Today is the 4th of July, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 250 years ago. This weekend, many churches are celebrating, decking their facilities with flags, as well as red, white and blue bunting. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating the founding of our nation and praying that GodContinue reading “250 Years”
Tag Archives: Spirituality
Jesus Is King
Recent “No Kings” protests in the United States illustrate the anti-monarchical sentiment that historically exists in this country. This sentiment goes back to the rebellion against the authority of King George III of Great Britain, which established what is now known as the United States. However, for those of us who call ourselves Christians, meaningContinue reading “Jesus Is King”
How Do We Know What Is True?
This is an important question, that we often don’t think to ask ourselves. Why? Because we assume that what we believe is already true. If we discovered that it was not true, we would change our belief or opinion, because no one intentionally believes a lie. There is something innate within us that rejects liesContinue reading “How Do We Know What Is True?”
How Did Christianity Become So Complicated?
Several weeks ago I posted how Christianity is really simple, not complicated. However the reality for many of us is that Christianity seems and feels complicated. The simple reality of Jesus seems to get drowned out in history, doctrine and theology. How did that come about? Jesus gave us a very simple message to proclaim,Continue reading “How Did Christianity Become So Complicated?”
Affections and Freedom
Freedom is more than merely enjoying civil rights. It is more than Jefferson’s life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. True freedom can only be received from the hand of God, otherwise, we are at the mercy of our affections. What we desire and organize our life around. It may be our possessions; it mayContinue reading “Affections and Freedom”
Simple Christianity
The Christian faith is really very simple. Jesus did not give us complicated doctrines to affirm, rather he had a very simple message. Repent and follow me. It is more personal than intellectual. Those two commands, repent and follow, are connected. We are to repent from living our own way, from being our own master.Continue reading “Simple Christianity”
A Peculiar People?
Why does the King James Version of the Bible call Christians a peculiar people? In that version of the Bible, 1 Peter 2:9 refers to Christians as a peculiar people. That phrase sounds odd to our modern ears, because today the word has taken on somewhat of a negative connotation that it did not haveContinue reading “A Peculiar People?”
Why Are People Offended By Jesus?
Jesus is one of, if not the most divisive, individuals in human history. That is an interesting concept to ponder. Why is that so? In the Western World many people follow his teaching and values, such as equality, the value of women and children, concern for the poor and the disabled, compassion and the importanceContinue reading “Why Are People Offended By Jesus?”
Jesus, The Logos
Words are interesting and powerful things. We constantly use them to communicate with one another and to formulate our thoughts. Their power lies in their meaning. What is curious about words and languages is that words can change in meaning over time and mean one thing in one language and something else in another language.Continue reading “Jesus, The Logos”
Finding Purpose In Life
All of us live for purpose, which according to some writers is a struggle when people retire, because what they had for a purpose, a vocation or a career has now stopped and they struggle with how to live. This was pointed out in the movie, “The Intern”, where Robert De Niro’s character struggled withContinue reading “Finding Purpose In Life”
