Do you believe that you are a Christian? If so, 33 percent of the world’s population would agree with you, based on research by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2006.
How do you know that you are a Christian? What truths make an impact on your life to the point that you call yourself a Christian? There are four basic points we must understand, believe and live in light of before we can claim the name “Christian.”
While preparing for Sunday’s message, I am researching the biology of a biblical plant. I want to make sure that I don’t get stuck saying something about this plant that isn’t true, especially if I am gleaning a spiritual message from it.
In our social media crazed age, how quick are we to check facts before we share the latest news or information with someone? Are we really interested in knowing and sharing the truth, or are we too moved by emotion to take a few minutes to see if our what is in front of us is verifiable?
Continue reading “Are You A Fact Checker Or A Weed Spreader?”
When it comes to leadership, in the church as much as the secular world, a lot can be learned from the great leaders of history. Most of us know General Douglas MacArthur for his leadership during World War II. MacArthur may have been one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century, but there is far more to his story than the Pacific Theater in WWII. In MacArthur: America’s General, author Yockelson helps show us what experiences built the man who defeated imperial Japan and built democratic Japan, friend of the United States.
If you are hoping for a detailed account of the Pacific campaign during WWII, this book will disappoint you. While there are a couple of chapters about the Pacific war, they are more rapid-fire than they are exhaustive. This is just one sign that there is more to MacArthur than most know him for.
Continue reading “Book Review: “MacArthur: America’s General” by Mitchell Yockelson”
Today’s Christians really have little understanding of the concept of forgiveness. The scars of unforgiveness mark our individual souls, as well as the collective histories of our churches.
In “Unconditional? The call of Jesus to radical forgiveness,” Brian Zahnd provides a challenge to those who call themselves Christian. He paints a biblical portrait of radical forgiveness. It is an end to personal vengeance. It is the key to peace in this world. It is not forgetting, but releasing. It is not cheap justice or weakness. It is the beauty that saves the world. Forgiveness is not easy. It is the cross of Christ that we are called to bear.
You will be challenged by “Unconditional?” You will also be deeply enriched by the theology in the later chapters. It seems as if Zahnd strays from the topic of forgiveness, but his words are so rich that you will not be able to put this book down.
We love to look at what is new. What’s the newest technology? What are the latest features that come standard on a car? What’s the newest popular hairstyle or brand of jeans? Our eyes are constantly scanning what is new and fresh.
We also like to know what it is new when it comes to the spiritual life. What’s Max Lucado’s newest book? What is the latest sermon series from Andy Stanley? Did you notice the new single from Steven Curtis Chapman? We again look for the newest, the brightest. We look for fresh revelations from God, and we watch out for the latest temptations.
Continue reading “New-Fangled or Old-Fashioned Temptations?”
I’m afraid I have to admit to a new addiction in my life. Well, maybe it is really an old addiction that just didn’t have a chance to get out for twenty years. Tetris.
A couple of years ago my parents bought us a Wii. My girls love it, but they have a little trouble taking care of the game discs and the controllers. So a few weeks ago I took it out of the playroom and moved it into the living room.
My wife works nights, and with the television season wrapping up, I find that I run into a lot of extra time alone, able to do whatever I want. I like to read and I’m trying to finish writing my next book. But for some reason – yeah, I know what it is; I’m a pastor, after all – I find myself drawn to the Wii.
Chris MacKinnon 