Back in the day there was a gospel tract called The Four Spiritual Laws. It was used often to help us share our faith with people who knew little to nothing about God. Law No. 1 stated, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." Now, let's look at the flip-side of … Continue reading Satan Hates You and Has a Horrible Plan for Your Life
Soul Food
The Hubris of Some Scientists
The hubris of some Scientists. Notice I did not say “the hubris of science”, but "scientists.” Also, note that I said, "some scientists." Because there are a host of scholars within the scientific disciplines who have professed their faith in Christ. (For one solid resource for finding scientists who have placed their faith in Christ, … Continue reading The Hubris of Some Scientists
Sabbath: Rediscovering the Rest of God
It’s an interesting hermeneutic. Within the 10 Commandments, the only commandment that has taken on expanded nuance under the New Covenant is No. 4: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it (set it apart as) holy.“ According to the Old Testament Law, the Sabbath was Saturday, which is why the followers of Jesus asked if … Continue reading Sabbath: Rediscovering the Rest of God
Scary Prayers
There's a thing in scripture called "imprecatory prayers." These prayers are summed up like this: "help me; hurt them." (Psalm 137 is a prime example.) Isn't it good to know it's ok to unload on God like this? Presently, I'm in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah in my daily devotions. One significant aspect of … Continue reading Scary Prayers
Revenge
The Old Testament character, Samson, is a lesson in two overriding biblical principles. (His story is recorded in Judges 14-16) 1) We can waste our life if we want to. However,... 2) With God, it’s never too late to ‘come home’. (Samson is among those listed in the ‘Hall of Faith’ in Hebrews 11.) Threaded … Continue reading Revenge
Lambs and Dragons
Read carefully the following passage from the biblical book of Revelation: “Then I (John) saw a second beast (the false prophet), coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon." Never forget what John described: The false prophet looked like a lamb but spoke like a … Continue reading Lambs and Dragons
Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
What is Christian theology? "Theology" simply means "the study of God." While some are vocational theologians, all Christians are theologians. Paul's instructions to Timothy (and us) were a command, not a suggestion: Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and … Continue reading Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
The Ministry of Presence
Job (rhymes with robe) buried ten children in a single day. He suffered so terribly he wanted to die. His story is found in the Old Testament book bearing his name. It was customary in those days for friends to come and sit in silence with those who were grieving. To weep with them. To … Continue reading The Ministry of Presence
The Imagination of God
**Before I even get started, obviously, I could never begin to explain the 'imagination of God." My sole purpose in this blog is to simply point out that our imagination is a God-given gift. More than that, it's a significant component of being "made in the image of God." i.e. Imago Dei. Now, let's dive … Continue reading The Imagination of God
What would you say? Part 2 of 2
Consider the following statements. How would you respond? I am an atheist. I am not an atheist because it's cool. I am not an atheist because of religious extremism or oppression in some depraved corners of the world. I'm not an atheist because I believe science can disprove God. I'm an atheist because of one … Continue reading What would you say? Part 2 of 2