What Makes Christianity Unique?

C.S. Lewis was asked about Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.”

Planning

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, cautions us over and over about planning. There are 98 specific references to planning in the Bible and the vast majority of them warn about the dangers of man’s plans vs. God’s plans. All our plans should be fully yielded to the will of God. As much as we may tend to every detail of our plans, we have to acknowledge the future is in His hands.

Wisdom

James 1:5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The doorway to heavenly wisdom is before you. All you have to do is knock on the door. All you have to do is ask for it.

Favoritism

By the end of James chapter one, James writes something that serves as a thesis for the rest of the letter.

True Religion

At the very end of James 1, James switches gears with a second illustration of what it means to not only be hearers of God’s Word, but doers. In vv. 26-27, he writes about religion and people who consider themselves “religious.”

The Origins of Temptation & Sin

Have you ever noticed that many people think sin is a lot more fun than obedience? Do you remember these lyrics from the Billy Joel song Only the Good Die Young?

Extraordinary Christians

If I asked you whether or not you consider yourself a “Christian,” what would you say? I bet most of the people reading this blog would say “yes.” In fact, even if you don’t regularly go to church or attend a Bible study, chances are pretty good that you still think you’re a Christian.

Examine Yourselves

Have you ever taken a personality assessment? Psychologists have created a host of different tools that can test, rate, quantify and pigeonhole your personality, leadership style, temperament and even spiritual gifts.

Complaining

When the Apostle Paul was dealing with his own version of “stay at home orders,” he wrote a letter to the church members in the city of Philippi. He addressed unity, humility, perseverance, dissention and squabbling. Sounds like the kind of letter some of us need to read today!

The All-In Follower of Jesus

If we liken our devotion to Jesus to high stakes poker, it would be accurate to say that being a true follower of Jesus requires all-in commitment. Authentic followers of Jesus will do whatever it takes to make sure they stay on the tracks that Jesus has laid out for them. They’re absolutely loyal, completely, deeply committed.

What is good about Good Friday?

Every year we contemplate the events that surround the crucifixion of Jesus… and every year we’re left wondering, “What is good about Good Friday?”

Do You Hang on Jesus’ Words?

As we trod through Holy Week 2000 years later, I wonder if we hang on Jesus’ words like they did. Do we recognize the beauty, wisdom and truth represented in everything Jesus said – and the example he set?

Spiritually Alive or Spiritually Dead

Today, the Monday before Easter, may we be reminded that we can be either spiritually alive or spiritually dead. Our outward appearance means nothing compared to what’s going on in our hearts, our faith, and the actions that show evidence of that faith.

Power by Preparation

Examining what the Apostle Paul did before he became the man and missionary we all know challenges our ideas of calling to and readiness for ministry.

Christmas for Whoever

The most well-known, well-loved passage in all the Bible includes a word that is strangely misunderstood. Take a look at John 3:16…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Giving Thanks for Community

The well-known minister H.A. Ironside had an interesting experience in a crowded restaurant. Just as he was about to begin his a man approached and asked if he could join him.

No Mess, No Mission

Most Proverbs are easy to understand. You can let your eyes scan up and down the pages of the book of Proverbs and you’ll see that they are pretty straightforward and direct with sage advice normally attributed to King Solomon. However, this one should make you think for a minute about what Solomon is telling us.

Don't Forget

One day after Albert Einstein had moved to his home at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, the telephone rang in the office of the Dean of the Princeton Graduate School.  The voice at the other end inquired: “May I speak with Dr. Einstein, please?” 

Nice to Meet You

Have you ever noticed the way Paul introduces himself in his letters? In 2 Corinthians his introduction reads, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…”

Changing our Definition of Success

Have you ever heard the paradoxical statement, “The only thing that never changes is change itself”? It seems that as soon as we get used to something, it changes in one way or another.

Spiritual Road Rage

Spiritual Road Rage As someone who loves playing and watching sports, I always appreciate some of the competitive and athletic illustrations used in Scripture. One such illustration is Galatians 5:7…You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

I Yam What I Yam

You wouldn’t have to talk to me very long to hear how fond I am of the book of Romans. Paul’s masterful argument (some say diatribe) delineates and describes more meat-and-potatoes theology than any other book in the New Testament.

Forgiveness: A Battle of Wits

The city of Corinth had a reputation in the first century. They were the nasty boys and party girls of the Roman Empire. Notorious for sexual promiscuity, pagan idol worship and testing the bounds of moral indiscretion, the Corinthians seemed to typify all that was wrong in the world.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

It’s an old saying and many times quite true, but nobody wants to be pigeonholed by their upbringing. Does the fact that your parents did this or that determine your future? Of course not. Does your family background influence the choices you make? Of course.