Don’t Eat the Fruit is the title of an insightful blog run by John Dyer, a web developer in Texas with an obvious passion for the Gospel and for people. He brings some great insights as a technology enthusiast who seeks to explore the intersection of theology, life and technology. Plus, understands that technology isn’t evil, but neither is it neutral. (His recent series "Five things the church should know about technological change " is helpful.) Here I want to point to another post , where John gives a quote from the latest edition of online journal Themelios (which is...

Perhaps we are so familiar with John 3:16 that we lose the gravity of the serious joy Jesus communicates to us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." That’s shorthand for the Gospel. Before Christ rescued me, I did not even know who John was, what the 3 meant, and especially why there was a colon before 16. When my eyes went open to see the light of the glory of Christ who is the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4-6 ), this truth became the deep end in which I have swam for twelve years now. The more I...

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,...

Yesterday I shared a bit of our story — and realize their are so many gaps I left out. Since this really isn’t about us , but rather about Christ and His worth, those gaps will have to be like the cracks in a clay pot that reveals the excellency and worth of the object inside ( 2 Cor. 4 ). Please look past us and see the beauty of God. Here are the top five lessons I (think I) have learned over this past 50 month journey and beyond. All are interconnected: People are more important that what they do. Personalizing it: I am not what I do . That is, my identity is rooted in...

"Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ." (p. 22) “Grace is for the willing and we only become willing when we confess not only the gravity of our sin, but our inability to deliver ourselves from it. Then our willingness opens to us all the sustenance...

"… 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...

Yesterday Kari and I had an encouraging meeting. A very, very encouraging meeting. At this meeting with the leaders of a local church we were blessed to make official on paper my new assignment by God to serve as a pastor. Next month I will join their pastoral team as associate pastor and Kari and I are overwhelmed by God and these church leaders for the opportunity. A person with more faith would have looked at our similar meeting two weeks ago and see that as the watershed moment. It really was, and it came as kind of a surprise. That was the day I was offered the role/position of associate...

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:10-12) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Tested … afflicted … satisfied", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/06/tested-afflicted-satisfied/" });

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....