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...

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...

Wonder what Jesus looks like? We don’t know. One day we shall see Him as He is, and become like Him (1 John 3:2). (Doubt He looks like the blue-eyed, blond-haired version sold here in the States as “Jesus junk,” that is, as trinkets.) Yet, we do have some clues as to what He is like. His character shines through brighter than His physical appearance. He’s full of compassion (Matthew 9:36: σπλαγχνίζομαι = moved with compassion), which is much deeper than mere emotion. More broadly, He’s full of grace and truth. He is the living embodiment of Grace, and...

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...

“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...

“The prophets searched. Angels longed to see. And the disciples didn’t understand. But Moses, the prophets, and all the Old Testament Scriptures had spoken about it — that Jesus would come, suffer, and then be glorified. God began to tell a story in the Old Testament, the ending of which the audience eagerly anticipated. But the Old Testament audience was left hanging. The plot was laid out but the climax was delayed. The unfinished story begged an ending. In Christ, God has provided the climax to the Old Testament story. Jesus did not arrive unannounced; his coming was declared in advance...

In conversations I often find supposed "Christians" playing with the notion that there are other paths to God. Or, at least, He will accept us if we try really hard. Isn’t God gracious and forgiving? Doesn’t God believe in us? As if Christ came to set an example, and nothing more. He gave His life away for others, and that pleased God. So we need to serve others too. Do what Jesus would do. The problem with such reasoning is three-fold (at least): First, it makes Jesus merely a good person Second, it rests on the notion that we are good people too Third, it makes Jesus sacrifice...