Is it okay that I want my family to enjoy Christmas without giving gifts?
Assuming you mean gifts as items or experiences we pay to obtain, usually wrapping it up in pretty paper to present at a family celebration, then I would say yes. It is certainly okay to want your family to enjoy Christmas without giving gifts. However, I do not think a family can actually enjoy Christmas […]
What does the Bible have to say about tattoos?
When I saw this question I was dismayed. It meant that somewhere there was a preacher or “Bible-believer” that was making tattoos a sin. People are suffering because of human arrogance, greed, rage and apathy. People are suffering because of violence, natural disasters, diseases and unjust institutions. Yet someone chooses to heap guilt and shame […]
500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation
The event that is marking this anniversary is the nailing of 95 Theses on the Chapel door at Wittenberg (Germany) University on October 31, 1517 by Dr. Martin Luther. That event started a chain of events that has changed the face of Christendom and, in some ways, the whole world. The success of the Protestant […]
What is the Meaning of Communion for Me Personally?
Holy Communion fulfills the acknowledged needs for belonging and community. It does this on a deeper spiritual level that goes beyond the community gathered in one place. In Holy Communion we are connecting with all the followers of Christ the world over. Imagine committing to a marriage, then never again hearing the words “I love […]
Are we supposed to kneel when we pray?
The posture we take when we pray depends upon how we relate to God during prayer. It can differ. Kneeling would indicate that God is sovereign and the person praying expresses humility before God. When dedicating one’s life to God as in an ordination rite, or when surrendering the day’s burdens to God as in a […]
Does God have a plan for me?
The way most people understand this question, I think I have to say “No.” When we think of plans, we think of detailed blueprints for building or carefully orchestrated actions by a tactical squad. We want to think God has every second of our life planned out so that everything leads to the best possible outcomes. […]