Good and Bad Side of Legalism
Warning: The following definition of legalism may upset some people. Legalism is not just "going through the motions" of the Christian life, nor is it only a problem in the church down the street which has more rules than we do. Legalism, is the belief and attempt to become more...
The Myth of “Free” Will
When I was 23 years old. I was faced with a daunting decision. After having completed four years in the military, I had resumed my dream of pursuing a degree in theology from Bethel college in St. Paul. My year of studying and classroom experience was very rewarding, and I was...
Having Begun in the Spirit
One of the most persistent myths in the church today is the belief that salvation is God's job and the Christian life is our job, as if the whole of the Christian life is something we do out of gratitude for getting to go to heaven when we die....
Resident Aliens
In his first letter, the Apostle Peter twice refers to Christians as "aliens" on the earth. Given that Peter also believed Jesus had become King of the planet and that Christians are citizens of the new Kingdom Jesus inaugurated, his use of the word "alien" seems a bit confusing....
Don’t Go By Feeling?
How many times have you heard, “As a Christian, you can’t go by your feelings … you have to go on faith!” What does that even mean? It makes my head spin....