Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
What do we want from a church service? Jesus may catch our attention here if we notice the single reported sermon he preached to his home “church”—the synagogue in Nazareth—in Luke chapter four. But first let’s consider our own preferences in church worship songs and sermons. What about singing? Not the melodies but the words. …
Read More Jesus at ChurchLet’s talk about modern idolatry. Not so much the Eastern varieties, but here in the West where we’re saturated with idols. They consume our time, thoughts, resources, and energy. But for the most part we’re clueless—unaware that they rule us. Call them our comfortable heart entanglements. So I don’t mean the sort of idols I …
Read More Diverted LoveOver three decades ago, in 1985, Neil Postman’s book Amusing Ourselves to Death predicted a loss of faith among Western Christians. He saw that endless streams of visual entertainment were pushing God to the margins for millions. God, he realized, isn’t a video-screen entertainer, and most people prefer lively entertainment more than the weighty and …
Read More Too much of nothingYears ago in seminary one of my professors asked me, “Do you see yourself as a mystic?” The question startled me since it didn’t have any context! I had never claimed to be a mystic. In fact the idea had never crossed my mind. But it did alert me to a likely difference in our …
Read More Abba“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). What does this call to “trust” God mean? And how does trust shift our “own understanding”? As we face issues do we need to …
Read More TrustC.S. Lewis wrote about grass “as hard as diamonds” that wouldn’t bend when the protagonist of his story walked among the trees in a forest glade. Each blade was like a nail. At the same time a bird pushed the grass aside and was spattered by dew that had been as firm as glass to …
Read More RealOur host was friendly and open at the start of our lunch visit but after an hour he suddenly turned quiet. And despite some serious conversational CPR we three guests realized the party had died so we said our goodbyes and slipped away. Later I learned I had stepped on a relational landmine. My companions—a …
Read More TenderThere it was again. In an academic book—this one on Christian Anthropology—a scholarly writer noted, in passing, Augustine’s “pessimistic view of human nature.” And that was it. In recent years I’ve seen the same dismissive charge against Augustine by a number of otherwise sound scholars who dismiss original sin with a single sentence. Let me …
Read More Augustine’s PessimismHere’s the first question an editor asks a writer: “Who’s your audience?” It’s like asking a soldier before he shoots his rifle, “What’s your target?” Readers already know the rule. If a first sentence starts, “Use this document to see if your SSI benefits are taxable” we know where it’s going. So, too, if a …
Read More AudienceTwo weeks ago I watched a video of my friend’s teen daughter doing great gymnastic routines at a meet in Galveston. I’ve also enjoyed seeing my brother’s grandson grow in his rich musical skills. And before Christmas I attended a church play with an extended drum sequence by four lads who had honed their skills …
Read More Good Gifts