The (destructive) power of words

When I was in college, I taught a couple of classes at the school that met at my church. Frequently when one of the children was being disciplined for words that were unkind, profane, or angry, the principal would have the offending student transcribe James 3 a particular number of times. The greater the offense, […]

Another thought about confession and “apologies”

Following on the heels of my earlier comments, I came across a review of Susan Wise Bauer’s recent book, The Art of the Public Grovel, Sexual Sin and Public Confession in America. Based on the review, I’m not sure I agree with Bauer’s conclusions, however, it does offer much to think about in relation to […]

Creation, evolution, and apologies

It has interested me over the past few years to see a growing trend for groups to offer “apologies” to other groups or individuals who may not even be alive, for sins that were not committed by the apologizing group. The whole truth about confession and forgiveness is horribly muddled in the whole process: Biblically […]

Sunday Leftovers (9/14/08)

Once upon a time there was an athlete. He was not the biggest, or the fastest, or the strongest, or the most athletic, but there had never been another athlete who was both bigger and faster, or both stronger and more athletic. He was the athlete’s athlete. He was a star in college; he became […]

Today’s Quote (9/17/08)

Thabiti Anyabwile, What is a Healthy Church Member?: Conversion is the radical turn from an enslaved life of pursuing sin to a free life of pursuing and worshipping God. Conversion is a change of life, not merely a decision. This change is not a matter of moral rectitude, self help, or mere behavior modification. It […]

Still more on women and ministry

This morning I received the email blog from Pulpit Magazine, addressing the issue of “God’s High Call for Women.” Given the recent controversy about the role of women in the church and whether they are qualified Biblically to preach, this is worthwhile reading. A more lengthy version by the elders of Grace Community Church is […]

Today’s Quote (9/16/08)

Thabiti Anyabwile, What is a Healthy Church Member?: The greatest need in the world today is the gospel. It is the greatest need of the world because men, women, and children are perishing without a vital knowledge of God through the good news of our Savior and his Son, Jesus.… Apart from the gospel, the […]

Today’s Quote (9/15/08)

A. W. Pink, The Attributes of God: “There is infinitely more power lodged in the nature of God than is expressed in all His works.”

Today’s Quote (9/14/08)

Don Whitney, Simplify Your Spiritual Life: The easiest and most direct way to experience [the] blessings of koinonia [fellowship] is just to talk with another believer about the things of God. This includes anything related to knowing God, Christian living, understanding the Bible, and applying it to particular issues such as work or family or […]

Today’s Quote (9/13/08)

Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: The Christian life is not meant to be lived privately in isolation from other believers. It is to be lived as members of the Body of Christ. God wants to use our times of adversity to deepen our relationship with other members of the Body — to create a greater sense […]

Today’s Quote (9/12/08)

William Ham: There are many things which a person can do alone, but being a Christian is not one of them. As the Christian life is, above all things, a state of union with Christ, and of union of his followers with one another, love of the brethren is inseparable from love of God. Resentment […]

A small grab bag

Here, in no particular order, and with little comment, are a few articles and blogs that I’ve come across this week that were of varying kinds of interest to me. They all triggered thoughts that warranted more extended discussion, but I just haven’t had the time to think them all through yet… John Ensor, “Magnifying […]

God knows

He knows. I know he knows. At least I thought he knew. My friend Ned has eyes that not only see you, but pierce you. They don’t blink. They don’t wander. They cut through you and seem to examine your heart. And so it was that when I met him my first thought was, “He […]

Having trouble with trust?

Do you ever have trouble with trusting God? You and I are not alone. Several years ago, Reuters reported the story of a London accountant who knew he needed bladder surgery, but didn’t trust the doctor or the hospital, so he attempted the surgery himself — with the anticipated consequence of his untimely death. It […]

A couple things I’m reading

Two books that have come across my desk this week: I am enjoying reading Thabiti Anyabwile’s (I know how to pronounce his name, but have no idea how to write it phonetically — sorry!) new book, What is a Healthy Church Member? He offers ten marks of a healthy church member: is an expositional listener […]