In the famous account in Luke 10, a Mosaic law lawyer asked Christ who was his neighbor. Jesus responded by telling him a parable of the “Good Samaritan“. What about another question, who is my brother? Now I will not give an exemplum, but I want to discuss what the Bible teaches. Some feel that only […]
Thou Shalt Look Different
I have heard a Christian a time or two say, “we should look different from the world.” In those times I always want to ask, “what do you mean by the words “world”, “look different”, and “we”. In one sense I am fairly sure what is meant by this, however, to be frank, I am […]
Reason or Faith…Is Reason at War With Faith?
As if these are antithesis of each other, many, both Christian and atheist, feel reason and faith are incompatible. Even Mark Twain said “Faith is believing something you know ain’t true.” Tim Minchin, a well known performer said “Science adjusts its views based on what’s observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved.” […]
STOP: Drop Your Mind Off Before Entering Church
For some Christians, I think they view that a “simple faith” or “blind faith” is a building block of Christianity. However, I am not even sure what that means by those who use it. Does it mean we should have no knowledge or reason, or in other words we should be “anti-intellectual“? If so, it […]
Apostle John, A Bishop And A Renegade
One of my favorite stories is one recited by Clement of Alexandria. This narrative is rich in instruction, let me just focus your attention on some of this richness before you read it for yourself. Children need instruction, not just examples. Mature believers need to disciple the younger. Just because one is a Christian does […]
The Christian’s Culture Elements
What should be a Christian’s culture foundation? I think Bercot makes a great statement below and it needs to be foundational to our thinking. Let’s move into a more robust form of Christianity: following the Biblical commands! “I think the wisest course is to simply stick to the customs to which there is a reference […]
2 Things We Can Learn From a Chess Player
“I can’t count the times I have lagged seemingly hopelessly far behind, and nobody except myself thinks I can win. But I have pulled myself in from desperate [situations]. When you are behind there are two strategies – counter-attack or all men to the defenses. I’m good at finding the right balance between those.” Number […]
The Christian’s Focus
As followers of Christ, we need a focus. That focus is sometimes diverted in topics and areas that are irrelevant. One is excessive divisions between those who are dedicated followers of Christ. We need to be tearing down artificial walls among true believers and followers of Christ, not building more. Our battle needs to be […]
What is Christian Unity?
Unity is essential among true disciples, Jesus made this clear in John 17. Jesus says that unity in the Church shows the world that he came from the Father! Over and over, the apostles teach that oneness and unity are essentials for Jesus followers. However, many talk about unity, but rarely is it ever defined. […]