So many stories in the Book of Acts read just like news stories today! Take the story of Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21), as an example. Paul felt a strong desire to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22). He was even in a hurry to get there before Pentecost (20:16). On the journey there, Christian people at several places urged him not to go to Jerusalem. For his part, Paul felt “compelled by the Spirit” to go (Acts 20:22), yet the believers in the city of Tyre urged him “by the Spirit,” not to go! (21:4b) When he reached Caesarea, God actually sent the prophet Agabus to warn him that he was going to be taken prisoner, bound, and turned over to the Gentiles (21:10, 11) All the believers who heard this pleaded with him not to go (21:12), but he would not be dissuaded. Should he have listened to them and to Agabus? Or was he right in believing the Spirit wanted him to go anyway?
Are Science and Theology Incompatible?
Last week, I had to write a blog for a Theology course I’m taking. Now that it’s been graded, I thought I’d share it with those of you who visit this website. It’s similar to something I wrote earlier, but has some additional thoughts. Continue reading “Are Science and Theology Incompatible?”
A little girl’s letter to God
A quote from one of my theology books: “In 2011, a six-year-old girl wrote a letter to God, asking “how he got invented.” Her father sent a copy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the noted theologian Rowan Williams (born 1950), asking him if he would like to comment. Williams replied as follows:
Dear Lulu,
Nobody invented me – but lots of people discovered me and were quite surprised. They discovered me when they looked round at the world and thought it was really beautiful or really mysterious and wondered where it came from. They discovered me when they were very very quiet on their own and felt a sort of peace and love they hadn’t expected. Then they invented ideas about me – some of them sensible and some of them not very sensible. From time to time I sent them some hints – especially in the life of Jesus – to help them get closer to what I’m really like.” (Christian Theology, Alister McGrath, pg. 135)
Put Yourself in Their Place
Today my daily Bible reading included the eighth chapter of the book of Acts. In verses 1-4, we read about something that happened after the stoning of Stephen that really struck me today, and I wanted to share it with you. Evangelist Ray Comfort has a book with a title that really fits here, so I wanted you to see the cover of his book. Continue reading “Put Yourself in Their Place”
Back from Germany
Well, Lynn and I got back from our time in Germany last night, really exhausted. We were so glad to be with Allison, German, and the two little boys, but we’re also very glad to be home. Today I’ll get back into my assignments for the master’s degree. See some things I wanted to share with you below… Continue reading “Back from Germany”
Paradoxical Prophecies
I was noticing in chapter two of Haggai the amazing prophecies given to encourage God’s people after the Exile. Their entire country had been riven by civil war, then devastated and destroyed by foreign invaders and carried into exile because of sin. It must’ve seemed to them that they’d been abandoned by God. But now He wanted them to stir themselves up again, to realize they were still His people, He still had a purpose for them, and He wasn’t through with them. Continue reading “Paradoxical Prophecies”
Read Zechariah lately?
I was so blessed this week as I read through the Book of Zechariah. I came upon some precious nuggets in chapters 3 and 4, and wanted to share them with you. Continue reading “Read Zechariah lately?”
Outrageous and Appalling
The other day, I was listening to a YouTube clip featuring Dr. Hugh Ross, a Christian astrophysicist, and Ravi Zacharias, one of the greatest apologists of our time. Both men are so brilliant and both speak with great wisdom, gentleness and care. It seems that never does a rash, brash, unkind or poorly-thought-out word proceed from either man’s lips. They’re some of the best spokespeople for Christianity you could ever hear in our time. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYBHacV9vPU&t=1193s and the part I’m describing starts 19 minutes in… Continue reading “Outrageous and Appalling”
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!
Here we are with family in Lakeland, Florida. Next, it’s on to Germany to be with Allison, German, and our two grandsons. Frohe Weihnachten!
Times of Testing
Wow folks, I guess I haven’t posted anything in a while, and I need to! We’re going through some testing, and could use your prayers. Continue reading “Times of Testing”