(Alexander Ivanov’s “Archangel Gabriel Striking Zechariah with Muteness”) One of the things I regularly encounter in ministry is the unanswered questions of both saints and skeptics. Non-Christians sometimes perceive Christians as those who don’t wrestle with their faith.  Let me tell you:  they do.  Sure, there are those who never really pause to reflect, who have an unreasoned, […]

Read More But I still have questions about Christianity (An Advent meditation)

Like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, God never seems that interested in showing himself. God’s invisibility–or, more properly, his nonphysicality–can be, for skeptic or for saint, at the very least an impediment to faith:  all that is visible (or, at least, sensory), all that is truly concrete–a tenderloin steak, a Colorado sunset, the caress of a […]

Read More Why is God invisible? (An Advent meditation)

It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine a televangelist or popular preacher declaring: “Jesus wants you to be secure, and he promises that, if you give up your house, your investments, and your family ties in order to follow him, he will give you back 100 times as much.  Just give up what you’ve got now, and soon you’ll […]

Read More Jesus preaches a prosperity gospel

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but giving thanks is to be a year-round affair–indeed, an “unceasing” activity.  Paul exhorts the new Thessalonian Christians: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” But I haven’t been very thankful lately.  Actually, strike out the word very […]

Read More Random things I’m thankful for

In James 1.21 we read, “…get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” James is describing the act of repentance.  Some followers of […]

Read More Is repeated repentance worth it?

It’s a question that I get quite frequently: “Why am I still struggling with this sin issue?” This is never asked in an academic manner.  The person is often deeply discouraged, even disillusioned, wrestling with doubt. “Struggle (IV)” by Truls Espedal One could speak to this important question in a number of different ways.  Here […]

Read More Why am I still struggling with this sin?

Why do we fight the evil within us and around us?  Why do we fight sin?  Why not just give up and give in? (This is the second installment of a series of posts called “Why We Fight”, which begins here.) We fight because sin is slavery. Jesus said, “The one who sins is a […]

Read More Why we fight (reason #67)