“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people…the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:4,9 (NRSV) For the last four months, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about John’s famous prologue (1:1-18). Throughout the Christmas season, this passage loomed large and now, as we enter Holy Week, I continue … Read More
Responding to Ken Ham and Other YEC Arguments
Hey Freinds, I’m excited to let you know about a new chapter in the Genesis 1 & Science booklet that’s part of the constructive conversation series. It’s 100% devoted to responding to Ken Ham and common young earth creationist (YEC) objections. There are also quite a few smaller updates throughout the resource, as well as two fresh reviews that you … Read More
More on Knowing God as Father
Many feel that David Bently Hart’s That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation is the best case in our day against an everlasting hell and for universal salvation. Although I can’t tackle these important questions here, I do want to take issue with Hart’s oversimplification of God’s fatherhood in the quote below, as well as his misapplication … Read More
Reflections on Waiting, Sources of Empowerment, and Uncertainty
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Heb. 11:8, NRSVUE It’s hard to wait… This is true for any of us whether we’re two or 82. Whether we’re looking for employment or the next chance … Read More
Eagle Powers for Christmas?
“But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13, NRSVUE) We know well that worship is at the center of the Christian celebration of Christmas. As … Read More
Another Opportunity for Shared Impact
The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours out speech,and night to night reveals knowledge.There is no speech, nor are there words,whose voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1-3, ESV Hi All, Updates to the Genesis 1 and Science booklet in the Constructive Conversations series are now live and ready for some good … Read More
God’s Power and Our Efforts
“Then he [the angel] said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6, ESV Below is a favorite by Abraham Kuyper from his devotional classic The Practice of Godliness. It’s been a great reminder in my struggles that “waiting on … Read More
On Facing Difficulties (Joshua 3)
Hey friends, here’s a provocative devotional thought by the late Bible teacher A.W. Pink that I’ve gone back to many times over the years. I’ve been thinking on it afresh in recent weeks and I hope it brings perspective and strength to you today as well: “Ponder the incident; visualize the scene before your mind’s eye. It was not an … Read More
Still Reformed and Saving Calvinism
Calvinism and especially certain Cavinists get a bad rap these days and, although some of that reputation is deserved, sadly most of our culture’s perceptions are based on stereotypes rather than serious study. But before I share a few thoughts on that, let me start with a 30,000-foot view. I’m a Christian in the Protestant tradition who believes wholeheartedly that … Read More
Shiny, Happy Christianity
O Lord, God of my salvation, at night, when I cry out before you,2 let my prayer come before you… For my soul is full of troubles…6 You have put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep.7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves…I am shut in so that I cannot escape…18 You have caused … Read More