On the western side of the Mediterranean Sea is the Strait of Gibraltar, which opens up into the expansive Atlantic Ocean. For centuries the words “Ne plus ultra” meaning “No more beyond” were chiseled on the Mighty Rock of Gibraltar, which towers over the Strait. It reminded the sailors that beyond the Strait was nothing […]
Living the Kingdom on Earth
Easter
In Colossians 3:16, we are exhorted to let “the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” The Lord is calling us to follow Him in this regard. Even though […]
We are approaching the Easter Season. I thought it would be a good time to repost my review of N.T. Wright’s excellent book, “Surprised By Hope”. It provides a great summary of the Christian hope which is taught in the biblical record. Putting Flesh And Bones On The Christian Hope In his book, Surprised by […]
When Colleen and I were married over 21 years ago, we chose Psalm 37:3,4 as our life verses together. Let me quote them for you: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart […]
One of the great movements of God’s Spirit in the Church Era was the First Evangelical Awakening in the middle of the 18th century. It moved through England and the United States and brought many people to faith in Christ. Two key British leaders in this revival were John and Charles Wesley. God was able […]
One of the core beliefs about the Christian view of human beings is that God is our Creator. Because of this truth, Christianity teaches that the human person “does not exist autonomously or independently, but as a creature of God” (Hoekema). We are dependent on our Creator for our very existence (Gen. 1:1,27). In his […]
Many people, including more than a few who go to church, have a mental conception of holiness that can be described as unattractive, even austere. We find it difficult to relate holiness to real life and real human beings. I think this is really tragic. The Beauty Of Holiness The Christian Scriptures teach that all […]
The Church of the Nazarene was birthed out of the Holiness Revival of the late 1800s that swept through large parts of North America. Many of the first Nazarenes were revived Methodists. As a result of these roots in Methodism, John Wesley and his teaching have always been an important part of our Church’s theology. […]
It is no accident that Christ experienced the Transfiguration in Mathew 17. This is a mountaintop experience above all mountaintop experiences. It happened right after Jesus’ first explicit teaching of his upcoming arrest, crucifixion and resurrection in Mathew 16:21. Suffering, spiritual power and glory are always held and experienced in dynamic tension within a Christian […]
We all like to think we have strong character and that our relationships with those in our family and church fellowship are substantive and loving. But I believe that it is in the fiery trials of life and how we respond to them which really determine the quality of our character and relationships. Are You […]