For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. Read more
For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. Read more
The "Free-Will" debate is as active as it has ever been with the resurgence of Reformed Theology in the western world. Predestination vs. free will is being discussed at length in church settings, coffee shops and internet forums. In general I think this is good. Although, Paul is making an argument in this text that is often missed and rather startling... Read more
As I read this for the first time, I quickly grabbed other translations and tried to see if it was something about the version I was using. I saw words like “ordained, “destined” and “chosen.” I couldn't get around it. I set my pen down and began to pray for right understanding. It wasn't much longer that I decided I was "reformed". It still took some time for me to adopt the term "calvinist", after all, I didn't want people thinking I worship John Calvin! Read more
When those in Christ proudly cry, “Invictus!” they shall abruptly see the fruit of kicking against the goads of God. Read more
Solomon opens with a plea to his son for the acquisition of his heart and attention. Notice, there is a direct correlation in whom the son gives his heart to: it is either to the father, or the harlot/adulterous woman. Now if the father has given his own heart to the harlot, he has no room to say, “Flee from her devious ways! Do not go down into her bed – for in her room is death!” Read more
This is a movie with a lot on its mind. The nature of art, the meaning of success, the illusive nature of contentment, the blessings and curses of technology, the perception of generational divides, and, of course, the fear of aging, which is really the fear of death. It doesn't really have any good guys or bad guys, just people who are complex and trying to make something out of their lives, or at least trying to figure out what they should be doing. Read more
When relating with Christians who suffer with anxiety, depression, PTSD or any other type of mental and/or emotional illness, we need to view and treat them as whole people. We need to treat people as both body and soul. Do they need to repeatedly exercise faith in God's promises? Of course. But, they also need to deal with the physical aspects of mental illness as well. Doctors are gifts from God who can provide help to those who struggle with mental illness. Read more
As I observed this, I couldn’t help but think that there has got to be some sort of metaphor here for contemporary Christianity. In the midst of a noisy, everyday secular life stands 3 major players: Jesus Christ Himself, the Word of God, and the faithful proclaimer of that word (aka your local evangelical church pastor). Walking behind these down the road are the small remnant of believers who choose, in spite of what others may think of them, to publically follow all three… all the way to the Cross. The disciples didn’t do that (save John). The throngs of people shouting “Hosanna” and the hundreds who were healed didn’t do that. Yet, the faithful remnant, by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, follow Christ, his word, and biblical teaching to the letter every day (or at least they should). Read more
The interesting thing about smoking while pregnant is that most people are fully aware of the consequences. If they don’t know, all one must do is type “risks with smoking while pregnant” or some other assortment of garbled letters. You can misspell “smoking” and still come up with website after website of the dangers associated with the activity while pregnant. Actually, all you really need to do is be able to read, turn your wrist over, and look at the surgeon general’s warning on the box of smokes as you flip the top to pull out your “lucky.” Read more
I suppose the main reason it makes me cringe a little is that it perpetuates the celebrity culture I am so “meh” towards to begin with. Maybe that’s an internal issue of my own, but in the short span I’ve been a Christian, I’ve seen many more of these men fall rather than remain standing. I’m grateful for the men that continue to stand, but part of me wonders if there will be a grand reveal of some particular sin one day that disqualifies them from ministry. I hope I am wrong on that one, but chances are that I am not in at least a few more. Ask an older generation. Read more
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