It’s easy to misunderstand what the Bible means by “love.” In today’s world, we use that word for so many different things. We say we “love” basketball, or we “love” someone’s new outfit, or we “love” the new Avengers movie. In this sense, “love” is just REALLY liking something. It’s like “like” on steroids. But … Continue reading Love by being… loyal
christianity
The only comfort in life and death
Yesterday I highlighted Acts 2:38 where Peter preached to a huge crowed in Jerusalem and told them this: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Yesterday I talked about repentance. Today I’d … Continue reading The only comfort in life and death
The Religion of Self
In Acts 2, Peter preaches a sermon about the resurrection to thousands of people. In response they ask, “What shall we do?” “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” he replies, “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (verse … Continue reading The Religion of Self
What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
In his book Eternity is Now in Session, John Ortberg has a helpful illustration that teaches us something about faith in Christ: Let’s say I get married to someone, exchange vows, and pledge to journey with them through life. But what if that night, after the celebration, I ask, “Honey, what is the least I … Continue reading What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
Are people getting harsher?
Is it just me or do people seem to be getting harsher? It’s not uncommon to see people lash out at others online, on the news, or even in your own home! That’s why gentleness can seem strangely out of place. And welcome. Gentleness is one of the characteristics God grows in his people. “But … Continue reading Are people getting harsher?
An unworthy focus
To those of you who are Christians, let me ask a very direct question: Is Jesus the centre of your Christianity? It’s easy for it to become about something else. If we’re not careful, our religion can become about how well we observe a certain set of rules, or about a certain denomination, or a … Continue reading An unworthy focus
The one label that matters most
Labels. We put them on clothing. But we also put them on people. Sometimes they’re labels other people put on us. Labels like “friend” or “classmate” or “co-worker.” But there are also labels like “jerk” or “ugly” or “enemy.” And do you know what? We put labels on ourselves as well. Some are good. But … Continue reading The one label that matters most
What to do when you’re persecuted
Millions of Christians face persecution. And it will increase in North America too. So what do you do? (It has something to do with retaliation.)
You talk to God. But do you also listen?
Talking to God is one thing. But what about listening? What if God was trying to communicate with you but you just weren't paying attention...
Who’s brainwashing who?
Mark Clark was getting a lot of criticism from people. They said that because he consistently read his kids the Bible and explained who Jesus was (and is), and because he explained God’s hope for the world, that he was “brainwashing” them. But he wasn't the guilty one...
