Is Everything Going To Be Alright?
We live in times of ever-increasing instability and uncertainty and we often wonder if everything is going to be alright. Certainly how this question is answered will depend on one’s worldview . . .
Pascal’s Wager
Fast forward centuries through the prophets of Judah and Israel, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fall of the Roman Empire, then nearly 1,000 years of the Middle Ages followed by the Renaissance, and we arrive at the Age of Reason which dominated the 17th and 18th centuries . . .
Feelings vs. Faith
The scriptures say that Jesus — as God made man — experienced everything we have or will, yet was without sin. This means that He felt the full range of emotions we exhibit: anger, sadness, joy, grief, dread, confusion, loneliness, unfulfilled desires, disappointment, and more. There is great comfort in this as Jesus fully understands all that we will experience in this life . . .
I Believe in God…
Clearly what we believe matters, as our beliefs shape who we are and the decisions we make in life. Sometimes, however, it is difficult for people to articulate what they believe. The early church recognized this and developed concise summaries of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith that were used in personal and public confession. Although not divinely inspired, these ancient statements of faith were intended to help unite believers with the fundamental truths revealed in Scripture . . .
From Fear to Faith
For the last few years my dad and I have followed the extraordinary career of Sydney McLaughlin, the current 400 meter hurdle world record holder. Until last week we were not aware that she suffered from crippling fear and anxiety for several years as she believed her value as a person was based on how she performed and what others thought about her . . .
This Is Water
In 2005, David Foster Wallace stepped onto the podium at Kenyon College and delivered one of the most timeless commencement speeches of all time . . .
Too Good To Be True? A Paradox!
Have you ever received news that seemed too good to be true? If so, did it turn out to be true? This was the situation with the disciples the first evening after hearing reports of the resurrection of Jesus. When He suddenly appeared to them they struggled to believe He was alive. Scripture indicates “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” . . .
Remembering Glenn
On September 14th I attended my 50th high school reunion. I had missed the 40th reunion so had not seen the vast majority of my 175 former classmates for 20 years. It was a poignant gathering for many of us, as perhaps it will be our last . . .
The Present Presence of God
All of us experience worry, anxiety, and fear in this life. Jesus confirmed this would be the case but assures us that we don’t need to be crippled by these worries. In fact the day before his death He said to his disciples (John 16:33), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” . . .
Jesus and Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
It is easy for us to fall victim to illusions. Part of the reason is that we live in two worlds: the material-social world around us, and the invisible, spiritual world operating within and through the visible . . .
God’s Miracle of Rain
Have you ever considered rain as one of “God’s great and unsearchable wonders” as declared in the book of Job? Back in 2012 when I was a deacon the 30 of us who worked in various church ministries met monthly to share our experiences. In each meeting we set aside time for one deacon to share a “faith moment” . . .
Growing My Faith in the Face of Death
In this moving essay Tim Keller wrestles with questions in the face of his imminent death . . .
The Mystery of Children
A few years ago Mike Mason wrote a book titled The Mystery of Children. In one excerpt Mike writes “For me the beginning of childlike faith was when God became so big that I could no longer think complex theological thoughts about Him . . .