Over the years I’ve been confronted with the difficult truth about Hell as it pertains to unbelievers. The argument goes that if God (and His Christ) are loving and good, He wouldn’t “send” people to Hell. Now, we realize as Christians that Jesus and our Father don’t “send” people to Hell. Even so, for me […]
As yourself
Jesus said all the law and the prophets could be summarized in two commands: We can pick apart what “love” is (Jesus would say it’s demonstrated by obeying His commands, John 14:15), and the devil has us fighting amongst ourselves about what love means, but that’s it. That’s literally it. When we’re loving well, true […]
Being Light in Darkness
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. – Brennan Manning I heard a sermon series several years ago, created by Andy Stanley, proclaiming Jesus to be irresistible (truth). It’s humanity’s actions, specifically those of believers, that […]
Mercy v. Grace
So often I find myself thanking God for His mercy and grace, paired together as I express my gratitude for both. Mercy and grace are similar in that they’re both loving manifestations, but they are different. Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “Grace is receiving what you don’t deserve, mercy is not receiving what you do.” […]
Defense
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, […]
Resurrection
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. -Colossians 3:1 It’s Sunday. He is risen indeed! There is MUCH to be celebrated today. Even as I anticipate the celebration I’ll be attending, I recognize that many don’t celebrate for […]
You did for me…
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ -Matthew 25:40 The above scripture is profound in that it doesn’t imply that what we do to Him is LIKE doing it to Him. What we do to “the least of these” […]
Protecting Pearls
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” -Matthew 7:6 Pearls before swine: on its face, it sounds judgmental and harsh, huh. It’s not though. It’s discerning. And it’s God breathed. Commanded, even. Case-in-point: I’ve been asked by unbelievers to defend my love of Christ. They insist on an […]
Refuge
…How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me! -Matthew 23:37 This morning I was praying for my community; that I might love it well, however and whomever presented. I asked The Lord to show me my place in seeking […]
Dispute
I couldn’t tell you how it started really. I can tell you that I didn’t say much, this person said a whole lot with intensity, and it was my faith on trial. I can also tell you the peace I felt in the moments during and after is the stuff of “passing understanding”. Just wow. With […]