The apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 3:4 that Jesus’ life is now my life. Have you considered what this means for how you live your life?
I was reading Colossians today and this phrase in chapter 3, verse 4 stood out.
When Christ, who is your life…(CSB)
Paul is talking about how we have become a “new man.” That the old person we used to be has gone away. We have been changed and transformed. It is a truly remarkable thought. Continue reading “Who’s Life is it Anyway?”
I could use your help. What are some theological church words that you are confused about, have heard but don’t fully understand, or even like and wish more people did as well?
I am starting a new series here on the site!
I’ve been out of youth ministry for about 4 years. However, during my time serving young believers, I was often asked to define “church words.” Since I grew up in the church I did not give many of these words much thought. I was/am accustomed to hearing them. Then I realized that not everyone understood how important these theological words were. Continue reading “Help me Fill in the Blank!”
It does not matter what you are mourning, know that God is with you!
I found this video by Dr. John Piper both interesting and thought provoking.
We do not always know how to respond to our sorrow. Because we are in the middle of our jumbled up thoughts, we struggle to make sense of what’s up or down. But, that does not mean that there is not a way to mourn that is explicitly Christian. That we can’t be reminded and encouraged in and through the pain and grief we feel.
I find Dr. Piper’s thoughts helpful. It does not matter what you are mourning, know that God is with you!
Today is my wife and my’s 14th wedding anniversary.
Today is my wife and my’s 14th wedding anniversary. It is crazy to think that we have spent this much time together and have not killed each other!
But, seriously, I look back and I am amazed at what we have seen and done together. Continue reading “14 Years… and counting”
Sola Scriptura!: The Protestant Position on the Bible by Don Kistler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Throughout Sola Scriptura the authors expound on what the authors argue is the key principle of The Reformation. The book compares and contrasts the Protestant doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture for faith and life and what the Roman Catholic Church believes regarding Scripture, Tradition, and the role of the Church in the life of Catholic faith.
The Good
Each of the articles provides a clear explanation of Sola Scriptura and why it is important. The author(s) of each of the essays also do a good job of carefully representing the Catholic position by not cherry picking the “worst” examples from the “other side” and then blasting them for being wrong.
The final chapter does a great job challenging pastors/ministers responsible for leading churches to encourage a more bibliocentric approach in the life of the Church and individual believers. Sections pointing to and calling for a more Scripture-centered, gospel-saturated pulpit ministry were particularly challenging and worthy of another reading.
The Bad
At times the arguments were very dense.The comparisons between the two positions became difficult to follow and required a second reading. So, the reader should read carefully. The book is more academic on the whole, so this is less a criticism and more a point of information for those who decide to read it.
It is helpful to look at things from someone else’s vantage point.
#OrganicJesus by Scott Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Irreverant. Funny. Provocative. Sincere. Challenging.
The Good
Scott Douglas does a great job of keeping you on the edge. He says things in a way that challenges you to think more deeply. He has a knack for seeing the ironies and the humor in the Christian subculture. But, he does this while a committed member and defender of that same community.
The Bad
There is not a lot. This book is not about theology per se. It does tackle some theological topics in general terms. This leaves the reader wondering what they should believe on the matter. It would have been nice for there to have a been a nudge toward other resources to dig deeper. But, in the end, this is not the purpose of the book.
As a Christian, my greatest joy and deepest satisfaction is found in God, and God alone.
The culture in which we live tells us that we should have whatever we want.1 As a matter of fact, if we are unable to get what we want then some injustice has been perpetrated against us. As a Christian, I have to fight against the weight of this temptation. It has become so pervasive in our culture that we have begun exporting it around the world. The craziness is that there is a secular and a religious version of this message. As an American, we call it the American Dream. As a Christian, it takes the form of “name it and claim it” theology. In either form, it is harmful to the human soul and detrimental to our societies and local communities. Continue reading “Satisfied with God”
A beautiful short film by Christopher Wiegand re-imagining the story of the woman with an issue of blood in Mark 5.
If you need twelve minutes of distraction, use this short film to fill it. You won’t regret it.
Beautifully dramatized, visually striking, and the score is just as poignant.
Description from the creator:
Led by a mysterious compass, a homeless woman embarks on a perilous journey to find healing for her broken hands.
/// Adapted from Mark 5:34 \\
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Film is produced by Chris Wiegand of Noble Lure.
One of the most helpful and concise guides for understanding Bible translation.
The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: How They Were Developed – Understanding Their Differences – Finding the Right One for You by Ron Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a helpful, easy to read introduction to the background of the most popular Bible translations, this is the book for you. I will definitely be referring back to this volume.
The Good
The major issues surrounding Bible translation are covered in this book (translation philosophy, textual basis of each translation covered, gender-neutral language issues). The historyical context that caused each translation to be undertaken is provided. And, several benefits and cautions are provided for each translation.
The Bad
There is not much to complain about in this book. The author offers his own opinions, but they are measured and brief.
Great rendition of “To Worship You I Live” by Christian Cuevas, The Voice 2016 contestant.
Verse 1
Away away from the noise
alone with you
away away to hear your voice
and meet with you
nothing else matters my one desire is
Chorus
To worship you I live
to worship you I live I live to worship you
To worship you I live
to worship you I live I live to worship you
Tag
oh oh
Verse 2
Away away, away away from the noise alone with you
Away away to hear your voice and meet with you
It’s been a while but hear my heart cry again
