Long ago I attended a church’s Sunday School class in which the teacher claimed that God is in control of everything, which includes creating and causing human sin, and then punishing humans for the sin. I found that very strange and wrong. I questioned the teacher, but he explained that God is holy and perfect,Continue reading “A curious case of God making a prophet sin? – Ezekiel 14, Part 4”
Tag Archives: ezekiel
When you might not want God to talk to you – Ezekiel 14, Part 3
How would you describe your relationship with God? Close? Distant? In Ezekiel 14, verse 7, God describes the status of his relationship with his people. He says that they separated themselves from him. They chose to separate themselves from God, and they showed this choice by setting up idols in their hearts and putting theContinue reading “When you might not want God to talk to you – Ezekiel 14, Part 3”
God’s surprising response to idolatry in the heart – Ezekiel 14, Part 2
Have you had a person in your life who screws you over, hurts you, chooses to barely ever talk to you, and yet when they need money, they are so bold to come ask for your help? They haven’t had anything like a good relationship with you for a long time, and suddenly they appearContinue reading “God’s surprising response to idolatry in the heart – Ezekiel 14, Part 2”
Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1
What do you long for? What do you desire? A relationship? Debts paid off? A big enough savings account so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck? A new car? New house? A different personality? Different looks? Good health? Healing? Success? Athletic ability? Artistic ability? A raise? What do you long for? We all have desire. Continue reading “Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1”
Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview
Years ago, I remember listening to a new song thinking, “I don’t think I should be listening to this. It doesn’t seem appropriate…but I’m not sure.” Why was I concerned? Because the song touched on themes that seemed to be getting really close to a line I knew I shouldn’t cross. I felt uncomfortable. AtContinue reading “Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview”
Examples of folk theology and how to avoid it – Ezekiel 13, Part 5
The snow was falling heavy, covering the road. A young man in my church was driving in the middle of the storm, lost control of his car, and it spun into a snowbank along the roadside. The car stopped with a thud. Breathing heavy, heart pounding, his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel. He lookedContinue reading “Examples of folk theology and how to avoid it – Ezekiel 13, Part 5”
Can Christians have false beliefs about God? – Ezekiel 13, Part 4
Is it possible in some way you might have a false belief about God? Maybe even in a very small way? I would like to suggest that not only is it possible for anyone, but that we would be wise to consider how it might be possible for us. As we saw in the previousContinue reading “Can Christians have false beliefs about God? – Ezekiel 13, Part 4”
Do you say, “Things are fine,” when they are not fine? – Ezekiel 13, Part 3
My wife and I have a running joke in our marriage. When it comes to a concern about our kids, I will often say, “Don’t worry, they’ll be fine.” When it comes to a concern about money, though, I can feel like things are never fine. Michelle will worry about the kids, however, and whenContinue reading “Do you say, “Things are fine,” when they are not fine? – Ezekiel 13, Part 3″
Who is the authority in a world where we don’t know who to trust? – Ezekiel 13, Part 2
Do you watch the news or read articles online and wonder, “Who is right? Who can I trust?” If you’re like me, you’ve probably had conversations about Covid and treatment options, and your conversation partners were adamant about their views. But as you listened to them promoting one view or the other, you thought toContinue reading “Who is the authority in a world where we don’t know who to trust? – Ezekiel 13, Part 2”
The danger of folk theology – Ezekiel 13, Part 1
In a Peanuts comic strip, Linus is standing next to his bed, wearing his pajamas, hands with palms together like they would be for some about to say their bedtime prayers. But instead of kneeling at his bed and praying, Linus is standing there, looking curiously at his hands. As his sister Lucy walks intoContinue reading “The danger of folk theology – Ezekiel 13, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 