The 16th century German theologian, Martin Luther is credited with saying “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”
We understand the value of anything is determined by its investment, either in time, money, or personal sacrifice. When Jesus says, “follow me,” he is calling us, not just to hang out with him, or tag along, but to a devout, different, and dedicated, life. Continue reading
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John Piper once wrote that sin (lust for example) “gets its power by persuading me to believe that I will be more happy if I follow it. The power of all temptation is the prospect that it will make me happier.”
Piper’s observation reminds me of a true story that occurred several years ago. To protect the innocent, as well as the guilty, I will refer to the two married couples as Jason and Judy and Matt and Jen. Continue reading
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Augustine, the theologian who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries, is generally regarded as the greatest of the early “church fathers.” His writings are classics. And he is often quoted.
However, Augustine, the future bishop, was not baptized until he was 32 years old. Prior to his conversion he engaged in a ten year illicit relationship. The story is told that one day following his conversion, he was approached by his former mistress. When Augustine saw her, he turned and quickly walked away.
The woman followed after him calling out, “Augustine! It’s me! It’s me!” Continue reading
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C. S. Lewis once explained his faith by writing, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
What a simple, yet profound explanation of the purpose, potential, and power of faith. Continue reading
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Terry Denis tells a story about a college professor, an atheist, who gave a lecture denying the existence of God. He cited book after book, scholar after scholar and a variety of “evidences” to prove there’s no God.
As the professor concluded, a man stood up eating an apple and asked: “This apple that I’m eating, tell me, is it sweet or is it sour?”
Incredulously the professor replied, “How should I know? I’ve not tasted that apple.” Continue reading
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Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer once said “The best way to send an idea is to wrap it up in a person.”
Theologically, that concept is expressed in one word, incarnation, which means “in the flesh.” That’s Jesus. The incarnation of God. He sent His “idea” to humankind in the person of Jesus.
In one of the most sublime and majestic passages in the Bible, the Hebrew writer exalts the person and work of Jesus in these three glorious verses. Continue reading
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On October 9, 1934, King Alexander of Yugoslavia visited France for an official visit.
Before he left his warship, he dressed in the full uniform of a Navy admiral. However, the uniform’s tunic did not fit easily over his bulletproof vest, so he removed the vest. As he was riding through the streets of Marseille, a gunman jumped out of the crowd and fired a shot that pierced the King’s heart. And he died. Continue reading
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Henrietta “Hetty” Green who died in 1916 has been called “America’s Greatest Miser,” yet may have been the world’s richest woman. She left an estate valued at over $100 million, which would be the equivalent of $2-3 billion today.
According to Wikipedia Green’s stinginess was legendary. She was said never to turn on the heat or use hot water. She wore one old black dress and undergarments that she changed only after they had been worn out; she did not wash her hands and she rode in an old carriage. She ate mostly pies that cost fifteen cents. Continue reading
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The 1950’s movie, Quo Vadis, was set in 1st century Rome describing the time when Christianity was spreading across the Empire and Nero was persecuting Christians.
Actress Deborah Kerr played the female lead as a committed Christian. Finally, because of her faith, she was fed to the lions. Later a reporter asked Kerr, “Weren’t you afraid when you knew that you were going to be thrown to the lions?” Continue reading
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There’s an old fable that tells about three apprentice devils who were sent to earth by Satan to finish their apprenticeship. The Devil asked them about their plans to tempt people and lead them astray.
The first demon said, “I will tell them there is no God.”
Satan said, “That will not delude many, for they know there’s a God.” Continue reading
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