On May 19, 2023 Tim Keller died. He was a best-selling author, pastor and apologist. He spoke to millions, met with Presidents, but was ever down-to-earth. My first introduction to his writing was through his best-seller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. His writing gave evidence of a genuine, biblical faith … Continue reading With all your mind
apologetics
God’s book
If you’re a follower of Jesus you listen to a lot of sermons. Would you rather squander that time or benefit from something God might be saying to you? I’m a preacher, so this topic is a bit awkward! The reason I share this isn’t because I’m fantastic (I’m not), but because God has set … Continue reading God’s book
Before darkness overtakes you
Jesus said: “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you” (John 12:35). One of the stories I have read my kids is “The Dark” by Robert Munsch. A shadow comes to life and starts eating other shadows. As a result, he keeps getting bigger and eventually lives on top of the house casting … Continue reading Before darkness overtakes you
Science AND faith
In a Jack Black movie called Nacho Libre, a character says: “I don’t believe in God, I believe in science.” It reveals an error in thought that some people have, as if you can’t believe in God if you “believe” in science. But the two are not opposites. This kind of statement usually comes from … Continue reading Science AND faith
God’s big-picture providence for you
In his book Person of Interest, detective J. Warner Wallace highlights how many political, practical, and linguistic factors came together to maximize the impact and influence of Jesus on the world at that specific time in history. At the pinnacle of Roman Rule, vast areas “were unified under the same economic, military, and linguistic systems.”* … Continue reading God’s big-picture providence for you
The probability of this specific Messiah
Much is made about Jesus being the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning “anointed one,” which refers to God’s chosen king and representative on the earth. Much is also made about prophecies he has fulfilled which confirm that Jesus is in fact this Messiah. We could reference Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem … Continue reading The probability of this specific Messiah
Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
“Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). When I was attending university, I was headed to class on the subway. I was reading my mini New Testament. A stranger walked over and asked what I was doing. He started to criticize me in front of everyone else (quite loudly, … Continue reading Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
Confidence in the Word
For years a certain group of scholars said that John’s Gospel was a philosophical and theological work, but not a historical one, meaning that it couldn’t be trusted at face value. One of the reasons for that (faulty) conclusion was that details in the text seemed wrong from a historical perspective. For example, in John … Continue reading Confidence in the Word
Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
William Lane Craig is a well-known defender of the faith. He writes books, speaks at conferences, and debates atheists in front of thousands upon thousands of people. This makes him a frequent target. He is yelled at, ridiculed, and criticized—over and over and over. Someone asked him how he responded to all of this. He … Continue reading Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
Talking faith? Take the pressure off
In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Always? Yes. But the fact of the matter is that many of us lack confidence or clarity when we try to explain (or defend) our faith. … Continue reading Talking faith? Take the pressure off
The Up Devotional 