Progress To A Transformed Christian Life
In the aftermath of much tragedy in our country, we have heard from many dignitaries and public leaders about our need for transformation as a nation, to end hate, to show love through our actions not just with our words. At the memorial service for the five officers killed in Dallas, President Obama said,"I believe... Continue Reading →
Occasionally, I teach a Bible Study at my church. Yesterday, I taught from Luke 5:1-11. This is the story of Jesus telling Peter and other would be disciples to, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." If you have read this before, you know that once the disciples did... Continue Reading →
Are you an American Christian that is addicted to studies and devotionals? "Serious" Christians probably attend 1 to 2 1/2 studies a week. In addition, you probably have multiple devotionals coming through to your email as well as all of your Twitter scripture feeds and social media religious memes. Not to mention blogs such as... Continue Reading →
Have you ever watched an infomercial or a TV ad and hear the pitchman say the great value of the product but then he says, "Wait, there's more. If you call in the next 15 minutes..." and then proceeds to add on some "great" additional product or feature. An electronic flyswatter anyone? There may... Continue Reading →
Perhaps nothing is more mysterious in scripture than the story of the Magi who come to visit baby Jesus. Who were these people and where did they come from? Why make such a long journey? Couldn't they have just been satisfied with the knowledge that they had received from the stars? In The Story of... Continue Reading →
In memory of Dallas Willard, who died today at the age of 77, I am posting some of my favorite Dallas themed posts. For more on his death and his legacy, see my Storify here. Dallas Willard is a hero of mine. His book, The Divine Conspiracy, opened up a completely new way of living out... Continue Reading →
In Matt. 5 Jesus says, "You are the light of the world." But in John 8, he says that, "I am the light of the world." Which is it? It is both. Read the rest of John 8. "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” By following... Continue Reading →
Just as hurry has made the present a place that few people are satisfied living in, technology and its communicative ability to transport us digitally someplace else and with someone else has made us more and more distant from the people who may need us right where we are. Mark Galli, in a piece entitled... Continue Reading →
I often have been confused by the role and responsibility of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth. One book that helped clarify this for me was James Bryan Smith's Good and Beautiful God. In it he presents a model of four components to life change - personal narrative (the way we think), spiritual disciplines, community,... Continue Reading →
As we pursue doable spiritual formation, one of the first places we start is with our minds. I used to think that hard work and determination was the only path to change. I used to think that I didn't need Jesus to be Lord of my life, just a helpful resource in times of need.... Continue Reading →
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