Friendly
For at least 1700 years, societies have been friendly to Christianity, but unfriendly to Christ. There's a red line that shall not be crossed. There's a declaration that cannot be allowed.
Wisdom
Reasons
People say they have reasons not to follow Jesus: bad churches, hypocrisy, science, etc. Reason implies logic, and logic is the wrong starting point for Big Questions.
Word for Word
One Greek word for 'word' is logos. It refers to a message, reason, logic, or revealed wisdom. The scriptures are what God has to say in written form. Jesus is what God has to say in living form.
Tumbled Brick
Years ago, we had the chance to build a new house. The exterior was a combination of cedar and brick. For the brick, we chose an option that has been tumbled before firing, resulting in a more irregular texture.
I Don't Trust Myself
I enjoy philosophy (love of wisdom). As an engineer, I appreciate the value of systems and processes. But where is the wisdom rooted? How pure is the aim?
Cultural Kintsugi
People ask, "How do I bring the Kingdom into my workplace?" I suggest not with a bulldozer or a hammer.
The Interpretive Key
Have you noticed Christians use the same language, from the same texts, yet seem so different? Mother Teresa and the Crusaders. Domination and withdrawal. Prosperity and asceticism.
Legacy
The word for children, huios, suggests bearing someone's name authentically. It's participating with a forerunner. It's being of the same character as a parent, literal or figurative.
First Order
Love of God is primary in both the Old Covenant and the New. My gift of self to God looks like humility, surrender, and heart obedience. This sets the map for Jesus' close-second command, loving myself and my neighbor.
Cure Rate
How long should it take to recover from harm, injury, or some other hurt? As long as necessary.
Cure Time
When God reveals something new to me, I need to give it cure time. Think about it, write about it, incorporate it into my life. Then, maybe I'll be ready to talk about it.
Clouds on the Horizon
Standing on the beach, looking inland. It's sunny here, but in the distance, we see dark clouds and lightning. Do we run to the car or stay?