Oh, the number of times that someone has said to me, “I’m not an emotional person.” My inner response? “Nonsense.” My outer response? “Do you want to talk about it?” Their typical response? “Not really.” Image via Pixabay The longer I live and the longer I pastor and the longer I study people, the more increasingly I become convinced that we are all very, very emotional people. Every. Single. One of us. Some of us wear our emotions out there... Read more
Many modern words that we use for various areas of study and knowledge find their roots in Greek words. The term “theology” is no different. Image via Pixabay As a suffix, “-logy” means “the study of.” It itself comes from the Greek word “logos,” which Christians will recognize as meaning “word.” So in various areas of knowledge, we study words, research, teachings, etc. in our desire to expand our understanding. “Biology” comes from the Greek word “bios,” meaning “life” –... Read more
Recently I heard a preacher talking about homeschooling. Image via Pixabay He forcefully made the argument that every Christian household should be homeschooling, and that this was God’s will for everyone, and this was a “Kingdom principle” which meant that every person who called themselves a Christ-follower was called to it, and was in disobedience to God if their kids were in public or even Christian school. If something is indeed a “Kingdom principle,” then it means that it is... Read more
Image via Pixabay When the people of Israel wandered through the wilderness, their moods swung wildly from praise to complaining to praise to complaining, and back and forth over and over again. When God showed up for them, they praised. When they couldn’t see Him, they grumbled. When circumstances were good, they worshipped. When circumstances were tough, they complained. When things went their way, they gave thanks. When things did not, they despaired. It sounds so relatable, doesn’t it?... Read more
Image via Pixabay In this life, the smartest and the strongest among us often dominate. Whether through wits, wisdom, energy, or sheer force, most of the loudest voices which get the most attention have a way of rising to the greatest power, the greatest wealth, the greatest influence in this world. Most of the world’s political leaders share some combination of these qualities, and they win elections with them. Most leaders of business and industry could not do what... Read more
Christians live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” Image via Pixabay We are “already” saved by Jesus (Rom 8.24; Eph 2.5), but we have “not yet” seen the fullness of that salvation (1Pet 1.5). We are “already” set free from sin (Rom 6.18-22), but we have “not yet” seen it leave us entirely (Rom 7.14-25). We are “already” one with Christ (Jn 17.21), but we have “not yet” been united with Him face to face (Phil... Read more
One thing that even non-Christians know about Jesus is that He talked about love quite a bit. Imagevia Pixabay We are supposed to love people. But what exactly did Jesus say about loving people? Here is a brief survey of what He had to say, with some comment: 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your... Read more
Christians like to talk about “taking a stand.” Usually it means to take a stand against the culture, or against the politicians, or against immorality of various kinds. Image via Pixabay For the last couple of years there’s been lots of talk about freedoms and governments and COVID, and much debate (especially and including amongst Christians) about when it’s appropriate to take a stand or not. And in trying to determine whether to take a stand or not, on any... Read more
People who attend churches sometimes leave them. Image via Pixabay Even pastors! I myself have moved on from a few in my career, always after a prayerful search and sense of God’s leading. As a pastor, I’ve certainly had people leave churches that I lead on occasion. Sometimes people leave very well. Sometimes, not so much. And many people have told also me stories about trying to leave their church well, and their pastors made the parting horrible. So the... Read more
“Would you call yourself a ‘control freak?’” A friend asked me this recently in a conversation. It caught me off guard. My initial reaction was, “Of course not! Ha ha! Why would you even think of such a thing!” Image via Pixabay We had been talking about “control” in general, and a well-known Bible passage from Genesis 32: 22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford... Read more
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