“Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me.” You most likely know the song “The Midnight Special” from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic released back in 1969. But the song was actually written during the early 20th century, reaching popularity as it was sung by those incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, otherwise known as … Continue reading The Midnight Special
Let Jesus Love You
One of the books I read in 2022 was Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. He writes, “This book is written for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those whose Christian lives feel like constantly running up a … Continue reading Let Jesus Love You
Wandering Toward God (doubting our faith)
Have you ever felt like doubting your Christian faith makes you look “less Christian?” Does God have a problem with us asking the hard questions? Does he look down on us as if to say, “How dare you question me?” Of course not. He longs to lovingly “discuss” our doubts and questions with us. In … Continue reading Wandering Toward God (doubting our faith)
What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
Being “born again” (cf. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23) takes a moment of faith. But becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. What is “spiritual growth,” why is it important, and what steps can I take to begin growing in my faith? (I’m so glad you asked.) :)) What is Spiritual Growth? Spiritual … Continue reading What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
“Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The late, British, author, Hannah Hurnard's, "Hinds Feet on High Places" (a "hind" is a deer) is written in the genre of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" - they're both allegories of the adventure of following Christ. Hurnard opens her story with God's promise from the prophet, Habakkuk: "The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. … Continue reading “Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The Closing of the American Mind
Alan Bloom’s classic (title above) was published in 1984. It could easily have been published this morning with every bit as much relevance as it carried almost 40 years ago. Bloom’s thesis is simple: Think deeply. Think critically. And don’t allow others to do your thinking for you. Refuse to be intellectually bullied. Saul Bellow’s … Continue reading The Closing of the American Mind
What if God Took the Bible Away?
What if God said, “You have no interest in what I have to say? Think you know better than I do? Have it your way. Let’s see how that works out for you.” That’s what happened in the days of the prophet, Amos. And it could well happen now. We’ve all won the lottery where … Continue reading What if God Took the Bible Away?
Advice from a Demon
I place C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, published in 1942, in my personal Top 5 Books list. My copy is well-worn. Recently in my class, as we talked about Paul's emphasis on our spiritual growth in Ephesians 4, and Satan's hope that we will remain "spiritual infants," I cited The Screwtape Letters. That excerpt I … Continue reading Advice from a Demon
“God, why do you hate me?”
Me: "God, why have your hurt me?" God: "Trust me." "So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace … Continue reading “God, why do you hate me?”
Ancient Cancel Culture….and Why It Failed.
I've been teaching weekly through Paul's Letters from Prison. Presently, we're in Paul's letter to the Ephesians believers. To give some context into what the believers in Ephesus were up against you need to read Acts 19 which recounts Paul's two-year stay in Ephesus. First, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia … Continue reading Ancient Cancel Culture….and Why It Failed.