Three Paragraphs I Wrote that Seemed to Offend a Lot of People

Of all the things I have ever written, there are three consecutive paragraphs I once wrote that seem to have offended more people than anything else I’ve ever written. Please understand, I really don’t like to offend people. I am committed to—even passionate about—speaking (and writing) truth with grace. My problem in the case of … Continue reading Three Paragraphs I Wrote that Seemed to Offend a Lot of People

Extended Fasting: An Interview with Bill MacLeod

Have you ever wondered about fasting for an extended period of time? Jesus, after all, fasted for 40 days in the Judean wilderness. I wrote a short introduction to what the Bible teaches about fasting a few years ago for those new to fasting, since I have found fasting to be a helpful discipline at … Continue reading Extended Fasting: An Interview with Bill MacLeod

Why We Should Stop Using The Message

This article was originally posted at the Good Book Blog on November 2, 2016. I'm re-posting it because I still know people who are using The Message--and it's still a problem. It’s time we stopped reading, buying, and recommending The Message. We who hold to a high view of Scripture—that the Bible is the very word of God, … Continue reading Why We Should Stop Using The Message

Eight Things I Learned from David Needham

Earlier this week, David Needham, my former teacher at Multnomah Bible College, passed into the presence of the Lord at the age of 94. During the past few days, I have been reflecting upon his profound influence on me. Here are eight things I learned from my beloved teacher. 1. Awe in the Presence of … Continue reading Eight Things I Learned from David Needham

How Not to Apply the Bible

Twelve young adults sit on couches, chairs, and floor pillows around a living room with their Bibles open. Let’s listen in on their conversation. “We’re continuing our study in the life of Samson. You’ll recall that the Philistines shaved Samson’s head and then blinded and imprisoned him after Delilah tricked Samson into revealing that his … Continue reading How Not to Apply the Bible

Remember Those Who are Mistreated

Last night I read through a recent issue of Voice of the Martyrs magazine (about 15 pages). It is my practice—a personal discipline if you will—to read through every new issue of this magazine. In all honesty, I am often a bit reluctant to do so, but the reason I open and read is because … Continue reading Remember Those Who are Mistreated

Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2023

Welcome to 2024! As we enter a new year, I want to share my seven favorite Christian books of 2023. Note that my very favorite books of the year are at the bottom of this list, so you’ll want to keep reading. #7 The Spirit Said Go: Lessons in Guidance from Paul’s Journeys by Mark … Continue reading Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2023

Why December 25 for Christmas?

One popular but less-likely theory for why we celebrate Christmas on December 25 is that Christians piggy-backed their Christmas celebration on the Roman pagan Sol Invictus festival (the Unconquered Sun), which was established in A.D. 274 by the Emperor Aurelian. In some modern Christian circles, the claim that the date of Christmas was borrowed from … Continue reading Why December 25 for Christmas?

The Limits of Idolatry: Can We View Greed and Lust like Idols of Wood and Stone?

I used to wonder whether the interpretive move from worship of wood and stone images to heart issues like greed, lust, and gluttony was hermeneutically proper. I mean, we don’t always—and we shouldn’t always—spiritualize things that are physical in their original contexts. Isn’t that what allegorizers do? No, such a move is not illegitimate. Let … Continue reading The Limits of Idolatry: Can We View Greed and Lust like Idols of Wood and Stone?

A Simple Way to Filter the Daily News

My old plan was to listen alternately to a politically-right radio program followed by a politically-left radio program during my ten-minute daily drive to and from work. I thought this discipline might help me recognize and appreciate varying perspectives. But it didn’t work. The viewpoints I encountered on the radio were too extreme. The depth … Continue reading A Simple Way to Filter the Daily News