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
Judas Verses Peter (Part 2)
In my previous post, I compared Judas to Peter looking at their big failures. I now continue by considering how Jesus responded to Peter. Jesus’ harshest criticisms were directed at the religious leaders of his time. For this reason they often get a bad rap. However, a while ago I realized that, if we are
Judas Verses Peter (Part 1)
Judas and Peter. Both of these men were chosen by Jesus to be part of the twelve—the first sent ones representing the new Israel. Yet the two men had drastically different fates. I don’t believe this necessarily had to be so. Neither were perfect men. I mean, Jesus once rebuked Peter as speaking for Satan!
Prepared to Fight…
The team had been working all year toward this one goal. Countless hours of practice, drills, weight training, and conditioning had been undertaken in an effort to be the best. Tonight they had a chance to make this happen. The championship game was only minutes away. The players huddled together. The team’s captain and Heisman
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
Ministry Segregation
I’m noticing that many churches gender segregate their adult small groups. I wonder if this is because the average adult church goer is assumed to be married (and, because marriage seems to be a prerequisite for ministry, this is also the perspective from which the organizing pastor is making decisions). I suppose church members are
Book Review: Surprised by Hope (N. T. Wright)
I had heard good things about the book “Surprised by Hope” by N. T. Wright. I previously read his book “Simply Jesus” and thought it to be good. So I put “Surprised by Hope” on my reading list. It is a bit lengthier than the average book. However, it is the most important book I’ve