Getting to know the God of Jesus through the core teachings of the Bible.
I am a pastor, but I also have a part time job in the Air Force Reserves. Recently, I was doing some reserve duty in Northern California. To catch the plane home, we flew out of San Francisco. On the drive to the airport, we crossed three bridges. Because it’s located on a 50-mile … Continue reading Priesthood of All Believers
I grew up in a military family. We often observed the Fourth of July at or near a military installation. I struggle to find words to express what these celebrations meant to me as a kid. What made it so powerful was the convergence of many happenings all at once—history, energy, and expectation all gathering … Continue reading The Lord’s Supper
I was raised in the Christian faith. I started having serious doubts in high school. By my first year of college, I was experiencing a full spiritual eclipse. I thought I looked pretty stellar on the outside, but internally I was imploding. I was trying to make the world orbit around me, and succeeding in … Continue reading The Work of the Spirit
Imagine that you and I are in a cult-like Star Wars fan community. Can you picture it? We bring ceremonial lightsabers to the conventions we attend. We publish riveting articles on Wookiepedia. We eat, sleep, and breathe Star Wars. Now, let’s say we have some new recruits. And we want them to be as sold … Continue reading The Central Character
I first heard of Monty Python’s Life of Brian when I was in high school. I was talking with a friend about Christianity and he mentioned the film: “It’s about a Jewish guy named Brian who was born the same day as Jesus. He was just an ordinary guy, but people thought he was the … Continue reading The Incarnation
What if there were an app for that? [see description] It would be tempting. Think of it: no more nagging; no more hearing about how you’re wrong or insensitive or, whatever. But, you realize what you've done. You've turned him or her into an appliance. Every personal relationship has finality. Think of someone you know … Continue reading God’s Law
If you’re a parent, and your child says to you, “Is it ok if I steal some Legos?”—what would you say? You’ll probably tell me it depends on the situation. Situation 1: You and the child are in the living room building Legos together. You have your pile. He has his. He points to yours … Continue reading Speaking Law and Gospel
Imagine one day you realize you are a character in a story. You thought your life was your own—that you could come and go as you please; that you had some sway over your future. But then, you begin to hear the voice of your author narrating you in the omniscient third person—explaining your actions, … Continue reading Stranger than Fiction
It’s been called the “Monopoly of our Time.” Created by German board game maker Klaus Teuber, The Settlers of Catan has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide. It’s a deceptively simple game. Players compete to build the most successful colony on the fictional island of Catan. At the same time, the game is rigged … Continue reading 5 Principles for the Bible
Let’s imagine you come from a Christian tradition that practices “believers baptism” over and against “infant baptism.” You might say to your baby-baptizing sister in Christ, “Why does your church baptize babies? Our church waits till they’re old enough to believe. We don’t think baptism saves—automatically. The Bible says we’re saved by faith, not some … Continue reading Why Baptize Infants
Teach to Keep 