Christian Thought
Today I feel compelled to write a more personal expression of what it means to “live the Bible.” I have not mentioned before now in these writings that in the last year I have had to exercise faith in God’s character like never before. One year ago this week my 30-year-old daughter Eva suddenly died. […]
The first part of the Ten Commandments describe what a right relationship with God looks like, and the second set of commandments describe the way to live rightly with other people. The fifth commandment is a call to honor our fathers and our mothers. For some reason we sometimes only think of this as small
The Ten Commandments and Our Relationships With Others Read More »
You shall have no other gods before me. This is how the Ten Commandments begin. We may not always realize what a radical notion that is. In most periods of history people groups around the world assume that there are multiple deities. But the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made it clear that he
The Ten Commandments and Our Relationship with God Read More »
Do you believe in the value of the Ten Commandments? Yes. Do you follow the Ten Commandments? Well… I try my best. How many of the Ten Commandments can you name? (Blank stare.) That is a conversation that might unfold almost anywhere. There are few statements of life principle that have the historic influence of
What Are the Ten Commandments? Read More »
In his poignant letter to the Philippians, written from desperate moments in prison when Paul thought that his life may be poured out in sacrifice at any time, he contemplated the form of death and the form of resurrection that was his hope. What more complete proof do we need of the transforming Christ, than
Like Christ, In His Death Read More »
Some of the most dramatic stories we tell in our books and movies and legends involve the transformation of a person into something entirely different. There is Beauty and the Beast, Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde, and endless science fiction stories of creatures that change shape or species. We love these stories, perhaps because we
The Prospect of Transformation Read More »
This will be said many times in the days to come: few Christians have had a larger impact on the world than evangelist Billy Graham—in all of history. He will be remembered for his character, his accomplishments, and his amazing connections with global leaders over many decades. We will also remember him for his words—and
Billy Graham — Character Matters Read More »
[Special Note: Easter is April 1. Available now, the Easter devotional, KNOWING HIM. Get it now, start 3 weeks of daily readings on Sunday, March 11. The life and teachings of Jesus are worth a lifetime of study, contemplation, and application. So too his death and resurrection. Jesus made it very clear that he had a purpose
Developing Discernment Read More »
One of the most common spiritual issues is why it seems at times like God is silent. “O God of my praise, Do not be silent!” (Psalm 109:1). This is a plea voiced by numerous authors of Scripture. There are many different circumstances which may give us a sense that God is silent. When we
When It Seems God Is Silent Read More »
Some years back, I did a survey of our church’s congregation with the simple question: “If you could ask God one thing, what would it be?” I was not surprised that the most frequent response had to do with the problem of evil in the world, but I was struck by the next most common
How Can We Hear God’s Voice in Scripture? Read More »
Though all people are created with conscience—the ability to sense the difference between right and wrong, or good, better, and best—it is possible for to become so hard-hearted that is seems one does not even have a conscience. Conscience is part of the hard wiring of human beings created in God’s image. Romans 2 says
Guilt and Shame in Everyday Life 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 »
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 »
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 »