There is a spiritual tug-of-war happening—and it’s happening over Jesus.Different factions are trying to lay claim to him. One group proclaims: “We have the right understanding of Jesus and you are wrong!” The other group bellows the same thing.Even as you read or listen to this certain people come to mind who are actively engaged … Continue reading The tug-of-war for Jesus
grace and truth
We pick stuff up, almost by osmosis
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Have you ever been talking to a young child when they use a word that you know they didn’t come up with … Continue reading We pick stuff up, almost by osmosis
Not one extreme, but both
In the previous devotional I encouraged you to pray for “anti-lukewarm-ness” in North America. We need less apathy and more commitment. That sentiment was based on Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea from Revelation 3:16: “because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Yikes! Today I … Continue reading Not one extreme, but both
Truth-less “grace,” or grace-less “truth”?
In John 1:14 (and elsewhere) we learn that Jesus is God come to us in human form. In that same verse we also read: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Notice how Jesus is full of grace and … Continue reading Truth-less “grace,” or grace-less “truth”?
Soft edges and firm centres
Barry Corey is the president of Biola University. In an interview he said that Christians should have “soft edges and firm centres.”* Kind of like a peach! The firm centre is our firm beliefs. We are strong and confident in the resurrected Jesus and God’s word. The soft edges refer to our loving and compassionate … Continue reading Soft edges and firm centres
