What follows is an excerpt taken from a sermon given by Dr. Alister McGrath, professor of science and religion at Oxford University on October 26, 2014. The need for hope remains important to all of us. We need hope - not a naive and shallow optimism, but a robust and secure confidence that there is … Continue reading Hobbits & Hope
Author: Nick Watts
“…and you may be sure your sins will find you out.”
"...and you may be sure your sins will find you out." Some people think they can sin against God and get away with it. Meet Jeroboam. Jeroboam was the first northern king of the newly divided kingdom of Israel about 3000 years ago. God had given Jeroboam crystal clear instructions as to how to, both, … Continue reading “…and you may be sure your sins will find you out.”
Chronological Snobbery
One of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis, when listening to the mentality of “younger is smarter/newer is better,” coined the term “chronological snobbery.” To put it in terms everyone can understand, it’s called pride, arrogance and immaturity. I once read the following statement by a young pastor in his early 30’s: … Continue reading Chronological Snobbery
Another Gospel: A Response to Progressive Christianity
I rarely consume a book as quickly as I did this one. Most often, I am reading three or four books at once. But, this one - perhaps because of the current state of North American church culture - was difficult to put down. My copy (as with any book I read) is now annotated … Continue reading Another Gospel: A Response to Progressive Christianity
Why we sing “Joy” and not “Happiness” to the World
Happiness is based on circumstances, joy is based on biblical truth. In 1943 Nazi Germany, at the time Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the quote below, he was under severe persecution from the Third Reich for courageously standing against Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is well-worn on my bookshelf. Bonhoeffer’s devotion to Christ cost him … Continue reading Why we sing “Joy” and not “Happiness” to the World
The Danger of Good Leaders Becoming Proud When They Are Older And Successful
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
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