“To err is human; to forgive is divine.”  Our society is bent on retribution and revenge.  ‘I don’t get mad; I get even’ seems to illustrate the prevailing consensus in the world.  The implementation of the qualities of grace and forgiveness appears to be the exception rather than the rule.  For whatever reason, people are […]

It has become clear to me once again how absolutely essential it is to stay close to God every day.  I’m thinking specifically when you are engaged in a vocation that falls outside the parameters of what is traditionally referred to as Christian. I do want to make it clear, however, that we would be […]

Evangelical pastor, Rob Bell and his latest book, Love Wins, scheduled to be released on March 29, 2011, has already caused a firestorm over some of his proposed ideas surrounding hell.  The publisher for this book, Harper Collins, has characterized the book this way – In ‘Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every […]

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but […]

I have for some time now grown to deeply appreciate Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary (Baylor University),  and his balanced perspective on a wide variety of biblical and theological issues. In this interview from Assembles of God TV (AGT), he offers an informed and insightful response on the […]

If we could choose a phrase that captures the essence of our contemporary North American culture, it would be this one: “It’s all about ME.”  In this context, the ‘individual’ is King and Queen.  Individual rights can, and often do, trump those of the larger community.  What I want and believe is of greater importance […]

I just finished reading Matthew’s account of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically the last three chapters.  I’ve read this section many times before and have been moved in a slightly different way each time. One thing that stood out during this particular reading was the variety and content of the insults directed towards Jesus […]

At the beginning of Ephesians 4, Paul began his practical section (the first three chapters being doctrinally focused) by admonishing them to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1).  His emphasis centered immediately on the crucial topic of unity.  In fact, he wrote that the unity evident within the Church, which […]

Thoughts about how people approach, experience and live out their faith in God and with others. It seems that those who place a priority on theological concerns sometimes have a tendency to be exclusivistic towards others who may not necessarily believe exactly as they do on every single point of doctrine. They have a tendency […]