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 →
While We were Outside God Loved Us
This week I saw a ridiculous debate on Twitter, is it appropriate to say, "God loves you" to those outside the Church. How is this even a debate? Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This means precisely that even when... Continue Reading →
Naughty or Nice?
I have little kids, which means this time of year I watch Christmas programs with them and being the relatively strange person I am I cannot help thinking about what these shows are teaching my kids. To many analyzing the philosophy behind kids shows is a laughable, but there are times, and Christmas is often... Continue Reading →
We Need the Spirit
Recently I had a brief interaction with an individual because a mutual friend was celebrating his opportunity to study and posted a picture of a large stack of books. This friend is a pastor and the woman commented that what the Church needs is the Holy Spirit, implying that my friend was wasting his time... Continue Reading →
Constantine and Forgiveness
I have been brushing up on some elements of Church history for a lecture I am giving Saturday (you can find more info here). I read about the Roman Emperor Constantine who, though "converting" to Christianity in 312, put off his baptism until near his death in 337. I confess I have not been much... Continue Reading →
What is Forgiveness?
I think the best way to take questions of forgiveness is to begin by understanding the need for forgiveness. Forgiveness presupposes that two individuals have in the past had a relationship and that this relationship has been strained or broken. This principle holds true whether we talk of a relationship between humans or a relationship... Continue Reading →
Spend the Time
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments oh dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How... Continue Reading →
Loving Service
In John 13 Jesus is approaching the end of his ministry and is giving his disciples his final instructions. Jesus begins this final set of instructions with a very physical and very humbling illustration, he takes off his “good clothes” and wraps himself with a towel to perform the work often delegated to a very... Continue Reading →
From pity toward generosity
What does it mean to pity someone and who should we pity? As a rule, I hate resorting to the dictionary definition of a word, but, I do like the way the Oxford English Dictionary frames its definition: “The feeling of sorrow and compassion at the sufferings and misfortunes of others.” Sometimes suffering is easy... Continue Reading →