How many rules do Christians need to follow? I’ve heard the critique that Christianity is a religion with lots of rules. “You can’t do this, and you can’t do that, and Christianity is so antiquated with all its super-restrictive rules!” When Michelle and I were students in Bible college, the student handbook certainly had aContinue reading “How many rules do Christians need to follow? – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 1”
Tag Archives: bible
Why we should look to Jesus to win us the victory – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 5
All week long in this five part series on Colossians 2:8-15, I have been seeking to understand the Apostle Paul’s answer to the question, “What is truth?” After hearing his concern that there are deceptive philosophies in the world that seek to captivate us, Paul focuses our attention on Jesus, saying that Jesus is theContinue reading “Why we should look to Jesus to win us the victory – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 5”
If Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism are heresy, what is true? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 4
This week we’ve been studying Colossians 2:8-15, starting here, and Paul has commanded the Christians not to be held captive by empty philosophy based on the traditions of humankind. I suggested in part 3 of this week’s series of posts that a couple of those empty philosophies impacting contemporary evangelical Christians in America are TrumpismContinue reading “If Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism are heresy, what is true? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 4”
Evidence that heretical philosophy might have taken American Christians captive – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 2
How could one man like Adolf Hitler have such sway and influence in German society in the 1930s, to the point where millions of Jews ended up being slaughtered by Germans? To the point where there was major world war, and nearly the entire German populace supported it, including Christians! How? It boggles the mind.Continue reading “Evidence that heretical philosophy might have taken American Christians captive – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 2”
What is truth? Where do we find truth in a world of fake news? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 1
Easter is just a few weeks away, and that means we once again celebrate Holy Week. Imagine with me the scene from the darkest day of Holy Week, Good Friday, when the Roman governor Pilate questions Jesus. Pilate is the most powerful man in the land, representing the authority and might of the Roman Emperor. Continue reading “What is truth? Where do we find truth in a world of fake news? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 1”
How to be a good friend to God- Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 10
In the previous post, I mentioned that I had to confess and repent, “Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit in me, I am sorry I haven’t been a good friend, I’m sorry I haven’t given much effort to get to know you.” Of course, that is not totally true, as we can get to know God inContinue reading “How to be a good friend to God- Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 10”
The ancient mystery is revealed! – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 8
All week long we have been learning about a mystery, starting here! In Colossians 1, verse 27, Paul tells us that the mystery has glorious riches. Glory refers to the concept of splendor, of remarkable appearance. The second word, riches, refers to abundant riches. In fact, the particular word Paul uses for “riches” often hasContinue reading “The ancient mystery is revealed! – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 8”
Why we shouldn’t sweep Christian Perfection into the dustbin of history – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 5
Is perfection possible? It’s the question I’ve been asking and exploring starting here. Why perfection? It seems like an easy question to answer when we look around the world today, and at ourselves. Perfection seems impossible, and even potentially damaging as a goal, because of the often destructive nature of perfectionism. I’ve been asking theContinue reading “Why we shouldn’t sweep Christian Perfection into the dustbin of history – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 5”
Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1
How should we respond to suffering? Maybe you’re suffering somehow, and you’re sick of it. I’ve had heel pain for the last few months, and though I will admit to being very inconsistent in treating it, I’m frustrated with it. I want it to be healed. I am not rejoicing in this suffering. Rejoicing? IfContinue reading “Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1”
Current Events – (How to Avoid) The Failure of Ravi Zacharias, Part 5
This week on the blog, I’ve been talking about the recent news of the awful failure of Ravi Zacharias. He is one in a long line of abusive leaders, and started with the first post here I’ve attempted to tell his story and how we might respond to it. As I mentioned in some ofContinue reading “Current Events – (How to Avoid) The Failure of Ravi Zacharias, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 