I hear this question a lot. I've even wrestled with the "why God?" question myself. This morning, while reading St. James I had a thought about this matter. Let me show you what I read and then I'll share the thought: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it … Continue reading If there is a God… why does he allow evil things to happen?
Theology
Stop punishing yourself
Recently I sat with a man who simply could not accept forgiveness... be it divine or human... he simply could not accept forgiveness. He wanted to. He needed to. He believed it for others, but could not accept it for himself. With this conversation fresh on my mind I stopped in my tracks when I … Continue reading Stop punishing yourself
“Instead”
This morning I was thinking about "grace". Honestly I felt a bit like an ignorant beggar... I know so little about something I need so much. One of the most famous "grace" scriptures is found in Ephesians 2:1-10 so I went there to read and linger. I read these words from "The Message" (a version … Continue reading “Instead”
Thoughts on the incarnation (1)
With the help of Thomas Oden and his wonderful interactions with the early church fathers, I am reflecting on the incarnation of Christ. This morning I read this from St. Augustine (as quoted by Oden): "Let us grant that God can do something which we confess we cannot fathom. In such matters the whole explanation … Continue reading Thoughts on the incarnation (1)
God’s way is the only way
Reading from E. Stanley Jones book, "Is the Kingdom of God Realism?" I came across a thoughtful quote from JohnMacMurray. Read it slowly. Process it and then let me know what you think. When men set out to achieve an intention which is contrary to the divine intention, they do not achieve it. They achieve … Continue reading God’s way is the only way
The God with a date
Philip Yancey, in his book The Jesus I Never Knew, quotes Dorothy Sayers who writes of Jesus, He is the only God who has a date in history.... There is no more collocation of phrases than that which, in the Nicene Creed, sets these two statements flatly side by side: 'Very God of Very God... … Continue reading The God with a date
How should we live?
Last Sunday I taught from Matthew 3. Two key sets of verses in this teaching: Matthew 3:13-15 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John didn't want to baptize him. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are … Continue reading How should we live?
A mother’s love
Last night on our date there was a special moment between Sherri and Karis. I caught it on my phone to share it with you, and to keep it forever. Now read these words, "I will comfort you there as a child is comforted by its mother." God (Isaiah 66:13). Be aware today that your … Continue reading A mother’s love
What does the Bible mean (part 1 continued)
My friend, Joey Guido, and I are having a conversation about the Bible. This is a real life conversation between two men who approach theology and God from different perspectives (You can learn more about Joey in this blog introduction and then shoot over to his blog and check out some of his great resources). … Continue reading What does the Bible mean (part 1 continued)
What does the Bible mean (part 1)
Alright guys, before we get started on this dialogue let me explain the format: I'm not editing these questions at all. They are as asked by Joey. (In case you're just checking in, click here to read about who Joey is and why we're having this conversation.) While you are welcome to get in on … Continue reading What does the Bible mean (part 1)
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