Saturday, July 18, 2015

What Do We Make of the Frailty of Life?

Life is so short, so fragile. We can pretend it isn’t, but then some tragedy strikes to confront us with how little control we really have. Then you can start to think about how vast the universe is, and how long it has been, and how long it will go on without you, and you feel overwhelmed. Broken. Worthless.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Should We Follow Our Feelings?

I saw this article, and it saddened me deeply. Not only because I have to talk about this issue again, but because it represents such a disconnect from the truth. There is a dreadful lack of understanding about the nature of sin, and it is growing widespread even among Christians. We need to return to the clarity of Scripture. Homosexuality seems to be the place where we have to focus right now, but it is true for everything. Just because you feel something, doesn’t make it right.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

What Do We Do When There Are No Answers?

We are facing evil days. There could hardly be anything more terrible than living in a world where people can murder children to use them for their parts. Unless perhaps it is living in a world that turns a blind eye to it, and attacks the people who exposed this infamy.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

What Should Form Us?

I was having a discussion recently in which I brought up a phrase I developed in college and that has since become my motto: “I will be informed by anyone, but only formed by the Bible.” In essence, it is the basis of this ministry. Scripture is central to me not because it is God, worshipful in its own right, but because it is from God, a reliable representation of His will.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Is Pope Francis Right About What It Takes to be Happy?

Someone recently sent me a list of suggestions by Pope Francis I on what it takes to be a happier person. Most of them are fairly straightforward and make good sense, such as being calm and working for peace. There were two, however, which were closely related and also somewhat suspect (depending on how you take them). While I think they can be read generously, I feel it is still worth offering some clarifying remarks from an evangelical perspective.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Can We Eat Meat?

I saw a meme recently that criticized the livestock industry for animal cruelty, and it got me thinking. When you look at the Bible, you can see both sides of the argument for vegetarianism and understand the reason in each.

Friday, July 10, 2015

How Can Someone's Flesh Cry Out for God?

Most of my writing is for the benefit of those who are already Christians. And that makes sense, since part of the purpose of this ministry is assist them in answering questions and learning about what we believe. But I also want this to be a place where people who are not Christians can come and learn something about the Bible, too.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Can We Pray for Justice and Mercy?

When we think of God, we can tend to set up a strict line between His judgment and His mercy. But this is not a biblical distinction. In Scripture, they go together.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Is "Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin" Biblical?

I saw an article yesterday that argued Christians need to stop saying “love the sinner, hate the sin.” The author commented on the fact that this phrase does not appear in the Bible, which is true. And certainly, that is a good starting point for a review of what we should say we believe. But she misses the point when she claims this idea is not present in the teachings of Jesus.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

How Should Leaders Behave?

Psalm 82 is a warning to leaders who fail to do what is right. The psalmist, Asaph, imparts a rhythm to verses 2-4 that brings his point full circle. The mighty uphold the wicked, while they should protect the weak. The strong must defend the weak, by punishing the wicked.

Is Marriage Still Honorable?

In the light, or rather, the darkness of recent events, I was drawn to consider the words of Hebrews 13:4. In that verse, the author of the epistle says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled.” Sadly, this no longer seems true. The opinions of men have been elevated over the purposes of God, and our society not only condones, but commends and commands the celebration of the irrational concept of homosexual “marriage.” We are in a sorry condition, and for Christians, it is a doubtful one.