Handling Unsolicited Advice
Most of us will at one time or another, receive a message from a stranger who feels as though they have a prophetic word for us, a word of correction or some kind of spiritual advice. In the age of social media, it’s much more common to receive this kind of communication than was just a few years ago. Dealing with strangers who want to become involved in our personal lives and in our relationship…
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…
Living From a Heart of Offense
I was thinking about friends who have been deeply wounded by other Christians. Some have done a remarkable job of turning their pain and woundedness over to God and they’ve been healed. But some have not. (I may be in the second group.) I felt a warning from the Holy Spirit about living from a heart of offense. In this age of social media, more of us have an audience of listeners than ever before….
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…