“I’m sorry. I’ve called the wrong number.” We’ve all either said that, or had it said to us. In Acts 7, Stephen is preaching to the religious leaders of the time by reminding them of how God has worked throughout history. When he gets to the life of Moses he says, “Then the Lord said … Continue reading When You Feel Like God Has Called the Wrong Number
Don’t Hit Back
Recently, I had a friend call me and ask for help. They were struggling with the hurt inflicted upon them by someone else. And they wanted revenge. I shared with them the following: The “fiery arrows” of Satan (cf. Ephesians 6:16) are tailor-made for each of us. His arrows for you are most likely aimed … Continue reading Don’t Hit Back
What is God Like?
What is God like? Ever asked that? Or been asked that by someone else? It's not a new question. Meet Philip. On the night before he was crucified, Jesus is comforting his closest friends. At one point, Philip asks, "Lord, show us the Father (God) and we will be satisfied." Translation: What is God like? … Continue reading What is God Like?
The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith Nick Watts, August 2022 Preface The topic about which I'm writing is actually nothing new, certainly not unique to modern times. Jesus, himself, told his disciples two millennia ago, "I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith." I try to always document and … Continue reading The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
The Ministry of Presence
Job (rhymes with robe) buried ten children in a single day. He suffered so terribly he wanted to die. His story is found in the Old Testament book bearing his name. It was customary in those days for friends to come and sit in silence with those who were grieving. To weep with them. To … Continue reading The Ministry of Presence
Gen Z – The Loneliest Generation
I read a stat recently that gave me pause. What sociologists call ‘Gen Z’, currently age 6-24, are the most connected, yet loneliest generation in human history. As I considered this, I began to see something more clearly. Since the advent of the smartphone in 2007, we gain more and more virtual friends, yet grow … Continue reading Gen Z – The Loneliest Generation
The Width and Depth of Scripture
Recently, I was humbled by the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. I was humbled for the following reason: I've read the Bible through, cover to cover, many times. In various translations. Additionally, I've "camped out" in particular books and/or passages for months at a time. Finally, I've carefully studied … Continue reading The Width and Depth of Scripture
Sexual Abuse & the Southern Baptist Convention
Evil is never so evil as when done in the name of religion. It's "a reality far more evil and systemic than I imagined it could be...a true horror." - Russell Moore You can read about it in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Houston Chronicle, or Yahoo! News. It's everywhere for the … Continue reading Sexual Abuse & the Southern Baptist Convention
The Man on the Middle Cross
We can’t earn it. Human effort is futile. Works-based salvation is a back-breaking burden resulting in a lifetime of legalistic bondage. To believe we must "check off the boxes" of being "good enough" to help us get into heaven completely nullifies the work of Christ on the Cross. In other words, if we can earn … Continue reading The Man on the Middle Cross
When Your Light Burns Out
Paul prayed for the Ephesians believes, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (flooded with light by the Holy Spirit) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,... and his incomparably great power for us who believe..." - Ephesians 1:18-19 When we allow sin - … Continue reading When Your Light Burns Out