During Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount,[1] he makes this startling statement: “Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”[2] Is he serious? Didn’t Paul tell us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”[3] and that we must rely on God’s grace rather than Read more…
Aren’t Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism basically the same? No! And not just because Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”[1] Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the “Buddha,” which means one who is “awakened” or “enlightened.” One Read more…
A story about C.S. Lewis says that he once walked into a gathering of Christian leaders who were discussing what makes Christianity unique among the world’s religions. Some said the resurrection, but others pointed out that many religions have stories about men or gods dying and coming back to life.[1] Read more…
Here’s an amusing diversion for you this week. Pay attention to (or count) all of the ads you hear that use the words “You deserve. . . .” Advertisers use this phrase because they want you to feel that buying their product or service is not merely an indulgence but Read more…
Christians talk a lot about God’s mercy and grace, and with good reason. We all need that mercy and grace, because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”[1] But Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, pointed out that God’s grace does not give Read more…
I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve (if you aren’t, you can read it in Genesis chapters two and three). Paul tells us in Romans 5:12-14 that because of Adam’s disobedience we are all tainted with sin. As a result, everyone falls short Read more…
Whenever you start to feel a little self-righteous, read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 through 7 of Matthew’s Gospel and see what Jesus says about: Calling someone a “fool” (Matthew 5:22) Lusting after a woman not your wife (or a man not your husband) (Matthew 5:28) Marrying Read more…