Teenagers and Parental Hypocrisy: Seven Suggestions

I raised four daughters. That is to say, together with my highly-committed and sensible wife, Trudi, I raised four daughters. I must admit, though, that sometimes it feels like they raised me. Nothing highlights one’s sinful tendencies more effectively than raising children. Every parent reading right now knows what I mean. The relationship between teenagers … Continue reading Teenagers and Parental Hypocrisy: Seven Suggestions

Living a D’Vine Life in Christ (John 15:1-5)

Yes, my title has a double meaning: The vine in John 15 is Christ, who is Divine, and we live life connection to the Vine. So one way to refer to the Christian life is: living a D’Vine Life. A couple years ago I wrote a devotional book about inChristness in the letters of Paul—100 … Continue reading Living a D’Vine Life in Christ (John 15:1-5)

Is New Testament Prophecy the Same as Preaching and Teaching?

No. In the New Testament, prophecy is described as a revelation for a particular moment (1 Cor 14:30). Preaching and teaching[1] is an exposition of what God has already revealed in his written Word, the Bible. I grew up in a church setting in which people often claimed that what is described in the New … Continue reading Is New Testament Prophecy the Same as Preaching and Teaching?

Exponential Discipleship

In an ideal world, all Christians would maintain three types of spiritual relationships as they walked through life. (Disclaimer: There have only been a couple times in my own life when I have had all three going at once, but this is still an ideal worth aiming for.) A spiritual mentor: It is wonderful to … Continue reading Exponential Discipleship

Answers to Prayer: Small Prayers

I’ve been thinking a lot over the past 24 hours about prayer (again!). I’ve been wondering whether one of the primary reasons we get discouraged in prayer relates to what we pray about—and what we remember praying about. Because we typically pray a few ongoing prayers that feel super important, but that haven’t yet been … Continue reading Answers to Prayer: Small Prayers

Should We Bear One Another’s Burdens? (Galatians 6:2) or Carry Our Own Load? (Galatians 6:5)

Which is it? Are we supposed to carry one another’s burdens, as Galatians 6:2 says: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”? Or should we carry our own load, as Galatians 6:5 (only three verses later) says: “For each will have to bear his own load”? First, let me remind readers … Continue reading Should We Bear One Another’s Burdens? (Galatians 6:2) or Carry Our Own Load? (Galatians 6:5)

What Does it Mean to Do Things “in the Spirit”?

Frequently in the Bible, and especially in the letters of the Apostle Paul, we come across the expression “in the Spirit”—or similar such expressions. This kind of expression is used in various ways in the Bible, but the one I’m drawn to today is when people do things “in the Spirit.” What kinds of activities … Continue reading What Does it Mean to Do Things “in the Spirit”?

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

What Does Grace Do? An Unusual Choice of Words by the Apostle Paul

What do you mean, Ken…what does grace do? Grace doesn’t do anything. Grace is unmerited favor from God. It is something given. Grammatically, grace isn’t the subject of the verb; it’s the object of the verb. It’s the thing that God bestows. Right? Yes…usually. But not in every case. Although you are entirely correct to … Continue reading What Does Grace Do? An Unusual Choice of Words by the Apostle Paul