Watershed

I had to think long and hard before I wrote this article. I started to write it and was three paragraphs into it before losing interest. And it wasn’t because the story wasn’t worth telling. It’s a great story, because God’s fingerprints are all over it. I lost interest because I felt like there wasn’t any value in telling it.

A Letter to a Failing Middle School

I wrote a letter recently after witnessing an incredible display of antisocial behavior by several students at a local middle school. I haven’t decided whether I plan to send it. First, there may well be a strong backlash. That wouldn’t deter me if I believed it would do some good.

Free Will: Myth or Reality?

Sooner or later, every thinking Christian must attempt to reconcile the dilemma — a sovereign, omnipotent Creator who governs a universe filled with free creatures. If God maintains control over the affairs of men, are we truly free? It’s a compelling question, one that is impossible to answer in a way that is fully satisfying.

Confronting Calvin

An evening Bible study with some friends turned into an intense discussion recently. Sparks flew. There was the potential for unpleasantness, but no one said anything they would have to apologize for later. It ended just the way a discussion among Christian brothers and sisters ought to. Still, there was lingering discomfort afterward.

During our discussion, after I proposed there might be other ways for people to come to Christ besides hearing the gospel from a believer, Ben disagreed and went on to say that salvation is a sovereign act of God.

Goodbye, Joey

I had to say goodbye to a friend on February 4th. While I set about writing this memoir, I am aware that a great many people knew and loved him. We all said the same thing: natural causes or not, he left too soon. But while the world is poorer for his absence, heaven is richer. Blessings and fondest regards to the family and friends of Joseph Bendickson.

I met Joey around 5 years ago when I went into the Milwaukie Teen Challenge thrift store. He was a student working his way

Thinking it Through

Disclaimer: If you are offended by rational examination of cultural hot button issues, this article isn’t for you. This discussion is intended to ask simple questions, examine prevailing ideas about homosexuality and the outcome of the gay lifestyle. Keep in mind that God loves everyone and willingly condemns no one. The purpose is to show the way to better health, wisdom and harmony.

The New Racism

I’ve understood the new system for a number of years now, but I’ve never experienced it so directly.

Reflections on Psalm 119

Psalm 119:1-8 (א Aleph)

There are potent rewards for obeying God’s law and seeking Him earnestly, which come to all who put off the sinful nature and resolutely submit to God.

Coffee Fast

Some time before the week is out, I plan to embark on a coffee fast. I am doing it in place of a food fast because the last several times I did food fasts, I experienced a great deal of weakness, lightheadedness, severe anxiety and was essentially worthless for any focused activity. So I’m fasting from coffee instead.

Unbroken

“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.” -J.R.R. Tolkien

Every once in a while, a book comes around that has it all ― adventure, romance, high suspense, life-and-death struggles, villains, heroes, redemption and panoramic scope. Unbroken, the 2010 bestseller by Laura Hillenbrand, satisfies on all counts. It is at once a great feat of writing, a monumental story and a call to the transcendent.