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...

On the weekend after Christmas I enjoyed the opportunity to preach at our church (previous times here and here). The text was Luke 15, and I called it “The Search.” (Listen here.) Three key themes emerged from Luke 15: A deeper view of our sin // we are lost A higher view of our value // we are treasured A farther view of salvation // Jesus is the Relentless Shepherd The background was key, especially about the Pharisees. Won’t go into it here, but suffice to say they were not villains or extremists. They were the moral middle class, and they are more like us than we even realize....

Merry Christmas, all! Not Only Christmas Day Lord, this is my prayer Not only on Christmas Day But until I see You face to face May I live my life this way: Just like the baby Jesus I ever hope to be, Resting in Your loving arms Trusting in Your sovereignty. And like the growing Christ child In wisdom daily learning, May I ever seek to know You With my mind and spirit yearning. Like the Son so faithful Let me follow in Your light, Meek and bold, humble and strong Not afraid to face the night. Nor cowardly to suffer And stand for truth alone, Knowing that Your kingdom Awaits my going home. Not...

I enjoy recommending the The Jesus Storybook Bible (by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago) because as the subtitle states, “every story whispers His name.” The point of the Bible is Jesus. While reading the stories of Scripture to our kids the connections to Christ become more vivid … aha! That’s why that was this way … Oh, now I see! (Parents and adults, you should read this book.) It’s a great read and we’ve given it as gifts to many. Helps us to enjoy the Bible so we can enjoy the One about whom it is written. Here’s a video version of the...

(I’m posting a response to a friend as we’ve gone back and forth related to the nature of truth, and claims of exclusivity — can Jesus be the only way? Is there even a ‘way’? Tim’s been patient in awaiting a response. He’s also a tax/debt relief consultant — I’m happy to refer you to Tim if that’s your need; he’s a solid guy, known him for years. Here goes my response …) Tim, Thanks for your patience on this response. Let me consider your two scenarios, then one of your questions. You asked about two types of people: What do you...

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. \\nGod is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”— 1 John 4:16 Being loved changes people. How do we know God loves us? What is His love like? “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.“— 1 John 4:10 God treated Jesus like He was us, so He could treat us like we are Jesus: His beloved, obedient, awesome Son. How can we know God’s love? God’s love takes action; compelled by love,...

Below are some of my thoughts after reading Your Jesus is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel-Good Savior. [Read the book interview with author Jared Wilson in the last post.] It’s a great book, and may now be in my top 10 favorites. Seriously, I read many dead guys, and am constantly dabbling in a few books at a time. This one made me put down all others and dive in. There are only a couple other authors who can do that to me (one is my gifted writer wife). What’s the purpose of this book? Wilson writes: “to remind us, for the glory of God and the hope of the world, of the...

A new book arrived a month or so ago: Your Jesus is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel-Good Savior by Jared C. Wilson (Kregel Publications). With an advance copy in hand, I was happy to participate in the Your Jesus is Too Safe Blog Tour. It’s a great book — read on! About the Author Jared Wilson is a faithful husband and devoted father, plus a pastor of Element in Nashville. He blogs at The Gospel-Driven Church, and is on Twitter, Facebook (become a fan of the book), and MySpace (why MySpace?). Anyway, he’s connected and has a bent for all things literary (more at The Thinklings,...

“Imagine that your prayer is a poorly dressed beggar reeking of alcohol and body odor, stumbling toward the palace of the great king. You have become your prayer. As you shuffle toward the barred gate, the guards stiffen. Your smell has preceded you. You stammer out a message for the great king: ‘I want to see the king.’ Your words are barely intelligible, but you whisper one final word, ‘Jesus, I come in the name of Jesus.’ At the name of Jesus, as if by magic, the palace comes alive. The guards snap to attention, bowing low in front of you. Lights come on, and the door flies open. You...

(Below is the main portion of the small group questions sent out for this week’s message "Believe in Him." This section is more teaching than questions, but the link between receiving and believe is key. Is Jesus a Comcast cable technician to you? Read on and check yourself.) John 3:16 gives us a short-hand version of the Gospel. The Good News is made ours to experience and live in when we believe in Jesus. Consider these four observations about “believing in Him.” Not everyone will be saved Not everybody will benefit from what Jesus came to do. But “whoever believes in...