"No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well." -1 John 2:23 The latter half of this verse is somewhat of an affirmation for me, because until very recently my prayers were adressed "Christ Jesus". I actually felt a bit self-conscious about that because … Continue reading Father
Tag: christianity
Things are not as They Appear
"For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgement to himself if he does not judge the body rightly" - 1 Corinthians 11:29 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 is not a passage to be used by your church as an incantation for their particular theological bent on communion. Instead, it is a call for the church … Continue reading Things are not as They Appear
Unique
"Based on the gift they have recieved, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God." -1 Peter 4:10 Two things I want to emphasize here: "based on the gift they have recieved", and, "the varied grace of God". If you don't fit in, maybe it's because God … Continue reading Unique
Deviating from Peace
"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden." - Genesis 3:8 It fascinates me that, after the man and woman ate from the tree of … Continue reading Deviating from Peace
Callings and Arguments
In John 12:1-7, Judas chastised Mary for anointing Jesus’ feet with an expensive, fragrant oil, which he argued could’ve been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not … Continue reading Callings and Arguments
Idols and Rebels
"We are men also, with the same nature as you..." - from Acts 14:15 Paul and Barnabas shouted this at a crowd that was about to start worshiping them. I recently had a conversation with a friend about kids who rebel from really conservative families. How does that subject relate to this verse? The thought … Continue reading Idols and Rebels
At the Heart Level
Sharing these passages, the theme I have in mind is that of God calling people closer to Him at the heart level: Isaiah 1:11-16 11 “What are all your sacrifices to Me?” asks the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the … Continue reading At the Heart Level
Even More Thoughts About Sex
- The key to living out healthy sexuality is context. What does your life look like as a whole? That question will determine your success no matter how good your intentions are. Is sexual desire just another substance for addiction, looked toward in order to fill an emptyness, or do you have a full, well-rounded … Continue reading Even More Thoughts About Sex
Sooner and Simpler
Romans 4:21 says, “...because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” It might not be in every detail, in the form that we expect it. But that is an important point, because the road to something being accomplished is often shorter and simpler than we think. God … Continue reading Sooner and Simpler
Approaches to Purity
I write this as a dating adult, not under the restraints of parental rules. That is my disclaimer here. These are not one-size-fits-all strategies, but these principles are what worked for my wife and I leading up to our marriage. These are insights gained from personal experience. -Rely on the grace of God. I do … Continue reading Approaches to Purity
