One of the most well-known verses in John the apostle’s first letter is this: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). People tend to quote that verse to say we never have any need to be afraid of anything. However, the second part of the verse explains the context: … Continue reading Perfect love casts out fear?
judgment day
Your advocate in the divine court room
“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)This verse was written by the apostle John. In it, he offers a powerful word of encouragement. But to see the full scope of his reassurance, we need to keep something in mind.Picture a legal setting, a … Continue reading Your advocate in the divine court room
Your light and the coming dark
Jesus is going to come back. He said that he would. The early church said that he would. Christians have looked forward to this powerful day ever since. There are two unhealthy extremes when it comes to this topic. One is to never think about it, or to downplay it. The other is to obsess … Continue reading Your light and the coming dark
A Judge who is FOR you
People balk at having an ultimate Judge. But that doesn't change the fact that we do. His name is Jesus. Yes, he is our teacher, Lord, Saviour, and friend. But he is also our Judge. As we are reminded by Jesus himself in John 5:22: “the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment … Continue reading A Judge who is FOR you
(Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
For those of you with children or grandchildren, or for those of you who lead or teach children and youth in some other way, I’m about to share something that might be a bit jarring. But there are times when some soul-rattling is in order. Let me share it with you, and then explain my … Continue reading (Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
Letting go of revenge
A lot of people wonder about Judgment Day. They’re curious about how and when it will happen. And trust me: there is no end of books that jump on the profitable bandwagon of speculation. But there’s a much-neglected facet to Judgement Day that can positively impact our attitudes in the here and now, regardless of … Continue reading Letting go of revenge
Who says who goes to heaven or hell?
I’ve been talking a lot about heaven and hell. But who goes where? In other words, what makes someone right with God and given a place in heaven, and what makes someone wrong with God and therefore banished from his presence after they die? And who decides these things? I know, I know. These are … Continue reading Who says who goes to heaven or hell?
Believing what we WANT to be true, verses what actually is
A 2007 Gallup poll revealed that 81% of people believe in heaven, but only 69% believe in hell. That seems strange to me. But it’s also very telling. We like to believe in things we like, but not in things we don’t. The Scottish theologian James Denney did a survey of Jesus’ teaching and found … Continue reading Believing what we WANT to be true, verses what actually is
One heartbeat away
No matter how you spin it, we're all one heartbeat away from meeting our Maker...
