grace

I was recently reminded of how much power God’s promises wield. “Do not be anxious.” Remember that verse from Philippians 4:6? I hate to point out the obvious, but that’s a command. A law. It’s what we call an “imperative” in the academic world. Those have teeth. The command is to STOP doing somet

Author Philip Yancey describes himself as, “a pilgrim, still ‘in recovery’ from a bad church upbringing, searching for the possibility of a faith rooted in grace instead of fear.” In his memoir, Where the Light Fell, he recounts his surprising journey from a strict fundamentalist upbringing to a li

Righteousness. What comes into your mind when you hear that word? If you’re like most people, something religious probably surfaces, which is understandable. But righteousness is not simply a religious term. Everyone is on a quest for righteousness, whether they’re religious or not

When I was a teenager growing up in the south, adults often warned us about the satanic dangers lurking around us. Everything was suspect. Heavy metal music. Role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. Dolls and action figures. Even Saturday morning cartoons like Thundercats, He-man, and The Smurf

Recently, I tried for a moment to imagine whom 2020 would be if it were a person. I couldn’t settle on one, though. Consciously avoiding being too political, I figured 2020 might be a mix of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tom Buchanan, Shakespeare’s Iago, the Thomas brothers’ Predator, and probably the Zodia

It’s been quite a month for America. Which means it’s been quite a month for Americans

Surrounded Have you ever felt surrounded? Pressure, trouble, enemies…hemming you in and backing you up

Grace is confusing. Have you noticed? It provokes two completely different reactions. In one sense, we find grace attractive. Our hearts long for the one-way, unconditional acceptance that grace delivers. Love, not judgment. Pardon, not punishment. Who wouldn’t sign up for that? But in another sens

New Year and New Broken Resolutions and broken promises… except God’s promises.

Blog highlighting sermon points as well as gospel centered word