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Grace, Effort, and Earning
When I read 2 Peter 1:3-11 I am drawn into the magnificence of God’s character. I am crushed in my own shortcomings, but overwhelmingly I am still blown away by the possibilities of this life in Christ. I always think of Dallas Willard’s quote when I read this passage: Grace isn’t opposed to effort. It’s opposed to earning. 3 By his divine…
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All is Ours
Having the understanding that “all is ours” in Christ needs to be held in balance with the understanding that it is not a life free of obstacles. In fact, the obstacles test that understanding that “all is ours.” Our faith (given to us by Christ, not earned) is then revealed as precious gold. That balance is tough to keep in…
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Anxiety is Spiritual Warfare
7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:7-8, CEB) Anxiety confuses our thinking. We create “what if” scenarios, along with “If only” scenarios. When that happens, the enemy roars. He smells the blood. Anxiety has…
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Long Haul Christianity
James 1:2-4 brings us a picture of faith that does not shy away from trials. We don’t go looking for trials, but we also need to understand that trials are not necessarily fearful. Trials produce the ability to stand the test of time. With that comes maturity. Maturity is understand that all we have in Christ is enough. It isn’t…
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Interview on Craig Benno’s
I am grateful to Craig for the opportunity to interview on his blog. Thanks, Craig!
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Leading and Pastoring
There will always be the call to LEAD. It is not a matter of saying it’s either you pastor or you lead. But it is painfully clear that we are putting leadership on steroids these days in our cultural churches. Pastors MUST lead. But in the church, and in being the pastor (or whatever you want to call it today)…
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The Response — Jesus and Religion
While I didn’t get in on the viral wave of the first video about being into Jesus, but not “religious,” I will confess I really like this response:
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Leadership, Followership, Pastor, CEO
Scot McKnight has an interesting book review on his blog about Len Sweet’s new book. This may be a book worth examining. What is also worth reading are the comments on that particular post. At least from this review, there seem to be some things I would like to explore in the book. Christians are not to be leaders, Sweet…
