This story may be found in Mark chapter 9. Jesus was told, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn't following us." Jesus responded, "Don't stop him." As Jesus explained his point, one thing he said was "Whoever is not against us is for … Continue reading Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
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More Thoughts About Sex
Just brainstorming some practical considerations. - Both of these things are true: 1.) There is way more to life than sex. 2.) Sex is very important. - Just how important it is, especially to a male, particularly to his emotional well-being, is a question that could use some illumination. I say this as a Christian … Continue reading More Thoughts About Sex
The Counselor
In a recent post, On Your Own Terms I mentioned Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:7, “It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away, the counselor will not come to you.” It is for your benefit, so that the Counselor, the One who comes along-side, will minister … Continue reading The Counselor
Choosing a Name
I don't care if you're starting a business or having a baby, a general rule for naming anything is that simplicity should trump creativity. If people look at your business name and are not sure how to pronounce it, then they are less likely to repeat it. That of course is the opposite of the … Continue reading Choosing a Name
On Your Own Terms
The twelve chapter of the Gospel of John opens like this: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. … Continue reading On Your Own Terms
The Seasonality of Revelation
In the Gospel of Mark, chapter two, is the following story: “Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came and asked Him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding guests cannot fast while the groom is with them, can they? … Continue reading The Seasonality of Revelation
I Could’ve Had a Date Last Night
But I didn't. The conversation stopped just shy of going for the ask. Unlike many times in my past, the predominant reason was not fear. It was there, but it was a little leprechaun instead of a giant. My reasons were just reasons: "I've had a long day and I'm tired." "I need to get … Continue reading I Could’ve Had a Date Last Night
Vulnerability
Got to give credit where credit is due. Not long ago, I met a guy at a church event, and we started talking about writing and blogging, and that's how I landed on his page "Authentic Christian Men" on Facebook. The bulk of this writing originated as commentary that I offered on one of his … Continue reading Vulnerability
What Does it Mean to Believe?
The word “believe” according to the Strong's Concordance, is from the Greek word ‘Pisteuo’ (pist-yoo-o) “to have faith (in upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust”. It is from the word “pistis”, meaning “persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction...” In the KJV, “pistis” is translated as … Continue reading What Does it Mean to Believe?
Where Are You?
After the man and woman ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from which they were commanded not to eat; "...the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. So the LORD God called out to the man and said to him, … Continue reading Where Are You?
Andrew K. Banks 