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
Grace
How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…
For brevity, I did not include the following in How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life. But, I believe it bears sharing because it provides greater theological context to how I - and my family - survived. As I was listening to the voice of Jesus that day assuring me of his presence and … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…
How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
In 2014, a year after my son took his life, a regional magazine asked me if I would consider writing about that experience. The online link to that article is no longer available, so I've included the text below. Of note, a gentleman in a local retail store stopped me and asked, "Are you Nick … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)
There are people in important roles whose office I could call today and be told either it will be days or weeks before I can see them, or that I can’t see them at all. Not so with the God. The Old Testament Law was given by God not to make us perfect by "checking … Continue reading The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)
Jesus Was No Socialist
Mankind has never changed. The pharisees tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The zealots tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The Jews tried the same thing. And so on, and so on, and so on. So it is no surprise that socialists are trying to form-fit Jesus to their image. To do so … Continue reading Jesus Was No Socialist
Jesus Was Neither White nor European
Rioters are wanting to tear down statues of Jesus because he is “white and European." Now, I understand some of the reasoning: some churches have made Jesus white, republican and American. This, sadly, is true. But, it's the rare exception and certainly not the norm. Rioters, of course, themselves serving as judge and jury, have … Continue reading Jesus Was Neither White nor European
Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
We serve a God who’s not surrendered his throne - regardless of how out of control our world may appear. My friends, if I weren’t a pastor I would be a coach. Exhorting, teaching and encouraging people is what I love to do. It’s who I am. At its heart, a pastor’s objective is, to … Continue reading Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
If faith was easy - it wouldn’t be called faith. Read on... I spent most of my adolescent and young adult life suffering at the hand of my violently abusive alcoholic father. I spent most of my adult life visiting with my younger sister through the thick glass of prison visitation cubicles due to her … Continue reading If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
Is Anything Too Hard for God?
God can't possibly fix our broken world. I'll confess - there have been moments in my own life that I have descended into such discouragement I, too, have considered that statement to be true. But, when the world around us is turned upside down we must not allow our minds to continue to be poisoned … Continue reading Is Anything Too Hard for God?
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Don’t Be Afraid: answering a great question about the loss of a child During the summer of 2019, I gave my presentation on suicide awareness & intervention at the YWCA here in Lubbock. About 30 teens attended. What a precious group! One girl raised her hand toward the end of the talk and asked, “Can … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid to Ask