Transparency: The Painful Truth and How We Must Be Healed
There are many people who have a need to talk about some ugly things from their past. Not to wallow in self-pity but to receive healing from the terrible things they’ve endured and to receive affirmation from us that they are not outcasts or freaks. “A despairing person should have kindness from his friend, said Job, “lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14 NASB). Job recognized, as only a person in…
Why Do We Judge?
Rather than offer an opinion about the life-changing decision of a famous former athlete, I’d like to offer an observation on how the body of Christ handles the responses of other Christians to issues like this. Many believers have shown judgment and condemnation toward this person and the community that supports them. And of course, many others have demanded that these individuals repent of their hateful attitudes. I side with those who prefer a response of love and compassion. And although I know we…
What Do You Mean It’s Unbiblical?
I received a message from a friend asking my thoughts on the teaching that we could live in our physical bodies for several hundred years or longer and that we could avoid physical death altogether. I have a couple of friends who have embraced the idea of physical immortality. This friend knew that and she was curious to know if I supported the teaching. I wrote back saying that presently, I’m not convinced that this idea is true, though I respect the…
Denominational Differences – Deception or a Divine Diamond?
Many well-meaning leaders today are promoting the idea that we should be cautious when associating with Christians from other churches or denominations. Cautious – because there are deceivers in our midst, who would devour us – or so we are told. I won’t dispute that there are people in the body of Christ who are deceived. I won’t even dispute that I might be one of them. What I believe today is different from what…
The Problem of Christian Sub-Cultures
I had the following dream in which I was an observer. The dream featured two friends; Phil Drysdale and Steve Harmon, who were engaged in activities that were highly visible to the public. They appeared to serve as ambassadors that represented different nations. Throughout the dream, they spoke to me and others about different things that were on their minds. Their agendas and motives appeared to be perfectly legitimate. I could not detect any selfishness…