Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
In this, the third of five posts on believing in John’s gospel, we turn to Jesus healing the blind beggar in chapter nine. The blind man lacked any sense of meaningful life until he met Jesus. After being born blind he was relegated to social invisibility—left to exist through pity. He still had parents but …
Read More Jesus on Believing, 3 of 5This is the second of five reflections on John’s gospel. John featured Jesus’ purpose to invite people to “believe” and have eternal life (John 20:31). In this post we look at the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 2:23 to 3:36. Verse 2:23—“many believed in his [Jesus’] name”—seems a hopeful start but, “Jesus on …
Read More Jesus on Believing, 2 of 5All Scriptures are “God breathed”—given by God to change us (2 Tim. 3:16). So, for anyone ready for spiritual formation, try this: read all of John’s gospel in a single sitting. With a print Bible to mark-up. You can read the whole in three hours or less. Pick a quiet time and place. Maybe away …
Read More Jesus on Believing, 1 of 5Vladimir Putin wants higher historic ranking. To be an Alexander the Great. Or Julius Caesar, Napoleon, or, especially, a Joseph Stalin. None achieved character awards, but they didn’t care. All had three qualities that, together, made them dominant figures in their time. And having this triad of abilities, their appetite for power over others flourished …
Read More Shared ValuesLet’s reflect on the Spirit. As Jesus told Nicodemus, the Spirit is life—he awakens souls to God. He also offers the Son’s love, joy, peace and more—all that Jesus offered in person to his followers centuries ago. So, when Jesus returned to the Father after his time on earth he left the Spirit to share …
Read More A quiet presenceWhy do some people seem to have more faith than others? Are there special keys for spiritual success? Do some believers generate more spiritual determination than others? The question reminds us of the despairing father in Mark 9:23-24 who asked Jesus to rescue his demonized son. When he asked, “If you can do anything…” Jesus …
Read More Sound FaithIn 1746 Jonathan Edwards published his Religious Affections with “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections.” He was pointing out the authentic features of the Great Awakening after many “awakened” souls had reverted to their former unspiritual ways. Edwards’ twelfth and final sign was his longest and most applied—seventy-eight pages. “Gracious and holy …
Read More Edwards’ Twelve Signs – the TwelfthIn 1746 Jonathan Edwards published his Religious Affections to offer “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections.” After the Great Awakening the spirituality of many converts soon faded. And this raised questions about the overall validity of the revival. Edwards, in response, meant to distinguish authentic faith from experiences that hadn’t lasted. Edwards’ …
Read More Edwards’ Twelve Signs – the EleventhIn 1746 Jonathan Edwards published his Religious Affections. In it he offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” to show how genuine faith differs from ineffective faith. Edwards’ tenth sign stated, “Another thing wherein those affections that are truly gracious and holy, differ from those that are false, is beautiful symmetry and …
Read More Edwards’ Twelve Signs – the TenthJonathan Edwards offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his 1746 Religious Affections. He aimed to separate genuine faith from false forms of religion. Edwards’ ninth sign complemented the eighth. Both noted the changed hearts of believers after God’s work of new birth. The ninth noticed the new softness that comes. …
Read More Edwards’ Twelve Signs – the Ninth