Do you ever consider the difference in believing in Jesus as compared with other things you believe in but that don’t have much impact in your life? If not, you probably should. Consider the opening words of J.I. Packer’s classic book, Growing in Christ: When people are asked what they believe in, they give, not…
Tag: Christianity
Is living in peace your priority?
Are you actively pursuing peace in your life? It usually takes great intentionality and always humility. Let’s be honest, neither of those comes easy. Conflict is exhausting and pride is strong. Even so, living in real peace is a worthy prize — something I’m trying to focus on and improve in my own life and…
Cancel Culture
One of my biggest priorities growing up was to be liked. I needed to be liked. I didn’t like myself and thought if others did, it would cancel my own opinion. That rarely worked. I think that’s why there is so much emphasis in Scripture against focusing on the approval of men: humans are fickle…
Hope in the Hurt
Saddened to read of the fear this recent act of hate in Atlanta has created in the Asian-American community and the added struggle the pandemic has caused over the last year. Cellist Soo Bae reminds us that in all circumstances, God is on the Throne and is worthy of all blessing and honor and glory.
Worldview Voting
As a pastor, I have always tried to be apolitical. I don’t talk about who I vote for and have never encouraged voting for or against politicians. I think my job is to speak to the world from a biblical worldview perspective rather than a partisan one. I still do. I don’t like politics as…
Article Recommendation: Christianity is Not Just About A Personal Relationship With Jesus
I mentioned a thought-provoking article on Sunday that I promised I would share on my website this week. The author of the article, Chad Bird, argues that when we are called into a relationship with God, it is not so much about a personal relationship with Jesus but is much more accurately described as a…
The Mind-blowing Nature of Grace
One of the most challenging aspects of the Gospel is the amazing grace of God that declares Believers as perfect in Christ. It is hard to grasp because we know we’re still sinners. How can we be both sinners and sinless at the same time and, if true, how can we live in that reality?…
The Proven Character of Our Faith
Several years ago, my friend, Todd, called me with news that he had developed terminal cancer. I remember hearing the strength in his voice. It was noteworthy, not only because he had just received the news no one wants to hear, but because my own voice was shaky as my heart sunk at the news….
Intentional Purity
It doesn’t happen by accident.
A Morning Meditation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 This is an amazing passage, especially in light of the fact that Paul has just concluded chapter 7 by talking of the war that wages within us; of the struggle, as Christ-followers, to do what we want to do, all…
Conversational Scripture Reading
Have you ever tried praying Scripture back to God? I’m talking about actually speaking the text back to Him using conversational pronouns (I may have just made that term up, but you get the point), for example, changing “He” and “the Lord” to “You”. It makes for an amazing prayer and worship time. Give it a…
Getting it Right
One of the things I had to learn once I started seminary was how to effectively and rightly interpret Scripture. I guess I hadn’t though much about it up to that point. I figured you just read the Bible and did what it said. From time-to-time, I would have people ask me, “Do you interpret…
One of the Fruits of Being Justified By Faith
A favorite section from R.C. Sproul’s classic, The Holiness of God: When our holy war with God ceases; when we, like Luther, walk through the doors of paradise, when we are justified by faith, the war ends forever. With the cleansing from sin and the declaration of divine forgiveness we enter into an eternal peace…
Thirsty
One of the problems I have had throughout my life is that I often don’t realize I’m thirsty until I’m bordering on dehydration. I seem to get parched quickly and, before I know it, a headache sets in. By that time, it’s too late to avoid the pain, though it is essential that I begin…
Martyrdom Lives
Just read an excerpt from a Relevant Magazine article in On Mission: More than 2,000 Christians died for their faith last year, according to Open Doors. The conflict in Syria accounted for the largest group of Christian deaths, some 1,200 casualties. The total number of confirmed martyr deaths reported 2,123 for 2013, includes no numbers…
The Gathering Resurrection Day Promo 2014
The Gathering Resurrection Day Promo 2014 from The Gathering on Vimeo.
When Doctrine Comes Alive
Last night, we had one of our Institute classes at The Gathering. If you’re not familiar, Institute is currently an in-depth systematic theology class we take some of our members through. It can be rather intense and challenging to complete. I have to say, though, I am so proud of those who have taken on…
Making Time: Learning to Invest This Precious Gift From God
TIME has been on my mind a lot lately. As I near the end of another year, I’m analyzing what has gone well and what hasn’t gone quite as well (notice the gracious way in which I didn’t say those things bombed?) One thing that I haven’t done so well on is managing time. I…
Sunday Morning Rewind: Taming the Wild Beast in Your Mouth.
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26 Bridle your tongue. Have you ever tried to bridle (or we could say, bite your tongue) when someone really pushes your buttons? When they say that one thing that really puts you…
Holy Rebellion: Making the Determination to Stand
I refuse to be defeated. That statement sounds a bit absurd, if you think about it. I mean, if I’m standing in a boxing ring in front of a 230lb well-tuned fighting machine, I’m not sure that my attitude matters very much. I don’t think he cares what I refuse to do. He’s going to…
When Life Gets Tough
Life is tough. Everybody knows that. There is no way for us to get away from the troubles and difficulties that we all have to face. Sometimes, it’s little more than the inconveniences of traffic, dealing with an overbearing boss, or misplacing a wallet. Other times, it’s infinitely worse. Those are events in life that…
