The Ten Commandments is a powerful tool to help show people their need for Christ. Many have suppressed sin in their mind and ignore guilt. How do you expose this sin for them? What should you say? Both Christ and Paul used the Decalogue to circumvent the intellect and go straight to the conscience (1). […]
Please, Don’t Act Like a Christian
Here is a challenge, don’t act like a Christian. Rather be a Christian. OK, I know this word act is a trick word. But really, if we are true Christians, we would not have to try to act the part, it will be us. Think about it, if one is acting, it is implying they […]
Vacation On The Islands
This is vacation time. Many are planning, thinking and just can’t wait for that lustful destination. But let me “put a stone in your shoe” as you are on that extended vacation, or planning your third blissful retreat this year. Purpose Why are you going? No really, what is the purpose? How much money are […]
Spirit Led: Fact or Fiction?
Words can be used equivocally, that is they can be defined a number of ways. In fact phrases can be as well. Some can take on brand new meanings, this is what happens with many novel teachings in Christianity. Many times we become convinced of something and then we set out to prove it Biblically. […]
Emulating The Carpenter
We are called to follow Christ (1 Peter 2:21), so what was Christ like so we can follow him? One recently challenged me to find out. Here is a start, I have thirteen attributes that came to mind of what Christ did and and taught. Loving. Mark 12:28-34. We are to love God and others. […]
And the Band Played On
Recently I was given the task to sit through a docudrama called “And the Band Played On.” There were some positive aspects, it was entertaining, good acting, educational and helps one understand that we all are people and we all have needs. Also, we can’t just ignore others because of his or her beliefs. However, […]
Apollos
I have been thinking about Apollos. Yes, In the book of Acts he was just a blip within a greater narrative. However, what was written in that book is a highly condensed and we can grow much from his story. “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in […]
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor
“Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.” I have seen that quip on a T-shirt once in the attempt to be amusing. But what if one claims to be a physician, but has no medical knowledge and no credentials? This person would be a fake! This person, if trying to practice medicine, would be rightfully punished. However, […]
Thou Shalt Be Strange
Are Christians supposed to be “peculiar people?” At first blush this might seem true, and it is in some ways (1). However, it is false if one means that we have to be “strange”, “weird”, or “peculiar.” Biblical exegesis seems to be the issue here, the Bible passages are being confused on who is doing […]
Paint On The Wall
Paint on the wall. Yes, it does have significance to a house, but structurally what does it do? Do we as Christians sometimes focus on the “paint” instead of structurally issues? Do we quarrel over silly issues that have no long term ramifications and just cause division? Yes, we can say they are important , but are […]