Some modern historians and theologians propose that the early church was characterized by “radical diversity.” They argue that we cannot legitimately speak of a unified “Christianity” during that time, but rather, that the early church consisted of competing “Christianities.” Having denied the reality of the resurrection, these scholars are faced with explaining how Christianity developed […]
Read MoreTag Archives: Matthew
A Tradition You Can Trust
Near the end of his life and ministry, with martyrdom looming before him, the apostle Paul dictated a letter for one of his closest ministry assistants—a young man named Timothy. In that letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to hold on to what he had been taught, to guard believers from harm, to stand firm against temptations, […]
Read MoreThe Church Awakening: A Discussion about Chuck Swindoll’s New Book
Recently, Chuck sat down and discussed the importance of his new book, The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal. Why did you write The Church Awakening? It’s a book I’ve wanted to write for more than 10 years. We find ourselves in a world that is less friendly to the church and more than […]
Read MoreWhat Should I Do When I Disagree with My Pastor?
Question: The pastor at my church is making policy changes at the church that I don’t think he can support biblically. I thought the church leaders would stop him, but they are going right along with his plan. A few families have left the church, and I worry that this might lead to a church […]
Read MoreDiscovering the Gates of Hades
Of all the gods of Greek mythology, he was one of the ugliest, with goat’s horns growing from his head, goat’s hoofs in place of feet, and the shaggy hair of a goat covering his body. But the half-man, half-goat god, Pan, was merry, bounding among the thickets and mountains playing his reed pipe. It […]
Read MoreGod’s Unusual Leading
Almost 2,000 years ago Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem. Approximately 2,040 years before, Jacob and Rachel, another expectant couple, traveled south along the same road. Rachel gave birth to Benjamin, but died soon after delivery, and Jacob buried her near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19). Rachel’s death foreshadowed the devastation that the territory of Benjamin would […]
Read MoreGrowing Closer to God: Celebrating Jesus
We began our journey this year with the goal of growing closer to God by modeling Jesus’s life and character in the world around us. This month, we celebrate Jesus and the access to God we have through Him. Eugene Peterson’s The Message describes Jesus’s incarnation in this refreshing way: The Word became flesh and […]
Read MoreDealing with Holiday Loneliness
It’s true. For many people, the holidays draw up painful memories. Sore spots from childhood or the loss of loved ones hit them hard during this sentimental season. While many people celebrate the joys of Christmastime, others suffer its loneliness. During one of the most desperate times of David’s life, the anointed future king of […]
Read MoreAdvent. Coming.
I’m not an Anglican, although there is much that I appreciate from my Anglican roots. Some examples are…the heritage, the rich tradition of orthodox, apostolic faith, the liturgical prayers, which taught me evangelical theology from a young age, and the church calendar. Yes, you read correctly, the church calendar. It’s a wonderful pattern of organising […]
Read MoreA Gift Too Wonderful for Words
Long ago in a quiet, crude place where animals sleep, Mary gave birth and felt the soft, human skin of her firstborn. The humanity of this scene appropriately pulls us in for a closer look. We can identify with Joseph’s confusion, with Mary’s wonder, and with the shepherds’ amazement about the Son of God’s quiet […]
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