For all its complexity, the Bible has a habit of presenting things along pairs of trajectories. Characters in the Bible, like us, are either acting in faith or in fear; out of love or hate; and hope, or, well, hopelessness. So what is the opposite of hope? I was struck by this comment in A | Read More…
I call them God’s theological sheriffs—believers who are alert to any hint of heresy in others. They seem to be self-appointed, but maybe it’s their special gifting. What I’m not sure about is where their gift comes from—whether it’s from God or elsewhere. I ask that honestly because even when they’re prosecuting others on the | Read More…
The course in Sri Lanka had ended. The students had preached their messages, the final tests were graded and returned, everything was done for the week. But then we started to go back over one of the passages some of them had preached. For the next ninety minutes we delved deeper and deeper into the | Read More…
In many Christian circles we hear lots about the theme of glory as God’s ultimate goal for the creation. But by giving such prominence to glory, glory may be getting more glory than God. Here’s what I mean. If God’s glory is seen to be a sort of spiritual commodity he wants or needs for | Read More…
I don’t want to open a debate about judging whether or not someone else is saved – I fully understand that only God can know where any individual stands. However, pastorally, I know it is important that we don’t invest our energies in assuring someone of their salvation if they are not saved. This happens | Read More…
What about the Spirit? What should we make of his place in the Trinity, and in our lives? Our response to that question, whatever it is, will say much about how we live out our faith. With that in mind let me mention, very briefly, some common points of view, then offer my own. And | Read More…
It’s a great feeling to be able to enjoy something new. A new house, a new computer, or even a new friendship. Even if it is isn’t new, but is new to you, it can be a real blessing. I’m enjoying the blessing of all three right now. But I know that the new and | Read More…
As we speak of God’s love what comes to mind for us? Is it a dose of sugar, syrup and all things sweet? Or is it rough, tough and as strong as steel? I hope the question and the comparison seems absurd! Love, and God’s love in particular, is a relational reality that invites more | Read More…
What is the preacher doing when they preach? Sometimes that question might be asked in a concerned tone – what is this preacher doing? But even without the negative or concerned tone, the question is worth pondering. John Stott wrote about the task of the preacher in his book, Between Two Worlds. He recognized the | Read More…
We’ve all seen occasional comics of a robed and bearded street preacher with a placard sign that reads, “Repent, the end is near!” Usually there’s a punchline of some sort that makes the prophet of doom seem silly. Yet, as with most caricatures, there’s a kernel of truth in the mix. And, I suspect, there’s | Read More…
