News Too Good
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We’ve heard the line many times and likely believed it often. When God freely offered salvation through Christ with no hint of merit or works factored in, that line…
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Behavioristic Righteousness
I recently read a book recommended by one of my favorite theologians. Written in 2002, I was surprised at how well it connected all the dots of issues I’ve been wrestling with for the past decade. While I’ve tap-danced around…
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Karmic Christianity
The gospel is the good news that Christ has atoned for our iniquities through His death and that we are united with Him in resurrection by faith. This is not by works. Yet, etched into the core of our human…
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A Fundamental Apology
The darker contours of fundamentalism’s shadow hung over my relationships, conversations, and ministry for too many years. I had a legalistic bent and expected everyone to conform to my standards. I lacked compassion and acted as if grace was merely…
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A Recovering Baptist
The winding path of life and belief can lead through rugged terrain, but it can also reveal beauty if we’re open. Openness doesn’t have to mean perpetual uncertainty or lack of conviction. It should mean striving for orthodoxy with theological…
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Holly Jolly Melancholy
Tis the season to be jolly. What if you fall somewhere between Buddy the Elf and Ebenezer Scrooge? Christmas is a time for remembering and focusing on family and faith. However, each of those areas can be cause for sorrow…
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Gospel Abstraction
Grace is more than a concept. It reaches down into the depths of our sin and brokenness to offer mercy, forgiveness, and peace. Theological ideas and talk can be edifying in their proper place, but we sinners need the substance…
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What Good Works?
Scripture undoubtedly has its share of weighty doctrinal paradoxes. It also has straightforward commands and principles that we tend to bypass. It’s perplexing to me how we can vigorously debate the finer points of theology yet ignore something as rudimentary…
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The Practicality Gospel
We rightfully condemn the prosperity gospel. Much has been spoken and written about its deception and dangers as it distorts scripture and replaces the good news of Christ with positive thinking in pursuit of health and wealth. However, there is…
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