Sin, by nature, is deceitful. Whether small and momentary or large and engrained, our sin will seek to avoid being seen for what it really is. One way this happens is by externalising. Instead of owning the action, we shift the blame onto that person, that circumstance, that situation… Eventually there comes a point of… Continue reading watching myself do
liberty and power
In this post, I’m testing out a possible parallel between global society and personal living. In terms of global history, the control of communism was defeated by the freedom of capitalism. What we might call ‘social democracy’ (to the extent that it is truly a) socially concerned and b) genuinely representative of the entire demos/people)… Continue reading liberty and power
dying and rising – bit by bit
The death and resurrection of Jesus are everything. They are not simply a pairing of events that I need to believe ‘really happened’ in order to go to heaven after I die. They are also more than things that happened a long time ago, and that will have a transformative effect on me when I… Continue reading dying and rising – bit by bit
resentment & sin
I love my catch ups with my Alcoholic friend. I continue to learn more about Twelve step spirituality and admire it more deeply. A recent gem that’s been sticking with me is the relationship between resentment and sin. In 12-step fellowships it may not be ‘sin’ that they call it, but I am appropriating it… Continue reading resentment & sin
truth, grace and covid-19
Covid-19 royally sucks, but it can teach us many things if we have ears to hear. We have been reminded of the benefits of slowing down, cooking food at home and going for walks. We’ve realised that good hygiene is good not only for slowing the spread of Covid-19, but also many other things we… Continue reading truth, grace and covid-19
12 spiritual steps – structural overview
Years ago, I was introduced to the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous by a good friend and sober Alcoholic. Having my interest piqued during our frequent conversations, I’ve continued to interact with them, and have become convinced of their value and wisdom for human flourishing in general and Christian discipleship in particular. In this post,… Continue reading 12 spiritual steps – structural overview
final revelation
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.… Continue reading final revelation
God in spite of Sin
“Your sins have separated you from your God, and they have hidden his face from you so that he will not listen to you.” Isaiah 59:2 There are at least two ways to view this verse. One would be to view God as too pure to be around anyone or anything that is sinful, so… Continue reading God in spite of Sin
political participation
In the first century, around the time of Jesus and the early Christian moment, there were at least ‘parties’ representing four types of Jewish response to the occupying presence and rule of the Roman empire. Zealots, Essenes, Sadducees and Pharisees. Zealots and Violent Resistance The Zealots were an expression of angry resistance to Roman rule.… Continue reading political participation
towards better help
In this world, Jesus said, you will have trouble. 2020 has seen its’ fair share of it. Jesus assures us that we can take heart in his act of overcoming the world, but his followers are still enlisted as kingdom-bringers, as much of heaven on earth as possible. Trouble and problems. We humans get stuck… Continue reading towards better help