In 2013, Daniel Larsen was recently declared innocent after 45 years in a Southern California prison. I can’t imagine the mixed emotions –rejoicing for being freed, angry for being imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Surely the question has gone through Larsen’s head: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But this …
Tag Archives: sin
The First Gospel Message
It didn’t take long for sin to enter the world. Genesis chapter 3 records the event as Satan tempts Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. After the first couple eats the fruit and falls into sin, they immediately go into hiding. Imagine that, hiding from the God who created them and all the places …
God’s Purpose for Your Struggle With Sin
Struggling with indwelling sin? Feel like it is dragging you down? Consider the fact that God may have a purpose for your struggles. Here’s an example from Joshua. We are familiar with Joshua’s conquests in the promised land. God had given Israel the land to inhabit. Additionally, God called them to drive out groups of …
What Should Christians Say to Homosexuals About Homosexuality?
This is part 2 of “How now should we talk to our gay friends?” The first part talks about the “how,” or “posture,” of Christian conversation. This part (2) will address the “what,” or “content,” of our conversation. I need to admit is the tension I feel while writing. On the one hand, I …
Continue reading “What Should Christians Say to Homosexuals About Homosexuality?”
We Love Gay People
Several years ago, I published this article in a denominational paper. Needless to say, it received mixed reviews -some positive, some negative. Nonetheless, I think the issue is just as important as it was then -and certainly more relevant. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Let’s put this in perspective. Fact: Homosexuality is …
Why Gay Bashing Betrays Christ
I have quite a few friends who are gay. Often, as I scroll through social media, I will stop to read something one of them has posted. I cringe when they re-post and comment on a Christian article condemning homosexuality. My frustration is not over declaring homosexuality is a sin. That is a biblical statement …
Are You Giving Satan Too Much Credit?
We’ve all said something like, “Satan is really working on me right now.” And while this may be a true statement, I’m not sure its always helpful. James 1:14 teaches that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Because we are born sinners (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:10-18), our …
Does God Hate?
Does God Hate? This topic probably didn’t get a lot of airplay from your childhood Sunday school teacher –and understandably so. Generally speaking, it is wrong to hate. The issue of God’s hatred is not just a theological riddle. The way we answer this question cuts to the heart of our understanding of God and …
It’s OK to Hide
My son can’t figure out how I can find always find him so quickly when we play hide and seek. One day it will occur to him that talking trash while he’s hiding isn’t such a good idea. Interestingly, the concept of hiding has been around at least as far back as Genesis chapter 3. …
Your Life Is About To Change
It seemed like I was living “the dream” for three months. From January through April of 2006, I was constantly hungry. I ate everything in sight –pizza, steak, ice cream, candy bars- you name it. Every night, I would wake up 5-6 times and raid the refrigerator. On one occasion I ate an entire chocolate …