“In theory, we happily declare that God is the source (and therefore the rightful owner) of all that we possess. But, in practice, we slowly begin to take ownership of our most prized possessions and accomplishments. That is why Paul raises a second question in 1 Cor. 4:7: “If then you received it, why do... Continue Reading

“Every child, whether gay or straight, is oriented toward sin, and so are you. If your child or grandchild says he or she is gay, you shouldn’t act shocked, as though you are surprised your child might be tempted toward sin, or that you find your own sinful inclinations somehow less deserving of God’s judgment.”... Continue Reading

“Maybe European Christianity isn’t all that we Europhilic Christians in the U.S. make it out to be. It sure has more history, better architecture, and civilizational presence. But freed from all the baggage of Christendom, perhaps Christianity is better off. That’s not an expression of American Christian exceptionalism. Nor is it an assertion that American... Continue Reading

“God spoke a specific command to Adam. It seems kind of arbitrary, although we know that it isn’t. But this command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is what God shares in his special revelation to Adam. This leads to my next question: “Did Adam believe God?” Did... Continue Reading

“Once the funeral was over and the day was done, you went home. Back to life, back to love, back to those who make your world complete. You went to a funeral, and then you went home. We all lose, but someone that day, went to a funeral and didn’t want to go home. Someone... Continue Reading

“You have a right, yea even a responsibility not to just “Have It Your Way,” but to “Be Your Way.” People “can and should live how they want anytime.” This makes the role of government and business the infinite proliferation of choices, a notion that’s in everything from our fast foods to our laws.”   “Have It... Continue Reading

“The relationship between faith and obedience is a two-way street. On the one hand, a true and living faith will issue in good works, as both Paul and James agree. On the other hand, good works are also essential to a true and living faith. This latter truth seems to be what James was driving... Continue Reading

“The Bible is also profitable for reproof and correction, which we as Christians continually need. It is fashionable in some academic circles to exercise scholarly criticism of the Bible. In so doing, scholars place themselves above the Bible and seek to correct it. If indeed the Bible is the Word of God, nothing could be... Continue Reading

“Over-promisers tend to think everything is going to go smoothly. No interruptions, no unexpected bills, etc.  This despite almost every indicator to the contrary! To some degree, you can plan for the unplanned and expect the unexpected. Optimists need some pessimism to help them maintain their optimism!”   Many of us have a tendency to... Continue Reading

“As a counselor, I have the privilege of witnessing people apologize to one another. It is a sweet mercy when the Holy Spirit burdens a person’s heart with the awareness of personal sin, and the person is moved to ask for forgiveness. The problem is that sometimes the apology comes out sounding like a monologue.... Continue Reading