The Force, the Spirit, and Romans 8
God the Father has sent the Son and poured out the Spirit for the sake, yes, of his glory, but also your freedom. Be free.
Unlike the Force in Star Wars, which one “masters” over time through meditation and other self-calming practices, the Spirit of Christ sovereignly confronts us. It is not we who make use of him; it is he who makes use of us. For, apart from God’s Spirit, we are utterly lost in a plethora of destructive patterns... Continue Reading
Taking Troubling Thoughts to Christ
Christ does not leave us to fend for ourselves but rescues us out of our distress to produce peace in our thought lives.
For believers, over time, our belief systems and thought patterns are conformed more and more to God’s Word. Triggers will lose their power to tempt us towards sin and self as God’s Word becomes more real to us. “What are you thinking?” We ask this of each other often, don’t we? When our minds... Continue Reading
Of Minds and Machines: Transhumanism and the Christian
Rather than seeing the body as a key part of being human, transhumanism joins the rest of modernity in preferring the mind over matter.
Transcendence, for the Christian, is more than a life of eternal consciousness. It is a visceral, bodily eternity, where men and women live in a glorified earth with glorified bodies (Rev. 21). Whereas transhumanism dreams of a disembodied, mechanical immortality for humanity, we Christians—trusting in the sure promises and work of our Lord Jesus Christ—look... Continue Reading
It is My Business
Identity politics has emerged as a major point of conflict in both the culture and the church. Specifically, sexual identity is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life.
The emergence of sexual liberation as a rising public value and an essential human right means that Christians are accused of “bigotry,” “hatred,” “homophobia,” “heterosexism,” and “heteronormativity.” As gay people believe that their gayness is “who they are,” an in-born aspect of their essential personality, there will be an inevitable clash between biblical truth and... Continue Reading
Pray for the Persecuted
Pray that the Lord would expand our capacity to sense the bigness of his kingdom and our union with Christians around the world, especially those facing persecution for the sake of his name.
Pray that the Lord would protect our neighbors a world away, especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Pray that as God delivered Paul from the sentence of death (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) he would deliver those who have entrusted their souls to him in faith by any means necessary. Pray that the Lord... Continue Reading
On Church Scandals and Scandalous Christians
Whenever a Christian does some decidedly unchristian or anti-Christian things, that is a real problem. But throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not the wisest way to proceed.
If the church has hurt you, or if Christians have hurt you, that is bad news indeed. And I am sorry that has happened. But Christ is in a different category altogether. His love for you is constant, His support of you is unending, and His fulsome commitment to you is unwavering. It is... Continue Reading
Where Is the Power of God?
The gospel is objectively about the person and work of Jesus. That’s God’s gospel. And anyone preaching any other gospel is not preaching God’s gospel.
Where’s the power? It’s in the Word, and we’re looking for it everywhere else. I doubt if any of us have relic collections, but some churches seek power in adding a coffee shop to their church or pursuing the latest trendy church-growth method. These things don’t have power. There is a formula for a prosperous... Continue Reading
Jesus Waits to Show You Grace
If we who are sinful can respond with grace how much more the Father who waits to be gracious to us?
God waited to save you. He waited, like a parent who waits to give a birthday gift. He waited to cover you in grace, mercy, and love. He waited because he cared. He even waited through your sin and shame. He waited through your rebellion and anger. He didn’t punish you immediately. He didn’t strike... Continue Reading
Scripture Before Phone, and Other Habits That Could Change Your Life
We underestimate the power of habits, especially those we adopt unconsciously… Our technology has only freed us up . . . to live like slaves.
Properly understood, The Common Rule is not about self-denial or asceticism for its own sake; it is an expression of joyful willingness—the desire to embrace a new way of life in which we don’t sacrifice what is best for what is easiest. We underestimate the power of habits, especially those we adopt unconsciously, as a result... Continue Reading
Where Is Your Joy?
Only Jesus brings this joy.
The antidote is to look beyond this world to Jesus. He is the one who can bring real, genuine, and lasting joy, even in a world of illogical fear and growing Godlessness. See what the Lord has done and is doing. Take the time to stop and count these blessings. Where is your joy?... Continue Reading
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