When I was a young Christian, more than once, I’d hear someone complain that so-and-so was so heavenly-minded that they were no earthly good. In those early years, I learned to identify people who had ignored the warning from James. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, […]
Category: Faith
Posted inTrust
Practical Faith
In the opening paragraphs of 2nd Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us something surprising. Here’s what he wrote: “8 We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die.” 2 Corinthians 1:8–9a NLT Practical Faith We would have lost […]
Posted in
Ashes
Autumn Here in the mid-west, we have begun the marvel we call autumn. Fall’s colors delight us with this season’s beauty – indeed, a grace from God. The thrum of cicadas has diminished, leaves are bursting forth in glorious hues, lawns are descending into their golden slumber, and majestic trees reveal their own beauty as […]
Posted inUncategorized
Only By Faith
I seem to keep coming back to the topic of faith. I try to span the full spectrum of God’s Word, but God keeps pulling me back to faith. Emotion, Logic, Faith Every decision to buy a product or service is made by emotion, justified by logic, and transformed into a purchase by faith. This […]
Posted inBible, Gospel, , Salvation, Truth
Digging for the Truth
Don’t allow Christianity to hide Jesus. We have nearly an unending list of doctrines, beliefs, proofs, prayers, ideology, philosophy, and all manner of jargon that fills the box of Christianity, but where is Jesus? The Thief on the Cross To borrow one point from my pastor’s recent sermon, the thief on the cross, next to […]
Posted inUncategorized
The Epoxy Glue of Salvation
Have you ever thought of your faith as a rugged trapper living in Alaska? There is a fascinating footnote in the 1599 Geneva Study Bible (yes, there was a study Bible back then). The footnote is about John 5:24. Here’s the footnote: The Father is not worshipped except by his Son’s word apprehended by faith, […]
Posted inWork
Get to Where God is Working
Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29 So, what work does God require of every person that desires salvation? That work is to believe in the One – Jesus the Messiah – that God sent for the salvation of all who […]
Posted inForegiveness, Jesus
Revenge
I’m about to suck the joy out of your favorite movies, TV shows, and books. I take no great pleasure in my task, but I would fail to teach the whole Bible if I didn’t address this topic: revenge. I’m going to assume that you are not a serial killer, nor have you “done in” […]
Posted inUncategorized
God Changes Things When We Pray
Christian theology teaches that there is a separation between the work of God and work performed by things, people, and events. God’s work is called the Primary Cause – He made all things, seen and unseen, and maintains all things (Colossians 1:16-18). The actions of things, people, and events are called the Secondary Cause – […]
Posted inBible
I Won’t Become a Lawnmower
As I was praying today, I realized that I often read my Bible like one of those instruction manuals you get when buying a new lawnmower. Too often read my Bible to learn how to forgive or praise God or repent for a sin. God’s Word tells us what to do, and I thank God […]