“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people…the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:4,9 (NRSV) For the last four months, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about John’s famous prologue (1:1-18). Throughout the Christmas season, this passage loomed large and now, as we enter Holy Week, I continue … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 1 of 4
I want to take you with me on a very personal journey over the next month, one I hope has the potential—given the collateral damage of 2020—to bring healing to your heart, relationships, and our communities. More on that next week, but this week I want to give you some background. Last year at this time, my mom and I … Read More
Reading Genesis 1 with Saint Augustine
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3, NLT I love Genesis 1 and one of the cool things about … Read More
Four Boards That Need to Stay Nailed Together
“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” Acts 2:41, NLT I was reminded in a Zoom call led by Thabiti Anyawhile this week that in the verse above God gives pastors four boards that need to stay nailed together: Gospel preaching- “what Peter said” The cultivation of new converts- … Read More
Giving Moms the Honor They Deserve
As I [Paul] remember your [Timothy’s] tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5, ESV) I’ve spent a good part of my career … Read More
How I Changed my Mind About Genesis 1 and Science, Part 5 of 5
I am incompetent to endorse evolution. My point is that the scientific consensus endorses it, and, like B. B. Warfield, as an exegete and biblical theologian I see no need to interpret natural selection for the origin of species within an atheist worldview. Natural selection can be accepted within a framework of trusting Scripture as inerrant as to its source … Read More