All I am doing is to ask people to face the facts—to understand the questions which Christianity claims to answer. And they are very terrifying facts. I wish it was possible to say something more agreeable. But I must say what I think true. C. S. Lewis; Mere Christianity For some, atheism works. For … Continue reading Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 1 of 3
Heaven
Is He Worthy?
The 20th century pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, once said, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a god who hasn't surrendered his authority." Presently, the world is a little scary. Allow the Spirit of Christ to calm your soul with this song by Andrew Peterson. Do you … Continue reading Is He Worthy?
Newsweek: Where Do You Go When You Die?
As I study the biblical worldview of the afterlife (which I'm convicted is true) I'm always curious to see what mainstream culture thinks about it all. So, when I saw this tweeted article - Newsweek giving credence to the possibility of life-beyond-death - my interest was piqued. Most of the article cites what scientists are … Continue reading Newsweek: Where Do You Go When You Die?
Purging Purgatory from “Biblical” Teaching
In his outstanding book, The Unquenchable Flame, Michael Reeves writes in detail about the medieval (and, sadly, modern) unbiblical belief that salvation could/can be earned by human effort. He writes, "In 1215, the fourth Lateran Council came up with what it hoped would be a useful aid for all those seeking to be 'justified' (to … Continue reading Purging Purgatory from “Biblical” Teaching
Heaven
As a Christian, I believe in heaven. As a pastor, I've studied and taught about heaven. As a musician, I've noted that almost every single hymn written has heaven the subject of its final verse. When my dad died I didn't really think differently about heaven. When my sister died I didn't really think differently … Continue reading Heaven
When a Loved One Goes Home to Jesus
I've read Jesus' prayer recorded in John 17 many times but I never noticed the insight brought out by Mark Jones in his blog, "When a Loved One Goes Home to Jesus." (You can read the blog here.) Having lost my own 19 year old son in 2013, I know what it feels like to … Continue reading When a Loved One Goes Home to Jesus
What Happens When We Die?
When we die, what do you think is on the other side? I once saw an interview with actor, Anthony Hopkins. Asked about life & death, he, like many others, said he believed, in essence: we live, we die, and then - that's it. Nothing else. Of course, no one can, with authority, satisfy the … Continue reading What Happens When We Die?
Pascal’s Wager
When we die, what do you think is on the other side? (good question) Recently, I read a story of a son (a Christian) asking his father (not a Christian) if he ever worried about what happens after we die. “The next life?” the father said. “I’ll worry about that when I get there!” But, … Continue reading Pascal’s Wager
No More Sickness
"For this corruptible [body] must put on incorruption; and this mortal [body] must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:53) Sorta sounds like a script for the next Avengers movie, huh? "Regular person turns into super-hero." But, this is no movie script. This is Holy SCRIPTure. Recently, I came down with something out of the pits … Continue reading No More Sickness
The Afterlife – “The Coming Kingdom” – Part 2 of 3
Welcome to my series titled, Awakenings: The Afterlife. This is Part 2 of a 3 Part series. Aside from our primary resource, the Bible, quotes were used from: Heaven, Randy Alcorn A Brief History of Heaven, Alister McGrath Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem Next week's session (our final session) is titled , Heaven Help Me: … Continue reading The Afterlife – “The Coming Kingdom” – Part 2 of 3