Mark Twain once quipped, “It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.” One passage I clearly understand - that "bothers" me greatly - is this one from Luke's gospel. Jesus said: “Temptations to sin (literally: "snares") are sure to come, but … Continue reading Am I Helping Someone Sin??
Month: February 2015
The Dark Night of the Soul
I thought this blog was excellent.... Whether you've been diagnosed as Clinically Depressed, or you simply wrestle from time to time with "normal" depression, you will find this article from Christianity Today to offer an encouraging perspective. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2015/february-online-only/3-truths-of-dark-night-of-soul.html?share=u9xFwK%2b5YSsaiQH%2bQlhPrc8Q3Vzxkokc Soli Deo Gloria, Nick
God’s Love > Our Worst Sin
"The Return of the Prodigal Son" * Rembrandt * c. 1669 My favorite book in the Bible is the Psalms. But, my favorite chapter is Luke 15. In that chapter we have what we know as the parable of the "Prodigal Son." (Jesus simply introduces it by saying, "There was a man who had two … Continue reading God’s Love > Our Worst Sin
What I’ve Learned From a Dislocated Kneecap
Recently, I've had two epiphanies: they are elementary level axioms of the Gospel of Christ (stuff I should know well, but need to be reminded of often.) Wed morning, Feb. 18th, my daughter, Macy, had knee surgery. The next day, we had her follow-up appt with her surgeon. Getting her from our house to the … Continue reading What I’ve Learned From a Dislocated Kneecap
Fear = Bondage; Christ = Freedom
One month after my son took his life, my sister, Susan Halgren, gave me a copy of that particular day's entry from the devotional book, Jesus Calling. I've carried that Jesus Calling entry in my Bible ever since. We're approaching two years since my son, Jordan, stepped into Paradise. The words my sister gave me … Continue reading Fear = Bondage; Christ = Freedom
Searching for a New Pastor: A Brief Theology
I am now in my third successive church searching for a new pastor. On this topic, I've seen (up close) the very good, the bad, and the very ugly. This got me thinking.... If I had never been a part of a church that was forced to search for new staff – and my only … Continue reading Searching for a New Pastor: A Brief Theology
Finishing Strong
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 … Continue reading Finishing Strong
“Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
From a Roman prison Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened [flooded with light] in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,..." (Ephesians 1:18) Below is the link to the final 9 minutes of the sermon I preached this past Sunday. What you … Continue reading “Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
“How I Almost Lost the Bible”
This brief story represents precisely why I am pursuing a Masters Degree in Apologetics. Like Dr. Thornbury, the story's author, "I [have] covenanted with God to help people like the 18-year-old version of [Dr. Thornbury] —people who are on the boundary of leaving the church, and are looking for just one good reason to stay. … Continue reading “How I Almost Lost the Bible”
Jordan Blake Watts; 1993-2013
He's more alive than we are. 🙂 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (John 11:25) Soli Deo Gloria, Dad