One Is All

I am one with God in Christ, and this is all that is required of me.

Daybreak–GK Chesterton

On the third day the friends of Christ coming at daybreak to the place found the grave empty and the stone rolled away. In varying ways they realised the new wonder; but even they hardly realised that the world had died in the night. What they were looking at was the first day of a…

To Judge or Not to Judge (Part 3)

In part one we found that judging is appropriate when the source of a judgment is God and not self.  Part two suggested ways we might know whether a judgment is from God.  Knowing whether a judgment is from God or not is a good start but it isn’t the whole picture.  We can know…

To Judge or Not to Judge (Part 2)

Previously, we explored the subject of judging and the confusion it can cause.  We discovered that judging in itself isn’t wrong but that it does matter who the source of a judgment is.  If God is the source, we are called to express that judgment.  If self is the source, our judgment is wrong. The…

To Judge or Not to Judge. That Is the Question…

For many Christians, judging is a confusing subject.  “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged” is an ever-ready verse in discussions about judging (Matt. 7:1).  Yet being a Christian automatically involves a person in judgments.  Christianity claims Christ is the only way to God and calls a number of socially acceptable behaviors sinful…

The Key of David

The book of Revelation has fascinated and bewildered readers since it was written. Among the scriptures, it is perhaps unrivaled in its use of images, symbols, and prophetic theater. Yet nearly all the images, symbols, and dramatic events in Revelation can be found elsewhere in scripture. Revelation isn’t unique as far as its content goes….

Facing Incompleteness

The old covenant high priest in his ministerial garments “Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God” (Rev.3:2). Jesus said this to the church at Sardis.  A more literal (but akward) translation would read, “I have not found your works made…

Interpretive Hypocrisy

At a men’s group this morning, we discussed how to interpret the Bible.  Our conversation reminded me of a booklet I wrote: “This Is What Is Written: What the Scriptures Say about Their Interpretation.”  Below is the introduction: For most Christians, how to interpret the scriptures is central to their beliefs. After all, the way someone interprets…

Another Face in the Crowd

Minions from Despicable Me  Most of the time, I don’t feel very spiritual.  I feel average.  My day is filled with mundane things like brushing my teeth, going to work, caring for kids, taking out the garbage, etc.  Amidst daily responsibilities and stressors, sometimes I keep my humor, sometimes I don’t. On occasion I’m a shining…

Come!

Revelation ends with an invitation: “Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Anyone who hears should say, ‘Come!’” (Rev. 22:17). I’ve often heard that the Spirit and the bride are saying “Come” to Jesus. But the next sentence says, “And the one who is thirsty should come.” John does say, “AMEN! Come Lord Jesus”…