Some people believe the Bible is true in what it asserts. Skeptics, on the other hand, may view the Bible as a collection of falsehoods and superstitions. These are entirely different attitudes. It is analogous to today’s tensions about what may or may not be believed—the difference between true news and so-called “fake news.” Scripture […]
True News, Fake News, Good News Read More »
That may seem like hyperbole, but it is not. On this day, October 31, exactly 500 years ago, a set of seminal ideas were released that began a rediscovery of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the day when a young Martin Luther posted on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, his
On This Day, the World Changed Read More »
Living the Bible is a blessing, not a burden. It is a gift, not a loss. To “live the Bible” is to draw close to our Creator, not to scale a ladder to God. Living the Bible is an organic process, like the seed of God’s word landing in rich soil, sprouting, growing, and bringing
The Word That Saves Read More »
I know that early in life I thought the Bible was a good guide to living, and protection from danger like the guardrails along a dangerous road. But that is really a stunted view of what Scripture has to offer. Living the Bible means the essential qualities of our lives are shaped by the truth
Good Seed, Good Soil Read More »
When I was in eighth grade my church gave me a brand new black Bible with red-colored edges and my name embossed in gold on the cover. It smelled fresh, and crackled when first opened. I felt a special connection with this Bible. I tried many times to read that Bible, from page one to
How to Live the Bible—Beginning the Journey Read More »
A friend gave me today this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the pastor and martyr who stood up to Hitler. What he is saying here is exactly what I have been experiencing since the death of my daughter, Eva, in June. These thoughts are a precious blessing to me today. I think a lot of people
Emptiness and Silent Joy Read More »
Occasionally, in this life, we face treachery, as we did sixteen years ago on September 11, 2001 when airliners were turned into weapons by treacherous men carrying out a treacherous plan. Psalm 25 says “they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.” Today we may pray with the psalmist: “To you, O LORD,
Coming to Terms with Treachery Read More »
Confederate statues are quickly emerging as the focus in the national strife we are in. There is a great danger here. Symbols are important, but not as important as what they symbolize, frequently requiring interpretation. 500 years ago Martin Luther was deeply troubled when he heard about crowds tearing down statues in Wittenberg because
The violent clash in the beautiful city of Charlottesville should prompt us to think through and insist on basic moral leadership at all levels in our society. The alternative is unthinkable. Some thoughts… Our society needs moral leadership now. Moral leadership is not a function of public relations. Moral leadership must use words to clearly
Some Thoughts on Moral Leadership Read More »
In the upcoming weeks we will expand on the ideas in I Want to Believe: Finding Your Way in an Age of Many Faiths. Description – In I Want to Believe, Mel Lawrenz ignites a latent desire in all of us–the desire to believe in something bigger than ourselves. Lawrenz takes an honest dive into
Upcoming – I Want to Believe Read More »
[Download PDF of A Prayer for Easter, Resurrection Day] Almighty God, On this day we rejoice in the glory of resurrection. The tomb is empty. Death could not hold the Lord Jesus. His body saw no decay. His enemies did not win. The earth could not contain him. We are emboldened by the power of
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[from Prayers for Our Lives: 95 Lifelines to God] [download a PDF “printable prayer” version here] Lord, In the days leading up to Easter we want to contemplate and understand more fully the suffering death of the Lord Jesus whereby we are forgiven and his glorious resurrection whereby we are empowered to live.
A Prayer for Lent, Leading Up to Easter Read More »
A temporary ban on refugees being admitted to the U.S. has put the spotlight on their plight. Few of us know what it is to lose our homes, our friends, our land, our belongings, and any sense of security. To lose identity, and dignity. Let us pray for the refugees—men and women, boys and girls—wandering the earth…
A PRAYER FOR THE POOR AND DOWNTRODDEN
Praying for Refugees Read More »
[from Whole Church] Occasionally I go to Bob and Win’s house to have them pray for me. I feel greedy doing so, because I know that even without that request, Bob and Win pray for me every day. And I mean pray. They talk to God the Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit; they
The Passing of a Saint Read More »