The Rambling Disciple

The more I meditate on the topic of sin and the more I study evil, the more I am convinced of one truth. Evil does not exist, but it is very real. Allow me to explain that seemingly absurd statement. Nothing that exists does so apart from God. God is the source of existence itself, therefore everything that exists derives its existence from God. We see this clearly in Scripture as it repeatedly affirms that God alone is the creator and sustainer of all things. We also see in Scripture that God does nothing evil and is not the cause of evil. In other words, everything God makes is good. Now I can hear the objections being formulated as I type this. "Just look at the world! How can you say evil does not exist?!?" To state the point again, while evil does not exist it is very real and very dangerous. How can this be? Evil is actually a failure to exist. God brings all things into existence. God makes everything good. Evil, then, cannot exist as its own thing, for that woul...

Let's be honest, Scripture is often not nearly as clear and precise as we would like. I think we make a big mistake when insist that everything the Bible teaches is 100% clear. While it is exceptionally clear on the heart of the matter, namely the Gospel, it can be a little tricky outside of that core message. Just think of how many different Christian traditions and groups exist today. There major and minor theological differences between all of them, and all of them point to the Bible as their source for their belief. It would take a great deal of hubris to simply declare "I am right! You all are wrong!" Yet, this is often exactly what we do even though they are simply trying to follow what they believe Scripture to be saying just like us. Now don't mistake me for saying that theological differences don't matter; they do. However, I think a dose of humility and a large helping of grace is mandatory when entering into that discussion. Besides, there is a real...

1 Timothy 2:3-4 "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." Let's be honest; how many of us genuinely wants what God wants? God wants everybody to be saved and to come to know Jesus. Everybody. Not some people or only those he likes, everybody. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is intended for every person on this planet. If we are all being 100% honest, I think that many of us find ourselves at odds with this desire of God. I'm sure most of us would say  we want all to be saved. I know I do. However, as I look into my heart that may not be true. The more I learn about Nazi atrocities, the less I find myself feeling merciful. The more I learn about the horrific conditions under communist regimes where millions were casually murdered, I find myself less enthusiastic to share the Gospel. As I read headlines daily of child abuse, cold blooded murder, and human traffickers wh...

This quarantine state we now find ourselves in presents most of us with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth. Most of us are stuck at home with a bit more time on our hands than normal. Now is an excellent time to devote ourselves to prayer, study, and overall devotion to Christ.  One of the disciplines that I think gets neglected is that of self-examination. In fact, I'd argue this is one of those disciplines that we actively try to avoid. We make our lives so busy and so full of noise that block out any chance for silence and reflection. That time of quiet where we can look squarely at ourselves makes many of us uncomfortable. Often times we don't like what we see. Self-examination forces us to confront our own sinfulness and failures. We don't like to look at that. We like to think that we are essentially good people with a couple of flaws here and there that need to be ironed out. The truth is that we are all sick, every part of us has been touched ...

Well, it's official; I've been at the Church of Christ Northwest for a grand total of five years now. Oh how I've grown to love and appreciate this congregation. It is ironically now, under quarantine and spending week upon week in complete isolation aside from some sporadic personal contact, that my appreciation for this group has been more fully realized. This church is my family, and I mean that with the utmost sincerity. I regard them to be just as close to me as my father and brother and sister. It is a unity brought about not by blood or marriage, but by Christ. These people are my brothers and sisters, truly and fully. Are they perfect? Heck no! Neither am I! There have been a variety of screw ups, hurt feelings, sleepless nights, frustrating conversations, and complete misfires in terms of getting stuff done. Lots of it has even been my fault. It hasn't always been easy, smooth, or even enjoyable. Still, it has always been a blessing. So today, on the anni...