M. Scott Peck wrote: “one of the characteristics of evil is its desire to confuse.”* That makes sense. Jesus calls Satan the “father of lies” (John 8:44). If we’re always confused and distracted and spinning, we are unable to stand firm on God our Rock and live in a way which is consistent with his … Continue reading Clarity in confusing times
salvation
Presently, not just eventually
“make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue…” (2 Peter 1:5, ESV) Salvation. It’s a big word. When a lot of people hear that word, they think about heaven. And they should; it’s one of God’s promises. When you believe in who Jesus is and what he has done for you on the cross, … Continue reading Presently, not just eventually
Can we earn heaven?
I was recently asked this question: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I'm also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you … Continue reading Can we earn heaven?
He had mine
A Christian in China was about to be baptized. The pastor asked her a question to ensure that she understood the meaning of the cross: “Did Jesus have any sin?” The answer, of course, was “No.” Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Since … Continue reading He had mine
Playing the part, neglecting the heart
This week I’ve been talking about when we try to satisfy our deepest spiritual appetites with things or people who aren’t God. Today let me share one last idea. This is something people do to satisfy their spiritual cravings, but in so doing miss the point. It’s religion. Wait, isn’t religion good? Yes it is. … Continue reading Playing the part, neglecting the heart
God took our heads out
Eugene Nida was a famous Bible translator. He tells a story about a missionary and a man from West Africa. The Bible was being translated into the local Bambara language. The translator wanted to know how to translate the word “redeemed” so that the locals would understand what God has done for us in Jesus. … Continue reading God took our heads out
Saved FROM calamity FOR abundance
“Jesus saves.” We’ve heard it. We’ve said it. We’ve seen it on a thousand billboards. When we put our trust in who Jesus is and what he has done for us, he saves us from the consequences of our sin. Since “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) this is extremely good news! He … Continue reading Saved FROM calamity FOR abundance
The value of a lifebuoy
I’ve been sharing some thoughts about John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Max Lucado says: “If you know nothing about the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here.”* … Continue reading The value of a lifebuoy
If I should wake before I die
When Tony Campolo was in college a professor talked about the well-known childhood prayer: “If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” He then pointed out what he perceived to be a flaw. Couldn’t it also say: “If I should wake before I die…”?* The implication is that … Continue reading If I should wake before I die
Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This irked some of the Pharisees. They peppered the man who was healed (and his parents) with questions, trying to discredit the man or the miracle. Quite understandably, he got tired of repeatedly explaining how it happened. “I have told you already,” he said, “and you would … Continue reading Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
