The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still. A. W. Tozer I find Tozer's words to be deeply troubling precisely because of their accuracy; throughout scripture we see those who resist God described as knowing God, God's word, and Scripture. I speak, of course, of stories like the... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Get Some Rest
Mark 6:30-31 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest Reflection The background... Continue Reading →
When Being Right is More Important than the Truth
"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32 Jesus said to... Continue Reading →
Culture Warriors
Over the last few weeks we have seen two horrific events in America, a racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, New York and a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. There has also been the leak of a potentially seminal Supreme Court decision that will change the course of abortion discussions in this country. Further, the... Continue Reading →
Text this Week: Let’s Go to Work
1 Timothy 4:7b-16 Train yourself for a holy life! While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come. This saying is reliable and deserves complete acceptance. We work and struggle for this: “Our hope is set on the... Continue Reading →
Toward a Theology of Life: part 2
In my last post I began an explanation of how I approach the topic of abortion (here). In this post I want to trace more of the basis for my views on life and how that influences my life. But with these posts please recognize I am working out my own theology and while I... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Spreading Peace
John 20:19-23 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Don’t Let It Be an Idle Tale
Luke 24:1-12 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about... Continue Reading →
Who is the Greatest
Resurrection Sunday is this Sunday and so I am rereading the story of Jesus' final week and this year, because of the lectionary, I am reading it in Luke. As I was reading something jumped off the page for me, as Jesus is trying to bind the new community (his disciples) together in common worship,... Continue Reading →
Text of the Week: The Pain of Grief
Luke 23:24-25, 32-46 So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death... Continue Reading →