Much of the current “vibe shift,” as many are calling it, involves recognizing that secularism can neither satisfy the human soul nor can it build the utopia it promises. But rejecting what is not true is not the same as bowing the knee to the One who is truth. The fruits of Christianity require its... Continue Reading

Unfortunately, what some call a spirit of discernment might simply be a critical spirit. It becomes easy to take the spiritual high ground—judge and condemn and label and categorize people—because the “gift” entitles them to do so. Hence, the Bible’s warnings against unrighteously judging and condemning somehow don’t apply to them…On the other hand, I... Continue Reading

A few pancakes prepared with a servant’s heart can do more to ease family tension than a short stack of defensive arguments doled out by a selfish heart. Jesus starts addressing Peter’s betrayal of him by choosing to condescend. He finds a way to serve. In this case, he makes breakfast for a man who... Continue Reading

The Catholic Church proclaims a different gospel: it uses familiar phrases and biblical terminology, but with a different dictionary. It is not founded upon Scripture alone, but upon Scripture plus tradition and the magisterium. The Reformers fought, bled, burned, and died for this one word: alone. The Reformation was not about a preference for worship styles, candles,... Continue Reading

It seems the most common type of church, at least in the West, is the shepherd/teacher church. This often results in a “knowledge-based community where right doctrine is seen to be more important than rightdoing.” There is often an overemphasis on the sermon and Sunday service, and community, discipleship, and evangelism are an afterthought.   ... Continue Reading

We are so over-exposed to violence these days that it is easy to become numbed to it. It is easy for our children to become so accustomed to acts of violence that they are lulled into believing that these things are normal. The truth is, we need to help our children recognize that violence is... Continue Reading

Many have observed that the first commandment is the foundation for the other nine; to disobey the others is to turn away from the true God to worship an idol. This shows how dangerously varied idolatry can actually be. We may think of it as bowing down to an actual statue, but it can also... Continue Reading

“What made you think of doing such a thing?” What motive could they have had? Consider these clues. They didn’t sell their house; they sold a field. Having a field is not nearly as common as having a house. They were richer than most folks. They didn’t just bring the money to the apostles; they... Continue Reading

“You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.’   Hebrews 6.19,20: We... Continue Reading

As the day darkens, fear creeps in, even to the minds of faithful believers. The discussion about dying is uncomfortable. It is difficult. Sometimes you don’t want to talk about it because you do not want to think about your own passing. What do we need to say?   Yesterday I was in the room... Continue Reading