The issue of forgiveness and continuity of relationship is utterly central to the Christian faith. Obviously, since we live on planet earth among humans, our practical understanding of these things is constantly being challenged. Forgiveness is powerful because it is so needful. We had a conversation a while back with a woman who had divorced […]
When my thirst got great enough to ask, a clear stream welled up inside, some jade wave buoyed me forward, and I found myself upright in the instant, with a garden inside my own ribs aflourish. There, the arbor leafs. The vines push out plump grapes. You are loved, someone said. Take that and eat […]
World Vision has been in the news quite a bit lately with its flip-flopping stance on accepting workers who are openly gay. There are extremely strong statements both for and against this issue. Let’s say this up front: I doubt my thoughts here are going to satisfy either side. Let me say that I can […]
I read an article recently, “Why ‘Forgiveness Is a Gift You Give Yourself’ Is a Dangerous Myth”, which I largely agree with. It prompted me to want to clarify some of my ideas about forgiveness, as I realized I don’t have a single post to point to which lays these ideas out. If you think […]
Our faith does not depend upon our love for God, but upon the real-world demonstration through the cross of His love for us. Mere belief in this knowledge is our entrance into the world of perfect love, where God’s love outlasts, outshines, and outlives our imperfections. It is His love for us which is the […]
I’m starting a little ongoing series called “Damaging Christianese” where I take pithy little quotes I happen across to unpack them and debunk them. I read this little jewel of a quote on someone’s facebook page. I’m sure to most people it seems innocent enough: The best thing moms can do for her faith is […]
Someone might object that I am ignoring the context of 1 John 4. It says that if we say we love God and yet don’t love our brethren, we are all a sham (1 John 4:20). You have to love your neighbor; not doing so proves you don’t love God! Here’s what I’m saying—yes, that […]
Dax Swanson is a graduate of Princeton University, doctor, medical missionary to Africa, and former student body president at John MacArthur’s Master’s Seminary, and is now pastor of Grace Church Bellingham. He counts it all rubbish with Jim McNeely as he discusses his amazing journey out of Lordship Salvation to become a gospel-centered radical grace […]
I just finished reading PZ’s Panopticon: An Off-the-Wall Guide to World Religion by Paul Zahl, and I wanted to at least spin off of a few thoughts before I move on. The overall idea of the book is simple and brilliant: what do a number of the more prominent world religions have to offer us […]
The Wonderful Promise of Atheism and Agnosticism Richard Dawkins sponsored an ad campaign a while back that said, “There’s Probably No God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” Isn’t this interesting? Belief in God is seen to be a source of worry and an impediment to the enjoyment of life. Of course, without the […]