Two plain truths can be seen from a simple reading of the Bible: God can do whatever he wants. And God asks us to do things. These two truths make me ask, “Why does God ask for help if he doesn’t need it?” At first glance it seems one of these two truths must be … Read more
When we begin to learn about God’s sovereignty, the temptation is to turn into the “frozen chosen” who use God’s power as an excuse to be lazy. If God is in total control of everything, why pray at all? Certainly this is a multi layered question that could be talked about endlessly in the theological … Read more
When we go to the Bible, laughter is usually not a common response. But is it okay to laugh? Does God have a sense of humor? Is humor biblical? Our relationship with the Holy God must start with a holy fear, with a reverence and recognition of our need for the blood of Christ to … Read more
By God’s grace I have had the opportunity to do missionary work in Liberia, West Africa. During my time there I had the privilege of visiting a lot of orphanages, some on a weekly basis. I saw hundreds of orphan children. Babies, toddlers, children, teenagers. Some well fed, some not so well fed. Some with … Read more
Before I married Bethany and I was still single, I remember having so many questions about singleness. Am I called to singleness? Is being single more holy? How do I know if God wants me to be married or not? Is marriage a command? These questions and more were always lingering in my mind. I … Read more
I like to over complicate things. Let’s go back into my childhood. Let’s take a deep look into my thinking process. Let’s analyze every word this person said to me. Na, Jesus says. Let’s just start with prayer. As I was going through seminary and pursuing a Master’s Degree in pastoral counseling, I was taught … Read more
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.-1 Corinthians 8:1-3 Have you ever met a Christian, or someone who … Read more
“And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them … Read more
Those who Jesus spent his time with were the very ones the Pharisees sought to avoid. It’s easy to pass judgment on the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, thinking we would never act as repulsively as them. Jesus did heal the physically ill, but ultimately he came to heal the spiritually ill. Jesus performed miracles … Read more
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. . . . – Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) Now Jesus stood … Read more