We have this expression these days: “going viral.” It means when something on the internet attracts an enormous amount of attention such that thousands or even millions of people click in to watch. Babies or puppies or kittens are likely subjects. Or a compelling speech like the post-game interview with high school football player Apollos […]
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If you wish you understood the Bible better, you’re in good company. It is not just newcomers reading the Bible for the first time who think the Bible can be challenging to understand. Mature believers think that. Bible scholars think that. Even biblical writers thought that. This should not surprise us. It should, instead, enthuse us and inspire us.
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More than 80 countries in the world have a day which commemorates the value of work, and the contributions of workers to the well-being of society. In the United States and Canada, it is the first Monday in September.
The Bible has much to say about the dignity of work, which helps us to see our labor as more than “just a job.” And, of course, we should keep in mind the labor of many who may not receive a paycheck for what they do, but whose contribution is just as valuable. Studying at the university or changing diapers or volunteering at a soup kitchen is valued labor in the eyes of God.
Thoughts for Labor Day Read More »
“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14).
The shocking news of the suicide death of actor Robin Williams has left millions of people all over the world with a mystery: how could someone known for a whole-face smile that caused multitudes of people to laugh to the point of tears be so distraught and dark that he would take his own life? Many are perplexed, and there are many others who are saying to themselves: if anyone knew how desperately depressed I am, they would be surprised.
I write as someone who has seen depression across numerous generations in my own family, and as a pastor who has officiated at the funerals of those who have taken their own lives.
Many are turning to the Scriptures to understand, and if they look widely, they will find not only the hope the Scriptures offer, but also the honesty and accuracy with which the Scriptures account for one of the most common inner maladies of all time: depression.
Robin Williams’ Death Read More »
One of the boldest things any human being can do is to stand in front of someone else and say, “This is what I believe.” We listen, whether we are inclined to believe the same thing or not. Belief in God and in the truths of God is a distinctive experience. It is to say,
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According to John Adams, July 2 marked the birth of a brand new nation, the United States of America. Two days later, July 4, the Declaration of Independence was signed, but on July 2 the Congress had voted to approve the independence of the thirteen colonies from Britain. Writing to his beloved wife, Abigail, John
July 2 Independence Day? Read More »
If you are looking for a set of values that will give dignity to your life, that will connect you with the life of God, and that will work at a practical level, you need not look any further than these: reverence and respect.More…
On Reverence and Respect Read More »
How would the world be different if leaders were wise enough to value this? “The wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). • “Pure” means being relatively free of mixed motives.
Today thousands of Christians are fleeing for their lives as one of the most radical terrorist groups the world has ever seen sweeps across the country of Iraq.
It has been called “a targeted religious cleansing of Christians.” The remaining 3,000 Christians in Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul (ancient Ninevah) appear to have fled for their lives.
The Plight of Christians in Iraq Read More »
by Mel Lawrenz [Op-Ed in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sunday, June 8, 2014] Of all the shocking details about the two 12-year-old girls who allegedly stabbed a friend 19 times — the calculation, the savagery, the lunacy — the one part of the account that struck me the most is when the girls reportedly dragged
The Bad Part of Me Read More »
(One of the truly great examples of people putting faith into action in a big way is the work of International Justice Mission and its founder, Gary Haugen. Every interaction I have had with their staff has been truly encouraging. 600 brave advocates work today around the world on behalf of people who cannot speak
We are witnessing the greatest power in the world displayed in Charleston, South Carolina these days. Journalists are dumbstruck. The family members of those slain in the church are suddenly international voices. The gospel of Jesus Christ is drowning out all other messages. Love is stronger than hate. Someone wanting to start a race war will not get his way. It could be confusing to some that the family members of the nine people killed in a Bible study would talk about forgiveness at a time like this. But forgiveness does not mean calling an evil thing good. It does not subvert justice. Forgiveness is not hiding from reality. It holds no moral ambiguity. Forgiveness in the New Testament simply means “to release.” This is what the family members are doing. They are refusing to hold the perpetrator of the evil act accountable to them personally. The killer will be subject to the judgment of the court, and the judgment of God. But for now the local victims are rising above vindictiveness. Their character is holding strong. Evil is being put in its place: its pitiful, pathetic, weak place.
How Does Forgiveness Work? Read More »
Some people have a hard time believing in any form of providence. They may acknowledge a creator or designer, but one who is now no longer directly involved in the creation. They don’t see a gigantic hand reaching down from the clouds, or they believe that most of what happens in life can be traced
God is Not a Watchmaker Read More »
Like most people, at the end of every year I find myself looking ahead and wondering what the new year will bring. One more trip around the sun: 8,760 hours. Last year most of those hours turned out as I expected. But a few thousand did not. That’s where the excitement comes in—and the worry. On many
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