Earning and Effort
Some of the most challenging passages in the New Testament are those related to “works” versus “grace.” Theologians have struggled to understand, and argued over, the meaning of these verses for centuries; and this debate is at the root of the greatest divides in all of Christianity. The spectrum of “divine predestination” on one side…
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Meditation for a New Day
I have not read much of John Calvin, but it is worthwhile to meditate upon these words: This is the wondrous exchange [mirifica commutatio] made by his boundless goodness. Having become with us the Son of Man, he has made us with himself sons of God. By his own descent to the earth he has prepared our ascent…
Continue readingDC Talk: Colored People
It only takes a few days in the city of Washington, DC to realize that race relationships between blacks and whites are complicated. Relationships are complicated by history, by economic standing, by political perspective, by fear, by apathy, by pride, by . . . . One day, all will be made right and colour will…
Continue readingTwo Prayers
Two prayers caught my attention today. One is a contemporary prayer from Scot McKnight who prays: Grant us, O Lord,To trust in you with all our hearts.For as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy.Through Jesus Christ our Lord,…
Continue readingGratitude
“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted,…
Continue readingGrace Changes Us
Another quote from Flannery O’Conner is instructive in her understanding of life. There is a question whether faith can or is supposed to be emotionally satisfying. I must say that the thought of everyone lolling about in an emotionally satisfying faith is repugnant to me. I believe that we are ultimately directed Godward but that…
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