A friendly conversation turns curiously deep and reveals the underlying questions about life in the hearts and minds of all of us. ◊ She was an older woman. She looked tired but quietly assured and comfortable with herself sitting next to… Read More ›
Theology
Managing Behavioral Landmines
God’s commands are designed to help us live healthy and fruitful lives. He is actually not a Cosmic Killjoy. He’s trying to guide us safely through behavioral minefields. ◊ The big bold assumption here is that the Bible is true and… Read More ›
Religiously Confused
Religion is a haven for confusion and misunderstanding. It’s Jesus that’s the real point of contention. What He says seems at odds with our common thinking and reality. ◊ I never went to church as a kid. I only heard about… Read More ›
Is Belief in God Enough?
There’s the common question asked by people about God: “Is belief in God enough?” What lies beneath that question are further questions about earning or even losing God’s favor. What’s the answer? ♦ You’ve heard the question, “Can a person lose… Read More ›
Christianity is a Learned Experience
We’ve all got to start somewhere. Many have misconstrued ideas about the Christian faith. Are you open to give and receive new information? ♦ I met a man once who told me he was a Christian because he always went to church… Read More ›
Are You Inferior?
Are you winning in life or are you losing? Is it you or your circumstances? Is it bad luck or bad you? Are you inferior? ♦ I recall a clever story from my youth: Seymour had an inferior car. He determined… Read More ›
The Spiritual vs Religious Index
Everybody is spiritual at some level. At least seeking answers and meaning. Some have checked out. Where are you on the spiritual vs. religious index? ♦ We’ve all heard people say it, even with unguarded pride, that they are “more spiritual… Read More ›
The Religious French Connection
History repeats itself in interesting ways. Reviewing what we may vaguely remember from our high school or college lessons can help us have new perspectives on modern issues impacting our fellow man. ♦ Quick question: When was the Reformation? The 1800’s?… Read More ›
Clean Heart? Oh God.
Is your heart clean? Are you innocent or guilty? Do you judge yourself? Are you being judged by others? Do you think that God can ever forgive you? Do you care? ♦ Big questions you may not think much about. For some… Read More ›
Strategically Selling the Gospel
The effective ability to discuss and engage on spiritual matters goes beyond heart and conviction. It involves sensitivity, tact, and even strategic wisdom. The Bible gives us a blueprint for doing so. ♦ In Athens, Greece, Mars Hill (also called the… Read More ›
History, Modern Tragedy, and the Christian Response
With all that’s going on around the world, a good question is asked: “What are we really supposed to do as Christians?” ♦ While on a European trip this month I’ve had a ringside seat to globe-shaking events of varying proportion… Read More ›
More Evil and Conflicting Worldviews
A retrospective in light of tragedy in Nice, France: an update to a Biblical Viewpoint post first written on April 20, 2013 after the terrorist attack in Boston. Evil boldly manifested again in the public square gives rise to the… Read More ›