Over the decades, I watched something poison our culture. It's toxic, dangerous. It's called "hurry." Our cultural pace of life has evolved from the manageable to something that looks more like insanity. Stress levels have skyrocketed. Burning out is no longer something the "other guy" is battling. It now affects all of us. Pastor and … Continue reading The Danger of Hurry
Why Don’t People Like to Go to Church?
“When someone tells me yet another horror story about the church, I respond, ‘Oh, it’s even worse than that. Let me tell you my story. I’ve spent most of my life in recovery from the church.’” Philip Yancey “The church is equal parts mystery and mess.” Eugene Peterson I posted the following … Continue reading Why Don’t People Like to Go to Church?
Our Identity in Christ (Who does Jesus say I am?)
If you think you’ve blown God’s plan for your life, rest in this: You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful. Charles Spurgeon rightly proclaimed, You may not understand all the doctrines of the Bible, but you can understand this — that if you trust in Jesus Christ, you will be a child of … Continue reading Our Identity in Christ (Who does Jesus say I am?)
Satan Hates You and Has a Horrible Plan for Your Life
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
The Midnight Special
“Let the Midnight Special shine a light on me.” You most likely know the song “The Midnight Special” from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic released back in 1969. But the song was actually written during the early 20th century, reaching popularity as it was sung by those incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, otherwise known as … Continue reading The Midnight Special
Let Jesus Love You
One of the books I read in 2022 was Dane Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. He writes, “This book is written for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those whose Christian lives feel like constantly running up a … Continue reading Let Jesus Love You
Wandering Toward God (doubting our faith)
Have you ever felt like doubting your Christian faith makes you look “less Christian?” Does God have a problem with us asking the hard questions? Does he look down on us as if to say, “How dare you question me?” Of course not. He longs to lovingly “discuss” our doubts and questions with us. In … Continue reading Wandering Toward God (doubting our faith)
What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
Being “born again” (cf. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23) takes a moment of faith. But becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. What is “spiritual growth,” why is it important, and what steps can I take to begin growing in my faith? (I’m so glad you asked.) :)) What is Spiritual Growth? Spiritual … Continue reading What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
“Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The late, British, author, Hannah Hurnard's, "Hinds Feet on High Places" (a "hind" is a deer) is written in the genre of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" - they're both allegories of the adventure of following Christ. Hurnard opens her story with God's promise from the prophet, Habakkuk: "The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. … Continue reading “Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The Closing of the American Mind
Alan Bloom’s classic (title above) was published in 1984. It could easily have been published this morning with every bit as much relevance as it carried almost 40 years ago. Bloom’s thesis is simple: Think deeply. Think critically. And don’t allow others to do your thinking for you. Refuse to be intellectually bullied. Saul Bellow’s … Continue reading The Closing of the American Mind