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The mark of the true lover
I am currently taking Christian Apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This weekend I find myself “on location.” That is to say, I am in the lobby of the Legacy Hotel reading and doing homework. Off to the side, there are students talking to one another through their reading. My coffee needs a refresh, but the ambience – the feel of the chairs, the gentle instrumental music piped over the speakers – encourages me to stay put and read. This is my study as I read about the apologetic method, defying classification, of Clive Staples Lewis. And while it may only provide a passing glance at his impact, this…
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Some words are worth keeping
Browsing social media earlier today, I was greeted by a graphic leading with the words, “The difference between Jesus and religion…” It went on from there to claim that religion shames people, while Jesus stoops to wash their feet. Pitting Jesus against religion rarely ends well. My gut reaction was an inner groan, but I thought it deserved a little more thought, a little more reflection. Giving the benefit of the doubt, the creators of the image likely mean that following Jesus is intimate and relational, rather than a production or self-righteous pursuit of glory at the expense of others. They want followers of Jesus to show grace, mercy and…
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First to Wound, Then to Heal
I was gripped by today’s reading in Refreshment for the Soul. Temptation and sin waging war, Satan in all his boastful taunting, it is helpful to read of the savior’s mercy. Of his patience. Of his own temptations, of his victory. But mostly of his grace poured out on me in my sin and weakness: Let this support us when we feel ourselves bruised. Christ’s way is first to wound, then to heal. No sound, whole soul will ever enter into heaven. Think when in temptation, Christ was tempted for me; according to my trials will be my graces and comforts. If Christ be so merciful as not to break…
Theology, Linguistics, Brewing and More
