What is the difference between these two statements?1. Do not commit adultery.2. Do not be worldly. The first statement is objective and can be measured objectively. The second cannot be. Nevertheless, both are requirements of Scripture. How are we to be in submission to the will of God when we have trouble distinguishing between His …
A Childlike Epistemology
When is it legitimate to believe something on the basis of authority? Are all forms of authority to be shunned by the thinking Christian? On the contrary, reason requires that authority be given a central role in the determination of truth. One time my youngest daughter was sitting on my lap and was telling me …
The Heart of Leadership
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life. By deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but …
Beginning With Repentance
There are several places in the Acts where St. Paul summarizes the message which God commissioned him to preaceh. It is interesting to note that in these places Paul mentions an aspect of his ministry that is sadly neglected in evangelism today. This aspect is the inclusion of repentance as a key factor in the …
Low Sodium Graciousness
It is quite possible to say that many modern Christians have a lopsided view of what constitutes “gracious speech.” In Col. 4:6, Paul says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you many know how to answer everyone.” In 1 Peter 3:15b-16, we are instructed, “Always be prepared to …
The Difference Between Doubts and Questions
What is the difference between doubts and questions? Many Christians struggle with this problem. Because the two are not properly distinguished, many are trapped in a confusion that can lead to despair. We grow as Christians when we question, even if the questions are difficult, requiring hard answers. But when we doubt, we dry up …
Days Gone By
How does the concept of time relate to the Christian faith? Probably the most important thing to realize is that human perspectives of time are thoroughly inadequate. We tend to measure everything in terms of our very limited experience. Consequently, we disbelieve God.Psalm 90:2 says, Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the …
God’s Faithfulness
“If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13, NIV). When we first catch a glimpse of the faithfulness of God, faith is the natural response. Faith is not the ladder which we climb in order to discover the faithfulness of God. It is the other way around. …
Positive and Negative Pride
Pride is an insidious spiritual cancer. It lies at the root of all sin and self-centeredness, producing a profound darkness in the minds of those who tolerate it. Some forms of pride are obvious (at least when they occur in the lives of others). Arrogance, boasting, haughtiness and snobbery are all fairly easy to see. …
Greater Advantage of Lesser Opportunities
Is the biblical command to win souls for Christ inconsistent with awareness of and involvement in politics? Should we abandon our political concerns and just “preach the gospel”? This concern for the primacy of evangelism, although well-intentioned, will ultimately destroy the very thing it considers most important.