Provocative Bible Verses: Jesus Came to Divide People

“Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law” Matthew 10:34-35 There is a clear impression [...]

House Churches, Mega Churches, and the Westminster Kennel Club

I admit that to the untrained eye, I am something of a biblical and theological mutt. There is no pedigree to my background. My theology degrees include a Bachelors from a Catholic/Charismatic University, (Yep you read that right) two years of study at a very liberal Presbyterian seminary, a Masters degree from an Evangelical/Anglican school, [...]

Provocative Bible Verses: Turn the Other Cheek

“But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” Matthew 5:39 Many people want to bypass these provocative words from Jesus because they seem to imply that we are to allow people to just beat the tar out of us [...]

Is Anybody Asking?

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 When is the last time, if ever, that someone who did not follow Christ [...]

What the Lord of the Rings can Teach Christians About Community Pt 2

“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”  Ephesians 6:12 What is it that binds people together into the type of community that the Bible refers to as “koinonia – a [...]

What Can Lord of the Rings Teach Christians about Community? Pt 1

The classic trilogy written by J.R.R. Tolkien has been dissected countless times as people have sought to plumb its philosophical and theological depths. There have been volumes written on the world view presented by Tolkien, on the nature of good and evil, on the place of sacrifice and honor, on courage and fear, and a [...]

Provocative Bible Verses: Nobody is Perfect, But They Should Be!

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 Nobody is perfect is one of the few remaining truisms that has nearly universal agreement among people of every cultural milieu, philosophical system, or religious ideology. It is the standard way of accounting for our short comings both major and minor. We may want [...]

Saying “Uncle” to God

“the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:7 One of my favorite shows when I was growing up was The Three Stooges. It is a sign of my wife’s love for me that she married me in spite of this fact. She [...]

Provocative Bible Verses: Mom and Dad; I Love Jesus but I Hate You!

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26 What in the world are we supposed to make of these words from Jesus? It seems to be a pretty clear and simple statement [...]

Provocative Bible Verses: Rejoice in the Lord Always

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” Philippians 4:4 How in the world does the Apostle Paul expect us to always be joyful? Does he really intend that we are to be like some Christians and walk around life as if we are on some spiritual cloud nine, totally oblivious to [...]