Do you want to have a strong marriage?
A few weeks ago I read a book review on Christianity Today. The book focused on the fact that there is in fact a major difference between Christian and non-Christian marriages. But that difference comes with a qualifier. I have been teaching this since reading research on “religiosity” back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and have even developed part of the Spiritual Health Assessment to focus on this difference. But I get ahead of myself. Is there a difference between Christian marriages and marriages in…
Read MoreDevotion vs Devotions
Devotion vs Devotions Most Christians have heard the term “devotions” and think of it as something really dedicated Christians observe—usually in the form of getting up early (at least half an hour) and using that time to pray and read scripture. There is nothing wrong with doing this. There is everything wrong with equating this with devotion to Christ. This is particularly important because true discipleship begins with personal devotion to Jesus.’ So, what is that? I have written on this before (not least in…
Read MoreWe Celebrated The Resurrection. Now What?
Yesterday was Easter. Most Christians marked this day by worshiping with other Christians. We sang, shared in the Lord’s Supper, and probably heard a sermon focused on the resurrection in some way. It is a, if not the, highlight of the Christian year. But now it is over. So, now what? Christians in the US are struggling with the concept of discipleship. Church leaders even struggle to define disciple (I still find most churches have no agreed upon definition of what “discipleship” is). So, it…
Read MoreI did it! Didn’t I?
I fixed my printer today. For some of you, that elicits no response—unless it is “so what?”. Others will understand that, for me, this is a seriously major accomplishment. You wonder why I didn’t write, I FIXED MY PRINTER TODAY!!!!. Me! I did that! It is fixed because of what I did! (OK, all I did is go to “Maintenance” and push OK, but I did that!). Never mind that someone built and programmed the printer to self-repair when that button is pushed. I PUSHED…
Read MoreIs focusing on Jesus all we need to do?
I have read several blogs and articles recently emphasizing the need to avoid focusing on what we do and instead, focus on who Jesus is and what He has done in discipleship. As I read these, I found myself torn. I know where the authors are coming from–the Church has been plagued by legalism (the belief that we please God and earn His favor by obeying rules) and mechanism (the belief that we please God and earn His favor by doing certain things which produce…
Read MoreHow will you strengthen your faith in 2024?
We are now in the third week of 2024. By now, most of us who made New Year’s resolutions have already broken them—or just given up on them! To be sure, some have continued and will continue with their resolutions—and depending on what those resolutions are, that’s great. But what resolution does God want us to make and fulfill this year? I have known the Lord over half a century now, and it is my experience that God simply wants us to love Him and…
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