The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God was written by popular pastor Timothy Keller (from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City) with his wife Kathy, and is based on an acclaimed sermon series he delivered on the topic of marriage and Christianity. It is hands down, without a doubt, the best work on marriage I’ve read. (more…)

I believe that God can and does use all circumstances to ultimately bring glory to himself. I am grateful for the prosperity and freedom I enjoy here in the U.S., however I am hesitant to elevate God’s purposes for America above his purposes for any other country for the following reasons: (more…)

It is perfectly normal to sometimes feel as if you have been abandoned by God.
This doesn’t mean you are in some sort of grave sin.

It doesn’t mean you are going to hell.

It doesn’t mean you’re not a “good Christian” (whatever that phrase means anyways). (more…)

I’ve often heard accusations against Roman Catholics of idolotry–even a subtle polytheism–because of the language that they often use of “praying to the saints.” It’s common to hear further allegations that Roman Catholics engage in “conjuring the dead,” an occult practice that is forbidden in the Scriptures.

In fact, Roman Catholics do not worship the saints, and are not engaged in occult practices. (more…)

The most-repeated exhortation in the New Testament is “do not be afraid.”

Fear is the antithesis of spiritual formation, because spiritual formation is ultimately about becoming more like God, and God is love. The spirit that he gives us is one of love, not fear (2 Tim 1:7).

The Apostle John writes that perfect love (John 15:13; 1 John 4:18) casts out fear. Fear keeps us from abandoning ourselves to Jesus, yet, because of what he has done our behalf we no longer have any cause for fear, even as we share in his suffering (Phil. 3:10). We are not afraid; instead we have great hope and confidence (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

The Good News of Jesus means we are now free from all kinds fear, to live in faith, hope, and love.

Two all-original songs, performed with my wonderful wife, Amber.

I have failed at being consistent with daily devotions. I have failed a lot.

I have for the past year been attempting to pray the Daily Office, an Anglican tradition of daily prayer in the morning and evening. Prior to that, I had been reading through The NLT One-Year Chronological Bible, a fifteen-minute per day plan.

Some days and weeks and months are great; others make me feel as if I’ve forgotten the very meaning of the word discipline. Still, I’ve generally been able to pick up where I left off after a day or two and keep going.

An important truth that I’ve begun to see in this process is that something is better than nothing. Just like some exercise is better than no physical activity, even taking the time to just read one chapter or a simple three-minute pause to listen to the Holy Spirit is better than simply doing nothing when you forget your normal quiet time or unexpected events shift your schedule during the day. Consider saying the Lord’s Prayer as you get ready for your day or mediating on a Bible verse you have memorized on your lunch break.

Remember, too, that we do not exist in a legalistic relationship with God. This doesn’t mean we abandon discipline, but it does mean we should approach God as a loving, grace-giving father. We needn’t allow guilt over not meeting our devotional goals on occasion keep us from seeking the Lord at every opportunity.

I’ve found it interesting–and disconcerting–that in many evangelical circles there is a high degree of suspicion regarding Roman Catholicism. “Are Roman Catholics even Christians?” I’ve heard some ask, “Isn’t the Roman Catholic Church kind of like a cult?”

I’ve noticed quite a few misconceptions about Roman Catholic belief and practice among my friends and acquaintances, so this series will be an attempt to set the record straight and establish that yes, the Roman Catholic Church is indeed a Christian Church¹, and Roman Catholics are Christians. We will also examine some of the more misunderstood and/or controversial Roman Catholic doctrines together.

As human beings, we naturally tend to be afraid of things that are unfamiliar or that we do not understand. We must not allow fear to play any part in our interactions with any person or group, whether they are Christian or not. Fear has nothing to do with love! “Perfect love casts out fear” (John 4:18). Coming to this and all conversations with humility and charity is key to honoring our Lord Jesus and fellow human beings made in the image of God.

I enter into wholehearted agreement with Alan Schreck when he says, “Satan as been able to use…lack of understanding (both among Catholics and others) to divide Christians from one another and to divert their attention and energies away from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and advancing his kingdom on earth.”²

A few myths that need to be dispelled right off the bat:

• Roman Catholics don’t believe that Jesus is raised from the dead (some people mistakenly think this because of the prominence of the crucifix in Roman Catholic piety)
• Roman Catholics worship Mary and other saints
• Roman Catholics believe they can save themselves apart from the work of Christ
• Roman Catholics believe that only Roman Catholics are saved

In reality, evangelicals and Roman Catholics have these basic beliefs of Christianity in common:

• The historical reality of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone
• There is one God existing as a Trinity comprised of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• The Bible is the inspired word of God
• Only the true God is to be worshiped; idolatry is strictly forbidden.
• All people that accept Jesus as Lord and Savior are brothers and sisters in Christ

Dive deeper by reading this essential ecumenical document, authored by evangelical and Catholic leaders together:

Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium

Over the next several weeks we will look at some of these issues in more depth.

As we continue to discuss those things we have in common with Roman Catholics as well what does separate us, remember the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, “that they all may be one” (John 17:21) and the Apostle’s words,

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)