I became a Christian when I was 14. That was over 24 years ago. Almost immediately and with surprising consistency throughout my walk with Christ, I have been taught and exhorted to have a “daily quiet time.” You’re probably familiar with the concept. The thought is that those who grow more Christlike make time every single day in which a quiet place is found to read the Bible, pray, and maybe journal. It’s a tried and true method of spiritual growth.... Read more
Philippians 4 has always struck me as a misunderstood chapter of the Bible. It’s likely that Phil 4:13 is the verse that stands out in your mind. After all, it’s emblazoned on everything from the home team’s high school football banners to athlete’s eye black to countless Instagram profiles. It’s used to encourage everyone from test-takers to Olympic athletes that, through Jesus, they can do all things. But Philippians 4 has always been about contentment. In fact, Phil 4:13, the... Read more
I teach college students how to share the Gospel with their peers. We always start by calling out the most negative thoughts or feelings we have on the subject. Coercion comes ups. Fear of rejection comes up. Negative associations of evangelism come up. I share that for the first 15 years of my faith I simply didn’t share the Gospel with others, even when given a golden opportunity. Why? Because I internalized a message that evangelism was synonymous with selling... Read more
Headlines and stories detailing the decline of Christianity in the United States are common. The reality is undeniable. The cause depends on who you ask. The solution is unclear. Some think that a return to old-style religion with an emphasis on personal evangelism and recommitment to missions is the way forward. Some argue that what we need is a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit to propel the American church into a new phase. I spent the majority of my... Read more
Anger is in. A quick scroll through social media, browsing of opinion-shapers’ websites and blogs, and even viral sermon clips might lead to those unfamiliar with Christianity to conclude that anger is some sort of virtue. In the language of the New Testament, we might wonder if anger is now considered a fruit of the Spirit. To be fair, anger seems to be en vogue culturally. Many spaces on social media seem to exist solely to tell the masses about... Read more
Over Coffee With Benjie Shaw
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