Biblical Themes

OVERCOMING A WEAKNESS OF THEOLOGY

A Not-So-Subliminal Encouragement to Read the All-Time Best Seller. THEOLOGY IS A HUMAN CONSTRUCT. It represents someone’s understanding of the nature, character, and purposes of God. The singular form refers to the discipline that seeks to develop, organize, and communicate various ideas about God. But it is technically more accurate to speak of “theologies” plural…

Rifle Scope or Microscope?? A Matter of Life and Death.

In my last several posts I have been speaking about the importance of regularly engaging with the Bible, not simply reading it to fulfill a daily word-count quota, but interacting with it in a reflective, analytical, and devotional way. Along with the Reformers, I would argue that the Bible is the only completely safe and…

If It Can’t Pass Muster, It Doesn’t Cut the Mustard!

SUBTITLE:  Responding to the Sometimes Subtle Influences on Our Ideas about God. We encounter theologies in some of the most unlikely places: the water cooler at work, movie theaters, the Oprah Winfrey show . . . well, you get the point . . . just about everywhere. As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we…

Thank you, Publishers Clearinghouse!!!

For thirty-three years I entered the PCH sweepstakes and nothing. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Disappointment after disheartening disappointment! I can’t possibly remember how many trips to the mailbox I made, floating on a cloud of hope. Confessing every sin that I could remember—along with a blanket confession to cover all those I couldn’t remember! Claiming…

Castration Consternation: Paul’s Cutting Remark in Galatians 5:12

At first blush, Paul’s wish that his opponents castrate themselves prompts the charge of “conduct unbecoming an apostle and a gentleman.” On closer inspection, however, it illustrates how ignorance of context can evoke mistaken conclusions about the attitudes and intentions of characters in the Bible. This brief essay seeks to demonstrate that the divinely commissioned…

“Beyond the Farthest Star”: A Second Look

Beyond the Farthest Star (BTFS) is not a blatantly faith-based film (yew kin tail cuz theyz a cupl’o cuss wuds, and ever-buddy knows Christians nevuh swur!) And that, I believe, is one of the strengths of the movie. If a viewer does not know it is a faith-based movie and just happens to see it…

The Pharisee So Far I See

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet wrote: “O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us, An’ foolish notion.” Translation minus the Scottish brogue: “O, would some power the gift He give us To see ourselves as others see us! It would…

Democracy or Aristocracy?

I came across this video cartoon on the internet yesterday and found myself chuckling at more than one point. I hesitated to post it on my Facebook page because I was afraid it might stir up dissension among people who find themselves far removed from one another on the political spectrum. I decided to go…

I Sing the Mighty Power of God!

I Sing the Mighty Power (The Couriers) (download the powerpoint) I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise; That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies; I sing the Wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at His command and all the…

Beyond the Farthest Star: A Review

BTFS_Church Leadership Info Kit v3 Beyond the Farthest Star may well be the best faith-based feature film I have ever experienced.  I say “experienced” because merely “viewing” this film as a detached observer is next to impossible.  The engaging drama simply offers so many points of connection with real-life people in real-life situations that only…