Dictionary of Christian Lingo
1. “Heads bowed, eyes closed . . .”: During a church service, you may hear a preacher abruptly break into this unexpected dialogue with the audience: “Heads bowed, eyes...
How to Explain the Trinity to Children
I remember when my daughter Katelynn (who is now 19) was first learning to talk and put one foot in front of another. I remember the first things we tried to get her to say....
My Honest Conversation with Michael Patton About Wanting to Die
An Honest and Vulnerable Prayer God, please kill me. This is a prayer I prayed with tears in my eyes for two and a half hours early Monday morning. Please. I will never ask...
The Five Worst Arguments of the “Week of Kavanaugh”
Did the judge do what his accuser says he did all those years ago? The only answer an honest observer can give is “I don’t know.” Maybe only a few people are in a position to...
Why Should I Tell Others About Christ When My Life Sucks?
A Hard Story to Tell Over the last ten years I have gained a lot of weight due to my back problems, aging, and my bout with depression. And I am sure getting addicted to pain...
7 Things NOT to Say to a Depressed Christian
Handling a Depressed Christian As many of you know, I’ve been through the ringer of depression (more like a black hole). I had a major breakdown in March of 2010. It came out...
No, I Don’t Do Morning Devotionals — So Quit Asking
I remember my 2001 seminary graduation retreat. At least, I think that is what it was. I was an insecure seminarian about to graduate and go into full-time ministry and teach...
Hope in Lamenting: When Life Has No Easy Answers
Sometimes, there’s no easy answer—or an answer at all!—for life’s hardest questions, especially for a Christian. I doubt no one really wants to know the reason...
Do People Who Commit Suicide Go to Hell?
Here is an email question that I received with the response to follow: Good Afternoon: I am writing to you under emotional pangs, as I wrestle with the Scriptures, and what I...