In theology, we love to put things in boxes! We do this with the things that make up God’s character, the things that make God God. We generally divide them into two categories which we call the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God. The communicable attributes of God are the ones that we can and … Read more
There is a ‘profaning’ of God in our culture, have you noticed it? To profane something is to make it common, to blur the line between the sacred and the ordinary. This has been one of the criticisms of Canadian author William P. Young’s 2007 book, The Shack. The Shack went from being a self-published novel … Read more
Zac Poonen is a former Indian Naval Officer who’s been serving the Lord in India for over 50 years as a Bible-teacher. He oversees a number of churches in India and abroad, especially the Christian Fellowship Centre, Bangalore. He is truly a remarkable servant of Jesus and a precious brother in the Lord. Zac writes, … Read more
“… that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2b). Throughout the centuries of Church history, many theologians and Bible teachers have tried to make sense of the will of God and how it relates to humans. Generally, three categories are suggested. The … Read more
Christian author Kelly Balarie posted an interesting blog about imitating Christ that I wanted to share with you. I haven’t read any of her books, so I can’t recommend them personally. However, she is published by a very reputable Christian book house (Baker), which has taken far too much of my money over the years! … Read more
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). What could be more intimidating than this? Such a short verse too – deceptively short! Just a few words. Be. Imitators. Of. God. That’s all. But, imitate God? The One for whom there is no substitute. The “alone” One? “Remember this and stand firm, recall … Read more
There is no question that the most famous labyrinth to be found in a church is the one built into the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. It was created by stones set carefully into the floor of the cathedral’s nave. And yet, while it’s the world’s most recognized path, it’s shrouded in mystery. Why … Read more
A labyrinth is a flat circle or square consisting of a path that winds around to its center. They’ve been found all over the pagan world. But, interestingly enough, they’ve also been found in churches (!) as far back as the 4th century. The earliest known example of a labyrinth in a Christian church dates … Read more
Power and authority are often put for the same thing, but they’re very different. Many mothers, for instance, often have very little power, but have tremendous authority. While love will cause you to lose power, leaving you vulnerable – as it does – to hurt, it will give you something far greater than power; it … Read more
Power and love are both highly sought-after entities, but we don’t often consider how they relate to one another. Tony Campolo, professor emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, has shared some interesting thoughts on this subject from a Christian perspective over the years (see The Power Delusion, 1983, and Which Jesus? Choosing Between Love and … Read more