By Chaplain Mike It is late February here in the Midwest, a time that will drive you crazy. In the same week, we might have snow, ice, rain, and a 65-degree sunny day. My wife noticed that the daffodils were coming up yesterday. Today, I went outside and hosed off the deck and back walkContinue reading “Distinguishing the Seasons”
Category Archives: Spiritual Formation
A Word about Words
By Chaplain Mike Then [Job’s friends] sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. • Job 2:11-13 • • • My dear friend, Christians believe in words and their power. And well weContinue reading “A Word about Words”
Catechism: A Final Word (for now)
By Chaplain Mike A number of years ago, after having read some books by J.I. Packer, including the classic Knowing God, I picked up a small book he had written called, Growing in Christ. It claimed to be a guide to Christian basics, and it focused on the Apostles’ Creed, the Sacraments, the Lord’s Prayer,Continue reading “Catechism: A Final Word (for now)”
Conditions Ripe for Catechesis
By Chaplain Mike In the preface to Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, the Reformer describes the conditions of Biblical and theological understanding among the people of his day. Martin Luther, to all faithful and godly pastors and preachers: grace, mercy, and peace be yours in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The deplorable, miserable conditions which I recentlyContinue reading “Conditions Ripe for Catechesis”
A Most Biblical Practice, Largely Forgotten (2)
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A Most Biblical Practice, Largely Forgotten (1)
By Chaplain Mike My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. • ProverbsContinue reading “A Most Biblical Practice, Largely Forgotten (1)”
Transformation a Myth? Clarifications
By Chaplain Mike A relationship with God in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit will change us. A church grounded in God will be transformed, and it will likely transform its surrounding culture. If living in Christ makes no difference, we of all people are most to be pitied. But my concern aboutContinue reading “Transformation a Myth? Clarifications”
The Evangelical Myth of “Transformation”
By Chaplain Mike Go Galli, go! Mark Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today, is one of my favorite authors, and one of the most realistic and theologically grounded commenters writing about the church and Christian life today. Back in 2008, Michael Spencer reviewed his book on worship, Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder andContinue reading “The Evangelical Myth of “Transformation””
“Big” Decisions and God’s Will
By Chaplain Mike When I was a Christian young person, I heard a lot about “seeking God’s will.” This question was especially prominent at Bible college, where young men and women training to go into ministry were trying to discern God’s leading in several key areas. First and foremost, we were trusting God to leadContinue reading ““Big” Decisions and God’s Will”
Chapter Two Continued: Humility and Obedience
I promised a follow-up of my article on “Chapter Two of the Christian Life.†In it I talked about the necessity, once grace has begun to work in us, of working ourselves. I listed nine disciplines or areas of growth that I wanted to talk about. My purpose is not to load people up withContinue reading “Chapter Two Continued: Humility and Obedience”
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