I don’t remember ever saying this, but here goes. I’ve never been more confident of my salvation. I’ve never felt so secure. I’ve never been so satisfied in Christ. And yet, at the same time, I’m more aware of my sin, ready to acknowledge it, even willing to tell people about it. Sound like a paradox? Welcome to the Christian life. I’m convinced that a true understanding of the gospel allows these two truths to...
Science says we can’t change our sexual orientation. Most people, from experience, would agree. Why then do we have Christians who call themselves ex-gay? Why do people who once considered themselves homosexual renounce their gay lifestyle, get married, have children, and go on worshiping God? Let’s look at two common answers: 1. Ex-gays are a myth, and those who identify as such are just “playing straight.” Religion guilts them into marrying someone they’re not attracted...
Last week, I talked about my obsession with Human Planet, the BBC series that brings the triumph of manly dominion to our TV screens. I’ve since finished the final two episodes (in all their high-definition glory) and although I’m impressed, even moved, by how well the series depicts our God-given rule over the earth, the story still feels incomplete. What Human Planet fails to mention is the extent and exclusivity of man’s dominion. Right now...
I have a new addiction. Every night before bed, when no one is watching, I sneak into a dark room, turn on the television, and pop in another episode of Human Planet. Six episodes into an eight-part series, I’ve soaked up every second. This is no ordinary nature show. Whereas its predecessor, BBC’s Planet Earth, focuses on plants and animals, Human Planet celebrates the crown jewel of God’s creation: mankind. Human Planet takes us from...
There was a time when dreams carried weight. God spoke to people in their sleep, sometimes sending angels into a prophet’s unconscious with words of warning or future wonders. Now God speaks to us in a better Way (Hebrew 1:1-2). Because we have God’s word and the revelation of his Son, the living Word, we need not look to dreams to discover God’s will. Which leaves us to wonder, what place do dreams have in...
It’s a new year, which means millions of people like you and me are taking time out for some self-reflection. A long look in the mirror—both literal and metaphorical—to find and fix our flaws. When I look in the mirror, past the fingerprints and flecks of toothpaste, what strikes me are the physical signs of sin—the aging image of God that stares back at me. Gray hairs (where hairs may still be found), crow’s feet,...
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