Cutting Room Floor: Three applications of Colossians 1:15-20

Not every sermon needs to end with three points of application because sometimes, knowing the glory of Jesus better is the point of the sermon. Last Sunday sermon had application woven throughout - worship Jesus, submit all the areas of your life to Christ, etc., but the focus was definitely not practical application. There were … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: Three applications of Colossians 1:15-20

Cutting Room Floor: Jesus is Mine!

Last week, in a sermon on Colossians 2:6-7, I made a point that we have received Jesus, not just benefits from Jesus, but Jesus himself. Jesus doesn't just dispense grace, hand out forgiveness, or distribute keys to rooms in his Father's heavenly home. He gives us himself, and by faith we receive Christ - Christ … Continue reading Cutting Room Floor: Jesus is Mine!

Reading Augustine

I've quoted a good bit of Augustine recently, so I thought I'd recommend a few books I've read on and by Augustine for those who may want a deeper dive. First and foremost, read Confessions. It is a powerful spiritual autobiography. Don't read anything on Augustine till you've read this (unless you need a short … Continue reading Reading Augustine

How to Use a Christian Worldview

Over the last year I've been in countless conversations about politics, covid, race, theology, the environment, etc. In many of these conversations, my dialogue partner makes mention of a Christian worldview. A Christian worldview is a distinct way of viewing the world, of viewing life. I am convinced that in most of my conversations with … Continue reading How to Use a Christian Worldview

The Goodness of Shame

Shame has gotten a bad rap. Undeservedly. Shame is a good thing. A gift from God. Obviously, like every good thing that comes from our Heavenly Father, we have found ways of misusing it. We make a child feel shame because of a substandard report card that is not the result of laziness. We shame … Continue reading The Goodness of Shame