In his recent post, “Stop Calling Faithfulness a Sacrifice,” Stephen Kneale offers a counter-argument to a common attitude toward living the Christian life. Jesus tells His disciples in Luke 17:10 that, having obeyed God’s commands, we are still “unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” As …
This essay, “Rebellion as Witchcraft,” first appeared in the CGG Weekly on Friday, September 23, 2016. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” —I Samuel 15:23 About four centuries before the time of King Saul, the Amalekites had “ambushed [Israel] on the …
This essay, “Christian Obedience,” was first published as a CGG Weekly essay on June 20, 2014. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” —John 14:15 It is commonly thought—if not commonly taught—that obedience plays little part in New Testament Christianity. People are urged, “Believe in Jesus Christ, and you will …
Take a few moments to read this insightful article, “Three Different Ways to Dismiss Divine Commands” by Alan Shlemon, a speaker and writer for Stands to Reason, a Christian apologetics website. There’s a temptation in all of us to dismiss prescriptions and prohibitions in Scripture. After all, God is asking …
I wrote this essay, “Man’s Natural Spirituality,” for the November 11, 2005, issue of CGG Weekly. “But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” —Job 32:8 It is not uncommon to hear of hardened soldiers—trained to fight, kill, destroy, cuss, and drink—throwing …
Published on July 23, 2021, this CGG Weekly essay was originally titled “The Lack of Love in Lying.” “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” —Exodus 20:16 A vein of dishonesty runs at the heart of the world’s recent troubles. We can easily spot this malignancy in modern …
This essay, “The Way of Get,” was published in the CGG Weekly on July 16, 2021. “You shall not steal.” —Exodus 20:15 It is in no way shocking to claim that people own things. It is a fact of human existence. People possess money, land, homes, businesses, vehicles, jewelry, stocks …
This CGG Weekly essay, “Purify Your Hearts,” was published on July 9, 2021. “You shall not commit adultery.” —Exodus 20:14 To talk about adultery these days is to risk ridicule. Back in 1976, then-presidential candidate Jimmy Carter faced public scorn when—in a Playboy magazine interview no less—he agreed with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28, …
