Below is a warning from scripture that should be heeded by all church leadership. Written by professor/author (he was my Youth Pastor when I was in high school), Jim Hardwicke, this warning should be memorized by all of us in vocational ministry. I want you to see one thing, in particular: every leader listed here … Continue reading The Danger of Good Leaders Becoming Proud When They Are Older And Successful
Author: Nick Watts
Evidence and the Christian Faith
Have you ever been chosen to sit on a jury? I have. Twice. I distinctly remember sorting through evidence as we inched toward a verdict. Linked here for your critical thinking is an outstanding blog written by physicist, Michael Strauss, for those skeptics who are truly honest in desiring to know if the Christian faith … Continue reading Evidence and the Christian Faith
God’s Relentless Love According to Thomas Aquinas
I’m currently reading Thomas Aquinas’ ’Shorter Summa’ which is his own concise version of his tome, ‘Summa Theologica.’ Aquinas was a brilliant 13th century theologian. He writes incisively: “To restore man, who had been laid low by sin, to the heights of divine glory, the Word of the eternal Father, though containing all things within … Continue reading God’s Relentless Love According to Thomas Aquinas
What Evidence Is There for Christ’s Resurrection?
When responsibly investigating historical events, historians commonly assert, “anything is possible, but we closely examine and analyze the evidence for what is most probable." This is the same method for interpreting evidence supporting - or not supporting - all ancient literature and events. The resurrection of Christ is the epicenter of the Christian faith. Without … Continue reading What Evidence Is There for Christ’s Resurrection?
Willful Ignorance
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 8:12-21: Unbelief never has enough proof; willful ignorance never has enough truth. Willful ignorance is demonstrated by that person who says, “Don’t bother me with facts. My mind is already made up.” Jesus said, If anyone wants (is willing to; desires) to do God’s will, he … Continue reading Willful Ignorance
Why Are There So Many English Bible Translations?
"Why are there so many English Bible translations?" I get asked that from time to time. The answer? So we can read the Bible. (The truth is, since the autographs (originals) of the Bible do not exist, every single Bible that’s ever been printed is, by definition, a translation.) But, it may be surprising that … Continue reading Why Are There So Many English Bible Translations?
What Is the Definition of Christianity?
"What's the definition of Christianity?" Have you ever been asked that question? If not, how would you answer it? How about beginning with letting God answer the question: For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received—that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was … Continue reading What Is the Definition of Christianity?
When We Look More Like Pharisees Than Jesus
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 8:1-11: NOTE: I am well aware of the debate as to whether or not this particular passage was in the autographs/originals when written by the hand of John. I did cover this topic at length in class. I will address it in a blog later on. … Continue reading When We Look More Like Pharisees Than Jesus
When Christian Faith is Bullied
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 7:35-51: John 7:45-47 tells us… 45 Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why didn’t you bring him back with you?” 46 The officers replied, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 Then the Pharisees answered, “You haven’t been deceived too, … Continue reading When Christian Faith is Bullied
Living According to God’s Timetable
A Brief Biblical Principle from our lesson on John 7:1-24: In chapter 7, as all Jews were preparing to attend the Festival of Shelters in Jerusalem, Jesus informed his brothers he was not going to Jerusalem with them. They countered, quite strongly, that he should not only go with them, but also put his miracles … Continue reading Living According to God’s Timetable