God looks like Jesus. And that changes everything.
I’m currently reading through the biblical book of Judges. It’s full of fascinating stories, but a bit hard to know what to make of, spiritually speaking. One of the most memorable tales is that of Jael. Jael invites one of her husband’s allies, a...
I’ve talked to so many people in recent months who are near despair. Especially leaders. Especially young adults. The world seems hopelessly broken. The church seems hopelessly broken. Institutions seem hopelessly stuck, resistant to sacrifice and...
“He came to serve, not be served” (Matthew 20:28, in The Message) It would not be an exaggeration to say that this sentence is changing my life. I make my living preaching and teaching the Bible. It is my passion. I love exploring its mysteries and...
What exactly does it mean to ask if an idea or behavior is ‘biblical’? I recently had a conversation with a friend about the unsettling polarization that is emerging in the church around this term. For some Christians, to call something biblical is...
It’s been a tumultuous week for those of us living in the United States. Some are convinced that the world was just saved. Others believe it might well have just ended. One person told me, “Depending on the election results, I may have to change my...
I hate waiting. My skin crawled with impatience in the coffee line this morning, even though there was nowhere I needed to be. Sometimes this feeling is what keeps me from praying. It’s not God’s wise “no” to my prayers that I dread most. It’s that...
If you were to pinpoint the sin—the bad habit or hang-up, if you prefer—that is costing you the most, what would it be? I’ve begun to suspect that the truest answer for most of us is one that rarely crosses our minds. I’ve been reading...
There is probably no teaching of Jesus more universally beloved than this little gem: “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And...
Do you believe that there is such a thing as demons? I know people with almost every conceivable view on the subject. Some believe that every day they encounter personal struggles attributable to activity by evil spirits. Others think the idea...
During a recent sermon, I talked about false messiahs and false prophets—figures Jesus said would come along, claiming to represent him and even offering miraculous evidence, but who should not be believed (Mark 13:5-6, 21-23). For some, this all...
God looks like Jesus. And that changes everything.