Reconciliation
The Advent of Forgiveness and Reconciliation (Part 3)
This week is our final look at the advent of Jesus and how he ushered in an era of forgiveness. Today, we will look at the idea of mandating bilateral activity for forgiveness to occur. There is a concept which holds that for person A to forgive person B, person B must repent, and perhaps…
Read MoreThe Advent of Forgiveness and Reconciliation (Part 2)
Last week, we looked at the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, as a bold move on God’s part to spread forgiveness to humanity, and to reconcile the human race to himself. Last week’s assertion was that in our striving to be conformed to the image of Christ, forgiveness and reconciliation is integral to that striving.…
Read MoreThe Advent of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
This week, we entered a time for Christ-followers that is traditionally referred to as “Advent,” a celebration of the arrival of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. As with many holidays, this one has been commercialized and all but stripped of its meaning. Much of the populace has no idea that Christmas has anything at all…
Read MoreBe Angry! (Part 1)
At the suggestion of a friend, I recently plowed through Andy Stanley’s controversial book Irresistible. This is one of those books that divides people into camps of “love it” or “hate it.” It’s sort of the Ford versus Chevy debate where someone absurdly proclaims they would rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy. I have…
Read MoreComing Full-Circle Through Four Gardens
Beautiful Gardens Just to the north of where Alean and I live is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sites you can ever hope to visit. One hundred and six years in the making, the Butchart Gardens inspire awe from everyone who sees them. If you have not seen them, a trip to Victoria, British…
Read MoreWashed Whiter Than
Isaiah opens his prophecy describing Israel as a terribly rebellious nation. We get no further than the opening statement before we have God’s lament, “Sons I have reared and brought up, but they have revolted against Me.” So extensive is their alienation from their creator that God says, “An ox knows its owner, and a…
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