I wonder how many Christian will struggle to feel compassion for the victims of the shooting in Orlando since it took place in a gay bar?1,2 There are many Christians in the U.S. who believe that it’s most important for Christians to take a stand against sin, to point out and condemn these wrongs. (Never
Category: Christian Living
Jesus’ Radical Teaching on Provision
Many Christians have the idea based on scripture that God promises to provide for us. I have a sense that this is true, but not in the way we thought. It seems that we have the idea that God will provide everything and keep us from trouble in this life, unconditionally. But something inspired me
How Effective Does A Ministry Have To Be In Order To Be Worthwhile?
I expect this is a question many leaders ask themselves in some form or another. When you spend your time, energy, and other resources on something, you want to believe that it is worthwhile. You also want to be getting the most out of this investment, not necessarily personally, but in terms of moving toward
The Ridiculousness of the Crucifixion (Part 2)
In my previous article, I stated that we correctly desire to see the end of injustice and evil. At the end I observed that God is doing something about this. However, he does so in a previously incomprehensible way. If you are on God’s side, Jesus’ crucifixion makes no earthly sense. (It makes perfect sense
Judging People: Good Guys Fight Bad Guys (Part 1)
As I mentioned in my previous post, we all recognize that there is evil and injustice in the world. We correctly recognize when a person does certain acts which are evil and injustice. We desire for these to be corrected and the injustice removed. I think it is human tendency to judge people and place
Judas Verses Peter (Part 3)
I’m picking up here where I left off in my last post, Judas Verses Peter (Part 2). If Judas couldn’t be forgiven, I’d argue that it is only because he wouldn’t allow for it. If Judas is in hell, I’m not sure it’s because God is getting his revenge. At most I would suggest it
We Can’t Judge and Love Simultaneously
I love Greg Boyd’s proposition that we can’t judge (condemn) and love people at the same time. Obviously many Christians feel a very strong compulsion to condemn sin. Where does this come from? Probably two places. First, much of the Old Testament stresses holiness in the form of outward signs and actions. If people don’t
Spiritual Growth
I believe that spiritual growth is a journey, and the journey is not always straight forward. I believe that spiritual transformation is a slow, gradual process, measured more in terms of years rather than days and weeks. (So be patient.) I believe that spiritual growth happens best when we are continually, repeatedly reminded of God’s
Religious Trauma Syndrome
I expect this topic to be controversial. I have observed that at times people confuse a criticism of something done in the name of Christ with a criticism of God himself. But this fails to recognize that we are imperfect, and that we can make mistakes and do the wrong thing even when we are
Follow and Share—The Basics of Following and Sharing Jesus (Live Event)
I am teaching a one evening overview on following and sharing Jesus (a.k.a. discipleship). The focus will be on learning simple ways to share Jesus with others. It is taking place on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:45 p.m. at The Gathering in Carmel (624B S Rangeline Road, Carmel, IN 46032). My hope is that any