The first letter of John the apostle starts with a lot of enthusiasm—and this energy is for a reason:“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” (1 John 1:1)Let me explain … Continue reading A trustworthy eyewitness is speaking to you
scripture
Stability
The apostle Peter warned his readers with these words:“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability” (2 Peter 3:17, ESV).Earlier in the chapter he had been telling them about Jesus’ return. They should live expectantly and with “holiness … Continue reading Stability
God’s word is an on ramp
You sometimes hear people say that they don’t read the Bible very much but they still follow Jesus.In saying this, they seem to suggest that the Bible is all about dusty doctrine and that following Jesus is where the real action is.But this perspective is flawed.Scripture is inspired by God. It is infallible, meaning “unable … Continue reading God’s word is an on ramp
Not just for your soul, but your brain
The American Bible Society conducted a survey. They found that there was a correlation between engaging with the Bible and having lower anxiety levels. This correlation exists, they said, among all Americans “but is especially evident among Gen Z.” “Young people who identified as “Bible Engaged” had an anxiety score of 3.4, while people in … Continue reading Not just for your soul, but your brain
They fear concentration
John Climacus wrote a book in the early 7th century that became very influential among Christians. It was called The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Among other things it was a book about becoming more like Jesus. In it he wrote: "Demons fear concentration as thieves fear dogs."* He put a high value on concentration. He was … Continue reading They fear concentration
The organic unity of Scripture
Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God is flawless…” The Bible is God’s word to us. That statement is true. It is also under constant attack. I tend to read books, listen to podcasts, and talk to people about biblical interpretation and authority. I want to be well-informed and well-equipped. Over time, you start to notice … Continue reading The organic unity of Scripture
God continues to speak to his people
One of the most popular movies of all time is The Sound of Music. Toward the end there is a dramatic scene where the von Trapp family is trying to flee from danger. They are being pursued by the sinister authorities. Maria von Trapp is played by Julie Andrews. She speaks briefly with the Reverend … Continue reading God continues to speak to his people
Jesus’ disciples, Scripture’s pupils
This week I’m leading a Bible story centre at our church’s Vacation Bible Camp. It’s always a lot of energy, music and laughter! I consider it a profound and meaningful privilege to teach the Bible. Within its Spirit-inspired pages, people of all ages start to know more about God, his promises, and his loving plans … Continue reading Jesus’ disciples, Scripture’s pupils
Chewing the cud of God’s word
In Psalm 1:2 we are told about a person who is blessed by God. This is a person “whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” But what does it mean to “meditate”? This word can make us think of some sort of eastern spiritual … Continue reading Chewing the cud of God’s word
God’s will and God’s word
“Follow your heart. Go with your gut. Trust you feelings.” These are popular statements. And before I sound too negative, let me just say there are times when your heart, gut and feelings have important things to teach you. But they’re not God. It follows, therefore, that if your heart, gut, or feelings urge you … Continue reading God’s will and God’s word
