C.S. Lewis reminds us of our “blindspots” and why it is unhelpful to only read books from our day. The latest are not always the greatest. Here’s an excerpt from his foreword to an English translation of Athanasius’ On the Incarnation. (Find more about Athanasius, the “Father of Orthodoxy.” In this book Athanasius demonstrates the utter uniqueness of the God-Man Jesus.) Lewis gives a good reminder to read good, old books, giving a needed place to the historic voices that speak beyond their day: … Naturally, since I myself am a writer, I do not wish the...

Recently I shared this quote from Matt Perman: Listening is not simply, or mainly, hearing what the other person is saying. It is thinking about what they are saying, and doing so from their point of view. Implication: This includes a willingness to be influenced by others. If you are generally unaffected by what other people say, you aren’t listening. Then I sent it to my theologian (and pastor) friend Adam. Here’s his brief biblical reflection, since he doesn’t blog himself: I like these statements, they remind me of Proverbs 18:2 and 18:13. Here are some more thoughts for the...

Perhaps we can all save ourselves time if we followed some simple protocols. Say your sorry with a formal apology slip: SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "I’m sorry for ______.", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2009/10/19/im-sorry/" });

As an opinionated chap with, well, a lot of opinions and things to say, I am getting better at holding them and not overstating my case. Listening. More listening. Reflecting back on what others say. (Getting better, but I haven’t arrived!) Yesterday, however, I sensed God’s Spirit telling me to shut up a couple times when I apparently thought what I had to say was important. (James 2:19) Thankful for our gracious church leaders and staff, and my wordiness weakness can be overlooked because of God’s grace displayed through one another. People are more important than what I have...

I’ve been returning to some of my roots, reading the Nicene Creed a lot lately. In preparation to teach on the life of Athanasius — to our high school group, in a series called INSPIRED — I’ve been contemplating the first official church creed (AD 325). Here’s the modern wording of the Nicene Creed (edited again in 381 at Constantinople and of course translated into English, after the Reformation): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally...

Some of us do speak of to/about God and people in the exact same way, making our communication with God (or lack thereof) truly profane. That is, we take something sacred and precious and make it common , just like everything else. There is a startling paradox to ponder in James 3:5-12 : "How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,...

"… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ( 1 Thess. 5:18 ) What is God’s will for my life? That has always been one of most frequent questions I’ve heard, and asked. How can I know what He wants me to do, who He designed me to be? God’s will is multi-faceted, yet He is strangely easy to please, as our caring heavenly Father. He has given some specific instructions as to what His will for us is. Trusting wholly in His Son is His direct command for all of us ( Acts 17:30; 1 John 5:13 ). Abstaining...

Has it ever occurred to you that your life is far more fruitful than you are faithful? Oh, what a happy tension. Clearly, my impact for Christ is not limited to my finite ability nor imperfect obedience. “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ” (1 Cor. 3:5-7) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Faithful = Fruitful?", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/01/faithful-fruitful/" });

Think about what you say online. In our age information is: Instant Constant Global Permanent But don’t let that prevent you from speaking and writing boldly. Even still, choose your words well. (The list of four above was mentioned by Pastor Mark Driscoll in response to the question, "What have you learned, Mark, from those who have criticized you?" in the panel discussion at the Desiring God conference: "The Power of Words and the Wonder of God." SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Instant, constant, global + permanent", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/01/instant-constant-global-permanent/"...

Sinclair Ferguson’s 20 Resolutions on Taming the Tongue 1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5) 2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10) 3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13) 4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19) 5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4) 6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12) 7....