We long for peace. It seems out of reach. But it is possible.
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How should Christians date? They should seek an emotional connection. And yes, believe it or not, they could even hold hands. That’s right, I dare you, Christian zoomer, hold hands.
Here’s a short guide to Christian Zoomer dating.
K-Pop Demon Hunters is absolutely over the top, in the best possible way. The film is funny, delightfully quirky, and bursting with playful animation. The soundtrack is ridiculously catchy and the characters turn out to be more layered than you might expect. But given the themes of witchcraft, demons and idols should Christian parents let their children watch this movie? Many Christian commentators say No. But our guest review Elise Harden shows that great Christian truths shine through in this animated film.
There’s a strong case against organised religion. But two things are worth considering. The Bible, a religious text, teaches that organised religion can go very wrong. And yet, the Bible also teaches that Jesus’ plan was organised religion - the church. For organised religion, like organised crime, does it better.
In the letter of James Christians are called to consider our trials and problems with great joy because of what God is doing through them. He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. This poem, The Weaver, beautifully captures the mystery of God’s great work in our lives.
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Every church, except the really kooky ones, say that they teach God’s word, the Bible? But are they really? Here’s six questions to help you evaluate the teaching at your church.
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Dear Marty, all those issues that you raised that make you disbelieve and that no one talks about, the Bible talks about them. A lot! I’m so sorry. Your church should have been talking about them because the Bible talks about them.
A friend sent me a meme on Leviticus 19:19. The meme was confrontational and deliberately offensive. Since Christians wear polyester and cotton socks which are a blend of two materials – they break Leviticus 19:19. ‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.’ So, how can Christians say anything about sexual ethics or anything else that might spring from Leviticus as a standard since they break the rules themselves?
The Bible can seem overwhelming but once you know the key theme that gives a framework for the Bible things really start to change. And once you start to understand the timeline (chronology) even more things fall into place. Download these two PDF files to help you read the whole Bible and understand it.
With thanks to Aaron Burden Unsplash.com for the original image. This is an edited picture.
A review of three Children’s Bibles that will help kids understand God’s great love for them in Jesus.
You stand there marvelling. It is everything you heard it would be, but more. The form and the function are perfect. But then, you notice a presence in the room. You turn around and there HE is. The legendary Steve Jobs.
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Most of us fear the future. We fear the unknown. The future is an undiscovered country and no one has been there.
And this fear of the unknown future has caused untold misery in the world. Nationally and internationally as tribes, nations, rulers, companies and individuals have all jockeyed for positions of power and security.
But we don’t need to fear the future.
Original Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash.com. Edited.
This is a reading guide for Luke’s gospel. Its goal is to help you get the most gold as you read Luke. Luke is a beautiful piece of writing. It reveals Jesus as the suffering servant king who comes to fulfill God’s promises. We, humanity, are revealed to be lost and far from God, oppressed by spiritual forces of evil and captive to our own sinfulness. Jesus comes to free us - to bring forgiveness. It’s great news worth reading for yourself.
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A dear friend wrote an email to me saying they are not sure if they can believe in God. Here is how I responded: you can’t trust someone if you don’t know them.
What will you do? A young man, bulky with muscle, skin blackened with Nazi tattoos, full of rage and spitting hatred is bent over and brutally beating a young woman. His hands are red with her blood. She is screaming for help. No one is coming. The man stands up to start kicking her with his boots. What will you do? Will you act to end evil?
Original photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash. Edited
There is a lot of gold on the internet. And there is a lot of dross! Slowly but surely I’ve kept a list of some of the gold. As they say - just click on the links.
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The Gospel Story Bible is an awesome children’s Bible. Many children’s Bibles miss the point and end up turning the great message of salvation in Jesus into moral rules. But not this Bible!
A friend invited me to watch Ricky Gervais’ Religion vs Atheism Youtube video. I enjoyed it. Ricky is a brilliant communicator. And then I wrote a response. Each heading below aims to capture the heart of his idea and then I aim to show you why it shouldn’t persuade you.
Two types of masculinity – toxic and Jesus – are on display in the Bible. Toxic masculinity is everywhere. Cain smashes the life from his brother Abel with a rock, Lamech celebrates his violence, Abraham risks his wife because of cowardice and so on. The list goes devastingly on and on. Even the great heroes of the faith show soul shuddering weakness. But there is also Jesus. And he reveals another masculinity.
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‘This is Water’ by David Foster Wallace is one of the most read speeches on the internet of all time. And it is deep. But he fails to understand that we are shaped and driven by love rather than thinking. Love is the solution.
With thanks to Jong Marshes from unsplash.com
Looking for a church? What is the teaching like - is it junk food or real food?
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Letting your yes be yes.
This small act of clarity and love in our communication, and the courage to live it out, could be the small but powerful cornerstone that makes you think about your life, what matters to you, why it matters and what you spend your time on.
Thank you to Jon Tyson for the photo on Unsplash.com
Everything has changed… That’s a big claim. It’s the kind of claim that gets you into trouble because it so big. As they say in sales, ‘under promise and over deliver’. This claim seems to make the opposite mistake. It seems to over promise and have no hope of delivery. Until you consider the resurrection of Jesus.
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Our self-existence is in relationship with others. Or to put it another way, it is paradoxically with others that an individual exists. Where there is no shared life a single human life disintegrates from the inside out.
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Notice the method below. It is very simple. Love God ourselves. Love his word. And, always share God’s commands and what he has done. Always.
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