I firmly believe that apologetics will become increasingly important for Christians. “Apologetics” is the art of defending and explaining the faith. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Christianity is increasingly misunderstood. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around. And, in general, as our society continues to be confused about morality, there is a lot … Continue reading Incomparable magnetism
inspiration
What a flame is to dynamite
After summarizing some research on self-esteem, John Ortberg describes an internal question that a lot of people ask when approaching a challenge: “When you face a difficult situation, do you approach it, take action, and face it head on, or do you avoid it, wimp out, and run and hide?” When you face a difficult … Continue reading What a flame is to dynamite
Soul cinderblocks
There was a church who created a website where people could anonymously confess sins and wrongdoings. They did this because they believed in the healing power of confession. Plus, it was a chance to get other people to pray for them. One young woman wanted to confess her promiscuous life and her feelings of shame. … Continue reading Soul cinderblocks
Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” A lot of people discount this verse for a whole host of reasons. It makes them uncomfortable. But even though governments are made up of flawed humans who often miss the mark, I … Continue reading Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
One thing we should expect from politicians
On Sunday at church I talked about Christian attitudes toward government. To be honest, I was kind of nervous about it. After all, government and politics is a touchy subject these days. There are divisive and polarizing issues. And sometimes it seems that common sense and civility go out the window! I think the congregation … Continue reading One thing we should expect from politicians
Valued in his sight
In the Bible, God demonstrates an undeniable, loving concern for the poor and marginalized. They are valued in his sight. Psalm 140:12 comes to mind: “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.” And since God cares about the poor and marginalized, he wants … Continue reading Valued in his sight
The unwelcome resident between your ears
Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night, I hear noises. 99 times out of 100, they’re normal sounds. Things like the refrigerator or furnace. On their own schedule, they go on, turn off, go on, and turn off again. That’s like worry. Just when you think you’ve entered a place of … Continue reading The unwelcome resident between your ears
You’ve never fled or fallen too far
“God couldn’t love me. Not after what I’ve done.” I hear this sometimes. Maybe not those exact words. But some form of them. Sure, we know the words to “Jesus loves me” and, on some level, mentally agree that they’re true. But then life goes on, things happen—sometimes terrible things, and we doubt God’s love. … Continue reading You’ve never fled or fallen too far
You: The living memory
Siblings can become very close. That was certainly true for Theodore and Amity. But as time went on, Amity contracted cancer. The doctors told her she could have surgery to try and remove the tumor. But since she was getting older and feeling weaker, there was a chance she either wouldn’t survive or would go downhill … Continue reading You: The living memory
Like water off a duck’s back
“You never do it right.” “Your priorities are always messed up.” “You always say the wrong thing!” How do you respond when people unduly judge and criticize you? If you’re like a lot of other people (including me), probably not very well! So I stand in awe of the apostle Paul when he says, “I … Continue reading Like water off a duck’s back
