The Hardest Chapter in the Bible
Some thoughts on the challenges of interpreting Revelation 20....
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You May Be Wrong About the Lord's Prayer
How exactly should we use the Lord's Prayer? In some traditions, consistent repetition of the exact words of this prayer seems to be done in a mechanical way, as if the prayer were some kind of 'magical mantra'. Others have emphasized the idea that this prayer is not a mantra, but a model, intended to shape the broad contours of all our prayers. So which is it?...
Practicing Digital Disciplines: Four Areas to Keep in Mind
Like the operator of a nuclear power station, effectively handling the power of your digital device requires careful consideration and consistent discipline. Without this mindset, experiencing a relational or emotional or mental or spiritual 'meltdown' is a very real possibility....
From Valentine's Day to Good Friday
While colorful hearts and cartoonish cupids are common images around Valentine's Day, the cross was the image the Apostle Paul wanted his reader to be informed and inspired by above all others. As Paul wrote in the opening verses of Ephesians 5, God has called us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us”...
4 Ways Lust Hurts You and Yours
So many people today believe it's perfectly normal to make room in your life for lust. They think, “As long as I'm not hurting anyone, what's the big deal... ?” Such people might be surprised to learn there are many ways sexual lust harms you and those around you....
On Election Day, Every Christian Should Be an Independent
...I'd like to do more than just encourage you to vote. If you are a Christian, I'd like to encourage you to vote as an independent. No, I'm not talking about your party affiliation. But I am thinking about the idea of party affiliation. ...
Our Need for Neediness
Needy. Do any of us want to be needy? Do any of us want to be thought of as needy? If you are needy in our society, does it, from the culture's perspective, make you a hero or a 'zero'?...
The Forgotten Fundamental: Fearing God
Quick question: What's your favorite praise song or hymn about fearing God? Struggling to come up with examples? You wouldn't be alone. Compared to songs about loving God or worshiping God, songs about fearing God are few and far between. And there's a good chance that poverty is also reflected in our prayers and preaching as well....
How Scientists Can Make You a Better Bible Reader!
When a biblical passage appears to be at odds with the current scientific consensus, the problem may be that we simply have further to go in understanding the true meaning of the text...But in other cases...the issue is not the limitations of our biblical knowledge, but rather, the limitations of scientific knowledge....
"Jesus and Me" Christianity
From the outset, God designed men and women to be social beings. If community was vital in the perfect world before sin bent and twisted us, and our surroundings, how much more vital is it now that we live in a fallen world!...
Hell and the Wrath of God
Even though we struggle with ideas of judgment and hell, they are important expressions of God's own nature....
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The Power of Life and Death
The death of the prophet Ezekiel's wife is a shocking episode. Could God be to blame?...
Keep ReadingUnsearchable (Sorry, Google)
Not even Google or Bing could search out His understanding. Consider how Isaiah encourages us in our first memory verse of 2015-2016....
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Thank You, Supreme Court
Thoughts on the recent ruling of the Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage....
Keep ReadingThe Deceiver and Accuser
Remembering the reality of Satan's frustration and fury....
Keep ReadingTake this Job and [Love] It?
Considering how a life perspective shaped by the Bible affects how we see our job....
Keep ReadingRespect and Revolution
Thinking about whether or not there are limits when it comes to submitting to authorities....
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Defending the Historicity of the Resurrection
Are there good historical reasons to believe Jesus really rose from the dead?...
Keep ReadingThe Two Witnesses of Revelation 11
Tackling the interpretive challenges of Revelation 11:1-14...
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