When you substitute for the archaic-sounding fear of man—fear is how it’s rendered in nearly all the earliest English translations and has come down to us intact in newer versions—aren’t … Continue reading Yes, ‘fear of man’ matters
In the wake of the recent editorial in Christianity Today calling for the removal of President Trump, I think it’s worth asking how much personal reputation affects our judgment on … Continue reading Is it ‘our witness’ or your reputation?
One of my favorite moments in the 1981 film Gallipoli is when Frank (Mel Gibson) and Archy (Mark Lee) meet a lone codger crossing the salt lake on their way … Continue reading Who’s for a truce in the ‘war on Christmas’?
The letters to the Corinthian church are often mined for Paul’s approach to various problems: divisions, immorality, and what used to be called “charismania” (“strange fire” is more in vogue … Continue reading No other foundation
When you hear talent, you might think of that You Tube image of Simon Cowell enchanted by Susan Boyle’s performance of “I Dreamed a Dream.” You can draw a straight … Continue reading Priceless talents
I’m not sure, but I think it was something Francis Chan wrote or said that precipitated the pushback. It was several years ago, but the object of the critic’s wrath … Continue reading The myth of ‘works righteousness’
Sad to say, but “familiarity breeds contempt” can apply to the way we read Scripture. If you’ve spent a significant amount of time in the church, you’ve probably read about, … Continue reading Losing and saving your life
Of all the accounts of personal meetings with Jesus, the exchange between the wealthy young man (he’s a ruler in Luke’s gospel) may be best known for its outcome: “He went away sad, … Continue reading If you were a rich man
It changed my life. You’ve heard it scores of times. You’ve probably said it yourself. But what does it mean? Change can be plainly visible yet superficial. Or profound and … Continue reading Get a(nother) life
