It is common these days to hear people who appeared to walk close to the Lord, announce to the world that they are embracing a sinful lifestyle, or that they have doubted their faith and are moving on to other things. Usually, these announcements involve a discussion of their happiness. They will allude to the … Continue reading The Role of “Happiness” in Leaving the Faith
If you want to see one of the strange ways our collective anxiety can manifest itself, go to Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, or Costco and look at the toilet paper aisle. The shelves will be empty. When I first began seeing posts about this on social media, I chuckled thinking it was probably just a … Continue reading The Great Toilet Paper Shortage
Whatever trials you have, my dear brother, Christ is all in all to meet them. Are you poor? He will make you rich in your poverty by His consoling presence. Are you sick? He will make your bed in your sickness, and so will make your sick-bed better than the walks of health. Are you persecuted? If it is … Continue reading Whatever Your Trials, Christ Can Meet Them
Desiring to be a moral person is not the same as hungering for righteousness; This beatitude is much more than that. The first three beatitudes focus on our lack. In poverty of spirit, we realize we have nothing that can contribute to our good standing before God. In our mourning, we lament that fact. We no longer rejoice in our sinful autonomy; instead we weep because we know what it deserves. In meekness, we stop struggling against God and begin to submit to Him because we have no way of salvation in ourselves. In our hunger for righteousness,
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one thing I appreciate about early contemporary Christian music is that it was not afraid to take a stand on issues, and it made no exception to that rule when it came to the evils of abortion. The good news with this topic is that several of today's … Continue reading CCM Backbeat: Taking on Abortion
How depressed are our graces when means are neglected! What poor starvelings some saints are who live without the diligent use of the Word of God and secret prayer! If our piety can live without God it is not of divine creating; it is but a dream; for if God had begotten it, it would wait upon him as the flowers wait upon the dew.
Many people are familiar with the music of Dion (DiMucci) even if they do not realize it. In the early 60's he had a several rock hits. Two of his biggest were, Runaround Sue and The Wanderer. These songs made him a household name during this time, and in 1989 he was inducted into the … Continue reading CCM Backbeat: I Put Away My Idols by Dion
Among the many general causes of decline in grace, we may assign a principal place to spiritual pride and self-admiration. If our attainments in knowledge and giftedness, and even in grace, seduce us into a good opinion of ourselves, as if we were wise and good, we are already ensnared, in danger of falling every … Continue reading The Problem of Spiritual Pride and Self-Admiration
Someone once asked me, "What is one topic that you know way too much about that has nothing to do with your career or education?" My immediate answer was, "80's Christian music." Actually, it goes back further than the 80's. I am a collector of classic Christian vinyl records, and I listen to them regularly … Continue reading CCM Backbeat: Lyrics That Were Not Afraid
Burning indignation grips me, because of the wicked who have forsaken Your law. -Psalm 119:53 My soul, do you feel this holy shuddering at the sins of others? If not, you lack inward holiness. David's cheeks were wet with rivers of waters, because of prevailing unholiness. Jeremiah desired eyes like fountains, that he might lament … Continue reading Why Christians are Concerned about the Sins of Others
The Fight of Faith 