NIV). The phrase “eyes of your heart” is found only here in the Bible. It is a beautiful picture of a person’s inner self that possesses the ability to see ultimate reality. What are the desired objects you need to see? [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Acts 1:3-11

We spend a lot of time waiting. We wait in line at the post office or “check out” lane of the grocery store. We wait to see the doctor or dentist. We wait “on hold” to speak on the telephone to someone in customer service. We wait to get on a ride at an amusement park. We wait in traffic. [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Matthew 28:1-10

On June 2, 2008 Michael O’Neill of Middlesbrough, England, decided to take a last minute trip to Australia to visit a friend. He did not tell anyone of his plans. When his neighbors, who had not seen him in several days, grew worried, they called the police. The police broke down the door of his apartment only to find no sign of O’Neill nor any indication of where he went. Weeks later, with no further evidence, a death notice for Michael O’Neill appeared in the local paper. O’Neill arrived back home on Aug. 11 to find his front door mysteriously smashed. For several days, wherever he went, people grabbed hold of him saying, “I thought you were dead!” [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Matthew 27:28-31, 45-50, 54

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain.

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown” George Bennard (1873–1958). [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Mark 1:21-22; 10:17-22

Today’s lesson is about one of the famous “unnamed” people in the Bible.” Not knowing his name, we refer to him as “the rich young ruler.” This title combines the characteristics describing him in the first three gospels.

Mark and Matthew say he was rich (Mark 10:23, Matthew 19:22). Matthew says he was young (Matthew 19:20).Luke says he was a ruler (Luke 18:18). [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Mark 4:35-41

A little tune from the musical drama “The King and I” offers this counsel for the times when you are afraid:

“Whenever I feel afraid I hold my head erect

“And whistle a happy tune so no one will suspect

“I’m afraid.” [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Luke 1:26-35

The Scripture today is the event some Christians call “The Annunciation.” This expression means the announcement. To be honest, receiving announcements does not usually generate enthusiasm. Yet Mary received from the Lord an amazing announcement that His role for her life was to be the mother of His son. [Read more…]

By Jay McCluskey
Pastor, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland

Focal Passage: Isaiah 53:2-12

Life is not fair. It is true. You do not always get a square deal. Things do not always work out evenly. “Justice for all” is a worthy ideal, but it is not reality. And no one likes to feel cheated, receiving less than we deserve.

Isaiah 53 is a prophetic description of a terrible injustice. Written hundreds of years before the crucifixion, this text poetically foretells of Jesus dying on the cross. There is no reference to nails, wooden beams, or shed blood. But there is a powerful description of Jesus’ sacrificial exchange of His innocence for our guilt. [Read more…]