In his powerful book, Live No Lies, John Mark Comer introduces us to the work of Evagrius of Pontus. Evagrius was a 4th century monk and author of a number of texts on spiritual formation, especially the formation of the mind. One such work is titled, Antirrhetikos, or Talking Back. In Talking Back, Evagrius laysContinue reading “Talking Back: A Guide for Fighting Demons”
Tag Archives: Bible
A Most Practical Idea
As a theologian, I am well aware that there are some debates and some questions that simply have no practical purpose. “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” “Can God create a rock so heavy that even He cannot move it?” Questions like these can rattle around in your noggin, butContinue reading “A Most Practical Idea”
Idols in the Church Part 1: Anger
Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:12-13 English Standard Version The Bible makes clear that we have an idolatry problem. FundamentalContinue reading “Idols in the Church Part 1: Anger”
The Cross as Coronation
The following is adapted from a sermon I preached at Greencastle Christian Church on September 25, 2021. Let me begin by saying something that might be a little controversial. The gospel is political. Let me say that again, the gospel is political. I am not saying that Jesus is a Republican or a Democrat orContinue reading “The Cross as Coronation”
Dealing with Doubt
Last night my son comes out of his bedroom. I could tell by the look on his face that he was anxious about something. He had been reading in his Bible and came across a difficult story in the Book of Acts that left him shaken and, in his words, “questioning everything.” The story inContinue reading “Dealing with Doubt”
The Way of Suffering
Through 2021, the church in which I serve has been preaching through the Gospel of Mark in a sermon series titled, The Way. You can catch up on that series here. Below is the transcript of the sermon I preached for that series on September 12, 2021. Now some of you know parts of myContinue reading “The Way of Suffering”
Spiritual Hydration
After my recent bout with COVID-19, a friend told me about a plasma donation center nearby. Blood plasma with COVID antibodies can apparently help those who have severe cases of the illness. This place also pays you for donating, which certainly helps this time of year. If you have never given plasma before, it isContinue reading “Spiritual Hydration”
How to Survive 2020 and The Years to Come
I know, I know, December is a little late for a post on how to survive 2020. After all, we are almost at the finish line! Soon we will be able to chalk this whole year up to hindsight. Get it? However, at much as we wish it were true, there is nothing magical aboutContinue reading “How to Survive 2020 and The Years to Come”
How to Change the World
In my younger days, like most young men and women, I dreamt of doing BIG things to change the world. I wanted to lead mass revivals for the cause of Christ, tear down idols, storm castles, and break down the gates of hell itself. That righteous angst that is so much a part of youthContinue reading “How to Change the World”
Gold and Silver, Black and White
A few weeks back, lead pastor of Greencastle Christian Church, John Tischer, preached a sermon in which he mentioned the golden rule. You have probably heard it before, even if you were unaware of its origin. It comes from Jesus and is considered one of the basic tenets of Christian ethics. So whatever you wish thatContinue reading “Gold and Silver, Black and White”
The Awkward Christian Blog 