Month: February 2019

Weekly words of encouragement

All Things Are Possible – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

Posted on by

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NIV) This is what Jesus told the father of the demon-possessed boy before he cast the demon out of the boy. In these words Jesus encourages us that he has the authority and power to do the miraculous and set people free. Faith can be a challenge but we don’t have to have gigantic faith to unleash the power of Jesus. We only need to keep our mind and heart set on trusting him, ignore unbelief, and exercise the faith that we have. Then we will see the power of God. Of course, we also have the responsibilities he has given us in his word, such as using wisdom, asking for prayer from others, asking according to Scripture, and seeking his will. Abide in him and all things are possible. Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember Continue Reading →

shame

Overcoming Self-Rejection – Part 1

Posted on by

It is inevitable that we will do or experience things that contradict what we believe to be good or valuable, whether these beliefs come from our conscience or somewhere else. When this happens we have a sense of guilt, although this sense can be dim or even completely buried. This contradiction, or violation then produces a sense of dishonor, disgrace or inadequacy. This is shame. Shame easily becomes self-rejection when we let the sense of sense of dishonor, disgrace or inadequacy become a firm belief about ourselves. Self-rejection means that you have decided that you or part of you is devalued. The longer you live with shame the more likely it will become self-rejection. Self-rejection is self-destruction. In other words, if you don’t deal with your shame in the healthy and loving way God intends, then you will be damaged and crippled in that area. Self-rejection is opposition to God. Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

We Are Relatives Of Jesus – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

Posted on by

“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35, ESV). Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him and someone told Jesus about it. In spite of the powerful bonds that families had in ancient times Jesus reduces the significance of family bonds in comparison to one’s bond with God. One reason this is encouraging to many is that even if your family was dysfunctional or destructive, the family of God is far more important and valuable. This leads us to the biggest reason that this verse is encouraging: we have the privilege of being “relatives” of Jesus! If we do God’s will we are his brother and sister and mother. Performing rituals, singing songs, or knowing Scripture do not make someone a relative of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus is one who subordinates their will to God’s. Thirdly, even though he Continue Reading →

Problems In Theological Education – Where Is The Theology Of Maturity?

Posted on by

This post is a response to an article that a friend referred to on Facebook. You can find the article here but it is not necessary to read it to understand this post. The article addresses weaknesses in theological education. This post is focused on critique more than my usual posts. Problems in theological education are issues I have thought about for a long time. My summary observation is that the split between doctrine and practice that developed in the Middle Ages still has a big grip on Christian theological education (“TE”) and is crippling TE. In fact, the problem seems to be growing. The author of the article says that TE should help students become “the kind of people who are disciplined into humility” etc. so that they can love God and the world. But the reality is that theological education puts only a minor emphasis on this. Read Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Sin Confirms Our Calling – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

Posted on by

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV). It is inevitable that we will disappoint ourselves with our sin. But when this happens we have encouragement from Jesus that our sin only emphasizes that he has called us to himself. Are we a sinner? Good, then Jesus calls us. He only asks us to recognize our sin and abide in him. He took our place on the Cross so God forgives our sins. Therefore, when we sin and when we recognize our sin then we can receive the peace that Jesus gives us (John 14:27 “my peace I give you” (NIV)). Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 18, 2024Have Mercy – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 15, 2024Satisfaction Of Our Thirst For Righteousness – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 11, 2024