I recently sent the following text message to a world renowned bible teacher in our denomination… How do you interpret Matthew 11:12? “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” Do you take it to mean that ‘Pharisees are trying […]
“Until the sun slipped finally behind the tree line, Mrs. Turpin remained there with her gaze bent to them as if she were absorbing some abysmal life-giving knowledge. At last she lifted her head. There was only a purple streak in the sky,cutting through a field of crimson and leading, like an extension of the […]
“But it does not seem that I can trust anyone,” said Frodo. Sam looked at him unhappily. “It all depends on what you want,” put in Merry. “You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin–to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours–closer than you […]
I’m listening to a book called Low Anthropology (by David Zahl). In the book David talks about the tyranny of positivity. The tyranny of positivity is stuff like, a 15 year old kid gets last place in a tennis tournament, and while driving home the kid’s dad says, “Don’t let this get you down. You’re […]
In Paul’s letter to the Jesus people in Rome he says, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Think about this… When, and how, did Paul get his […]
I did not see that coming! ::: In Deuteronomy God is talking about tithing (which is to be expected), and then He says, “Bring your tithe money to the place of God’s choosing, and spend the money on whatever you desire – choice cuts of steak, or succulent lamb shanks, or wine, or strong drink […]
When you look at Jesus of Nazareth, what do you see? Well, for starters, He’s from Nazareth! Nazareth is nasty. Everyone knows not to buy real estate in Nazareth! You’ll be borrowing at 9.5% with no fixed rate, and you’d be putting down roots in the most dangerous region of the country. And that’s sugar-coating […]
“Well, I’m damned,” said the Ghost. “I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a fair knockout. It isn’t right, Len, you know. What about poor Jack, eh? You look pretty pleased with yourself, but what I say is, What about poor Jack?” “He is here,” said the other. “You will meet him soon, if you stay.” […]
If you’ve never read “The Great Divorce” by CS Lewis, you should! Do it now! Seriously. It’s stupendous. After you read it, give me a call and let’s chat about it. And while you’re reading it, ask yourself, “Which character resembles me?” Here is my favorite scene in the book… I do not know that […]
After thoroughly test’n & mess’n with his brothers in order to discern whether or not he could trust some of them, Joseph decides that he can trust Judah! (because Judah had HIT ROCK BOTTOM AND BENEFITED FROM THE BLESSING OF SCANDALOUS EXPOSURE [see Genesis 38:24-26, and see John 4:29]). Then Joseph stops deceiving his brothers, […]