The Truth

World, we have a problem. More fake-news, false narratives, and lawless days are coming. Midway through the first century Paul warned of a dark future, led by Satan and his minions. “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked …

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Awakened Faith

Let’s reflect on Christian faith. On what Thomas displayed in his response to Jesus: “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28]. Why ask about faith? Thomas only came to faith after three full years with Jesus, so faith may take time to awaken. It invites reflection. It’s a crucial theme because without faith it’s impossible …

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What God wants

Two questions. First, what do we want from God? And second, what does God want from us? As a courtesy, let’s take the second question first. Because God, as Creator, has honor over his creation. This shows my bias as a Christian. What does God want? To start I’ll chase a variety of options. Each …

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With Jesus

Early this morning, at 6:30, I got a call from Rick in Africa. He knew I’d moved to Idaho earlier this year after a trip to the beach to pray about the prospect. So he asked how to encourage Nigerian pastors to go on prayer quests. It’s afternoon by now and he’s waiting for an …

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“Then you will know”

The Bible gives readers a repeated alert, “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Over seventy times. In both the Old and New Testaments. It’s spoken by prophets as from God himself, and it’s meant mainly for self-assured skeptics. Or quietly indifferent agnostics. Should we pay attention? Of course. It’s profoundly important. If …

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Living Faith

Let’s revisit our ongoing discussion of faith. It’s how humans, once dead, come alive to God. John’s gospel is a workbook on faith—or, as he prefers, on “belief” in Christ. Early in John’s gospel Nicodemus came to Jesus for spiritual coaching. And Jesus, citing Numbers 21, simply told him to “look and live” in John …

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