lists

Top 13 of 2013

January 8, 2014 // 23 Comments

As we start a new year of walking in grace, I thought I’d take a moment to look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of the past year on E2R. If I was to summarize the year in a word, I’d say “conflict.” Conflict is a normal part of life and it certainly was a normal part of life in the New [...]

Five-star grace books 2013

January 1, 2014 // 33 Comments

A few months ago my book, The Gospel in Ten Words, joined an exclusive club of books that have received 100 five-star reviews on Amazon. In recognition of this achievement, Amazon sent me a gold-framed certificate, a gift voucher, and a personal note from Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. Actually, none of that happened. [...]

12 ways Superman is NOT like Jesus

June 21, 2013 // 53 Comments

Another Superman movie has just opened. I’ll probably go see it. I like Superman. What’s not to like? He’s a cool guy. But what puzzles me is how some churches are using Superman to promote Jesus. I kid you not. I read in the paper this morning that the new Man of Steel movie sold a gazillion tickets on [...]

Does God scourge us? 7 reasons to say “No!”

June 18, 2013 // 78 Comments

Much of what we believe about discipline in the church is informed by the old covenant. For instance, if you think God’s discipline entails punishment in any shape or form, you’re living in the past. You haven’t seen the cross (Is 53:5). Think about it. If the cross was the once and final solution for sin [...]

12 reasons why a sentimental Hell appeals

May 2, 2013 // 130 Comments

I have never written about hell and once this series is done I may never write about it again. Fact is, unless you are a smug, self-righteous, look-at-me-God-I’m-impressive kind of law-loving wing-nut, you don’t need to know anything about it. What you do need to know is the good news. Problem is, many of us [...]

What Happens When We Stray?

April 10, 2013 // 243 Comments

What happens to Christians who stray, or follow another Jesus, another Spirit, or another gospel? This is not a hard question to answer because it happened in the Bible. The consequences of going astray are well-documented. Yet the question is worth asking because many people don’t know the answer. Or, rather, [...]

Top 12 of 2012

December 31, 2012 // 10 Comments

I keep bumping into people who had a horrible year. They say things like, “2012 was my annus horribilis. I’ll be glad when it’s over.” I feel for such people because, for me, 2012 was a ripper of a year. I had a baby. Or rather, I wrote a book. If you’re a writer you’ll understand me when I say that [...]

7 Useless Definitions of Holiness

May 21, 2012 // 28 Comments

An old tale is told about a group of blind men who encounter an elephant for the first time. The first blind man man touches the leg and concludes, “Elephants are like trees.” “Oh no,” says the blind man touching the ear. “Elephants are like fans.” “You’re both wrong,” says the man touching the [...]

The 7 Most Popular Verses in the Bible

May 16, 2012 // 29 Comments

There are more than 31,000 verses in the Bible. If all of these verses were to enter a popularity contest, which one would win? Well, you can probably guess. But I’ll bet you can’t guess which verse would come second. Or third. Below is a list of the seven most popular verses in the Bible. How did I compile [...]

Top 12 Verses on the New Covenant

April 19, 2012 // 35 Comments

I have this strange idea that we should preach nothing but the gospel. Two reasons: (1) Jesus told us to and (2) it’s the only thing the church is really good at. Any club or religion can teach you about good works and charity and seven steps to financial freedom, but the church has a monopoly on grace. You [...]

Star Trek and the great commission: 12 parallels

September 8, 2011 // 14 Comments

Today, 8 September, is the 45th anniversary of the first regular episode of Star Trek. How could I pass up an opportunity like this to talk about one of my all-time favorite TV shows? But Paul, aren’t you supposed to be writing about Bible stuff? What does one of the most culturally influential TV shows have to [...]

12 Biblical Examples of Walking in the Spirit

August 29, 2011 // 14 Comments

The Bible describes two kinds of life and two ways to live. You are either in the flesh or in the spirit (Rom 8:9) AND you can walk according to the flesh or according to the spirit (Gal 5:25). The sinner lives in the flesh and walks according to the flesh. The Christian is in the spirit and ideally walks after [...]