The word “doctrine” has received a bad name. I once saw a social media comment which captured something of the spirit of the age: “People should spend less time thinking about doctrine and more time actually loving like Jesus did.” I get where that person is coming from. If people spend all their time debating … Continue reading Doctrine and action aren’t opposities
hands and feet of Christ
All hands on deck
There’s an expression: All hands on deck. It comes from the world of ships. When there is trouble, all hands (i.e. people) are needed to pitch in and help. A storm isn’t a time to stargaze or to nap in a hammock somewhere. You’re needed! With that in mind, one of the historic metaphors for … Continue reading All hands on deck
Not just for official religious people
There are different lists of “spiritual gifts” in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Each Christian has at least one gift. These are given to God’s people to benefit “the common good.” But hold on a minute. What is … Continue reading Not just for official religious people
Spirituality: always lived from below
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). Tim Peeters wrote a book about the Carthusian order. The Carthusians were founded in the 11th century. They are monks who live a life of solitude, prayer and contemplation. Many consider their way of life to be austere. Reflecting … Continue reading Spirituality: always lived from below
Following is imitating
In John 1:37 we read: “When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” Following Jesus. It’s something Christians do. But what does it mean? We can’t physically follow him because he isn’t physically here. I can follow a friend’s car down main street because I can see it. But I can’t see … Continue reading Following is imitating
Faithfulness FLOWS
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James … Continue reading Faithfulness FLOWS
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
You complete the broken statue
In 2007 The Denver Post reported a story about a 22-foot statue of Jesus. During a storm, lighting struck and cut off Jesus’ hands and feet! The nuns who took care of it were asked if or when they could replace the hands and feet. They weren’t really sure since they relied on donations. Fair … Continue reading You complete the broken statue
Don’t shortchange your life
Talking about the return of Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12). But what does it mean to be holy? Something that is holy is set apart; it is made for a special, … Continue reading Don’t shortchange your life
Un-stagnant for the kingdom
In Younger Next Year, Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry S. Lodge warn us about living in a way that is sedentary, particularly as it relates to retirement. They say that many people’s approach to retirement is very flawed when it involves “being sedentary, withdrawing from social contact, [and] eating everything you can get your hands … Continue reading Un-stagnant for the kingdom
