If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 1:10-2:2 NRSV
Sin, Guilt and Forgiveness Read More »
If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9 NRSV
You Have a Choice to Walk in the Light Read More »
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Carlos “FROM homosexuality TO holiness” Read More »
I’ve fed on pods, I must confess,
Out in the field, when hunger pressed,
What’s meant for swine I’ve feasted on,
Midst dung I dined, my gusto gone.
I took my fill of stagnant swill,
Ingested things that might have killed,
I found myself in distant land
Fresh out of luck, life out of hand.
There should have been an ending there
In blending with the empty stares
But something woke and pushed aside
The prison of my toxic pride.
When given strength to journey back
I found the fruit I sorely lacked,
The wine that’s poured from royal blood,
A Father’s feast, prepared in love.
The End of Toxic Pride Read More »
“I’m sorry.” Why are those two little words so difficult to say?
I made a mistake. I need to apologize. It’s not that hard.
So why is it so hard?
Maybe there’s a better question. Why is it so hard to say I’m sorry and really mean it? Or even better, what does it mean to really mean it?
That’s the real question: what does “being sorry” really mean?
I know this will shock you, but I occasionally broke the rules as a kid. I recall my mom telling me to apologize to someone. I’d comply grudgingly, and she’d say, “Now go back and say it like you MEAN it.”
Jesus Says “Sorry” Is A Verb Read More »
Do not judge according to appearance,
but judge with righteous judgment. John 7:24
Have you noticed that one of the most popular and oft-quoted verses from the Bible is some sort of mutilation of the admonition not to judge? This is particularly popular with those who are not familiar with the Scriptures and/or want to justify their own behavior. But does the Bible really teach us not to judge, or does it simply give us guidelines in how to judge correctly?
Passing Judgment on Others Read More »
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister…This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. Romans 12:9-11
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:9-10 NRS
I recently heard a surprising, thought-provoking response to that question. A critique group gathered to practice their public speaking skills. They challenged each other to do a two-minute impromptu talk answering the question, “Who is your hero?”
The last speaker began with an attention-grabbing opening line: I am my hero.
Sounds a bit self-centered, doesn’t it? I wondered immediately whether the guy had trouble getting his big head through the door.
But his explanation made a lot of sense. He’s right, and I really admire the unique look at a common question. Based on his thoughts, here’s my take on myself as my own hero.
… Jesus really meant what He said?
“I did not come to condemn, but to save.”
Condemn: to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil…to judge unfit for use or consumption.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … [Romans 8:1]
What if that were true?
I know—it’s a complex theological statement. But what if it were as simple as “follow Jesus” = “no condemnation”?
What if every follower of Jesus stopped judging others as “reprehensible, wrong, or evil”? Even “those people”—you know, the ones who are, well, “unfit”?
We refused to make—or forward, or approve—snarky political comments?
John 13:35 NKJV
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Back in the 60’s, when worship choruses first began to become widely popular, a certain chorus made the rounds in the churches, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (common tune, lyrics by Peter Scholtes). The words go like this:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love
Learning to Live as We are Commanded Read More »
