For centuries people chewed on the bark of Willow Trees to relieve pain. As we entered the modern period, some people wanted to find out why. Did it have something to do with chewing on the rough bark itself? Or did it have something to do with the orange-ish resin? They did some tests. Nope. … Continue reading Zeroing in on the key ingredient
Jesus Christ
Love defined
Today is Valentine's day. It's a day a lot of people spend thinking about love. But I'd like to widen our scope a bit and think about what love actually means. And not just in the romantic sense, but in the wider love-your-neighbour sense. I think that when we look at Jesus’ example, love means … Continue reading Love defined
When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
Tony Campolo is a sociologist who traveled to Hawaii. Because of the time change he found himself wide awake in the middle of the night, wandering the streets, and looking for somewhere to eat. He found a small diner and ordered a coffee and a donut. Soon, a bunch of loud, boisterous prostitutes came in. … Continue reading When they sang Happy Birthday she wept
Talk is… cheap?
“Talk is cheap.” Have you ever heard someone use that expression? It’s the cousin to “Actions speak louder than words.” I get where it comes from. Quite often, we only know if someone means what they say if they back it up with their actions. But WHY? WHY do so many people think talk is … Continue reading Talk is… cheap?
Whose words to you will never fail
A friend who doesn’t share my beliefs was telling me his “bucket list”—things he wanted to do before he died, before he “kicked the bucket”! In addition to things like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was reading the Bible. He told me that even though he wasn’t a Christian, he realized that the Bible … Continue reading Whose words to you will never fail
Belief gives birth
In 1932 the baseball World Series was between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. The story goes that there were two outs, and who should step to the plate for the Yankees, but the famous big-hitting batter, Babe Ruth. The first pitch hurled over the plate. Strike one! The second did the same. … Continue reading Belief gives birth
Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Writer Craig Groeschel coined the phrase “Christian Atheism.” Here’s the idea behind it. If we say we believe in Jesus, are we actually living like it makes a difference? Or are we just blending in and living our lives as functional atheists? What do we say about prayer, verses how we actually pray? What do … Continue reading Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Incomparable magnetism
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
Your John 3:16 moment
I had planned on writing about something else today. But a congregant just passed away and I felt the need to share this question with you. Are you ready for your own death? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think about it until it’s too late. In previous eras, people thought about death a lot … Continue reading Your John 3:16 moment
Proving that you’re somebody
Lately I’ve been talking about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s an expression that has to do with how you think you’re measuring up (and keeping up) with the people around you. It has to do with comparison. And do you know what? It’s an exhausting way to live. In an incredibly honest interview with … Continue reading Proving that you’re somebody
