You sometimes see artwork where a person has an angel over one shoulder and a demon over the other. Sometimes they are shown to be whispering into the person’s ear. Regardless of whether the artist thinks these good and evil spirits are literally on someone’s shoulder, the idea is clear—that there are good and bad … Continue reading Angels and demons on our shoulders?
Author: Matthew Ruttan
The gospel of our liberated age?
There are times when we humans make simple things difficult and difficult things too simplistic. Mark Bauerlein was speaking to his friends about a group of monks in Vermont who spend most of their time in contemplation and prayer. His friends respected the monks, but were puzzled by them. “It doesn’t occur to them,” Bauerlein writes, “that … Continue reading The gospel of our liberated age?
Christian is also a verb
When we call ourselves “Christians” what do we think that means?The earliest followers of Jesus were called “disciples.” That word is used about 269 times.In those early days, the followers of Jesus were also called the people of “the Way.” That phrase occurs five times. So, when did the title “Christian” come into use? We first … Continue reading Christian is also a verb
Do. Not. Be. Surprised.
There’s no denying it. The Bible tells us like it is! No holding back. In 1 John 3:13 we read: “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” In my Bible, I have those first four words underline separately. Do. Not. Be. Surprised.In this context, “the world” is a reference to “human systems that … Continue reading Do. Not. Be. Surprised.
Believing in God, or believing God
The word “believe” comes up a lot in the Bible. Clearly, it’s very important to our faith. In 1 John 3:23, the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”But what does it truly mean to … Continue reading Believing in God, or believing God
Their God is my God
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).In February 2015 twenty Coptic Orthodox Christians were killed for their faith in Lybia by Muslim terrorists. They had been labourers. These … Continue reading Their God is my God
Love one another, regardless
Through thick and thin, and regardless of whether things are easy or difficult, the apostle John has some sage counsel: “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 4:11).We tend to pay attention to what some people say more than others.For example, let’s … Continue reading Love one another, regardless
When William Tyndale was martyred
“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).Today is the anniversary of William Tyndale’s martyrdom. He died 489 years ago on October 6, 1536.Tyndale was born in the late 1400’s. As he grew, he became passionate about God and the Bible. But it wasn’t available in English. … Continue reading When William Tyndale was martyred
Purification
According to the apostle John, followers of Christ engage in a process of purification. Speaking about the return of Jesus in 1 John 3:3, he writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”But what does purification entail?Think of something which is purified with fire. A biblical example is from … Continue reading Purification
Righteousness includes love
In 1 John 3, the apostle discusses the importance of being “righteous.” Our society hates the idea of righteousness. In fact, it has equated it with being “self-righteous.” Being self-righteous is thinking you are better than others and looking down your nose at them with a dripping sense of moral superiority.But that’s not what the Bible … Continue reading Righteousness includes love
