“Then the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not always abide in [or contend with] man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be a 120 years.’” Gen. 6:3, ESV The verse above is notoriously difficult to translate, partly because the first part of the verse is unclear (is it “abide in” or “contend with”?). Below are the two main … Read More
On Praying to Saints
This week, a dear friend shared: “I believe that the saints (Mary preeminent among them as the first recipient of the Gospel and as a prime example for all Christians of how to bear Christ within themselves) are alive with Christ and rejoice to aid God’s work on earth. We can ask for the intercessions and help in our own … Read More
Choosing Dancing Over Depression
“Life is a gift. We must celebrate it. We have to dance to show God we are grateful to be alive.” Rosie played by Scarlett Johansson in Jojo Rabbit Well, we’re over a month in on this crazy Coronavirus rollercoaster. Just three weeks ago, in the midst of trying to launch a book, I was struggling like many of you … Read More
The Book Launch Series, Part 4 of 4
The paperback is now available! Although I never dreamed I’d be releasing this during a pandemic, as a friend told me this week, at least reading is consistent with social distancing! Please stay safe and get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RNKTXY I’d also be extremely grateful if you’d help get the word out. You can use the same previous link to … Read More
The Book Launch Series, Part 3 of 4
***One more week till the paperback is available! The Missing Lyrics I found out when I was almost ready to publish How I Became a Christian Despite the Church that you have to pay royalties for using more than one line of a song in something sold for commercial purposes. AND that you have to do this even if you … Read More
The Book Launch Series, Part 2 of 4
Well, this week I got everything uploaded for the paperback and a proof copy is scheduled to be mailed to me for review by 3.16! One of the books’ cool features is a suggested song playlist that you can create using Spotify, iTunes, etc.. Or you can enjoy all but one of the songs for free on this playlist on … Read More
What I Learned from John Stott, Part 3 of 3
As a carpenter, I appreciate Stott’s human side whether as seen above in his enjoyment of dogs as he hangs out with Billy Graham or below with his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work hard. As a theologian, it’s his authenticity, fidelity, and clarity that continue to inspire me. Even though he came from a wealthy home and … Read More
What I Learned from John Stott, Part 2 of 3
Being at an evangelical seminary can be confusing. You’re constantly sorting through difficult exegetical and theological questions, as well as learning different denominational and historic understandings of various doctrines. The experience can leave you either, on the one hand, longing for the comfort of dogma (i.e. “Maybe I should become a Roman Catholic…”) or, on the other hand, desiring greater … Read More
What I Learned from John Stott, Part 1 of 3
We all need great mentors—even if we know them only by their public example and writings—and few have influenced me more than the late John Stott. I grew up in a church where telling people about Jesus was far more important than living like Jesus. Giving someone a tract had a greater priority than meeting a tangible need. In fact, … Read More
How a Closer Look at a Christmas Prophecy Could Transform Your New Year
When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syriaa and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem…. The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, … Read More