love of God

The Way

May 4, 2012 // 13 Comments

Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross of the Saviour, one day weigh the balance in favor of my good deeds when the deeds of my life are judged. Let it be so. Last night Camilla and I finally got to see the Martin Sheen movie, The Way. I had been wanting [...]

Your one big truth and the wisdom of Puddleglum

November 1, 2011 // 24 Comments

What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? Your answer to this question defines your One Big Truth. Your One Big Truth is the truth you cling to when all is lost. It’s the backbone that helps you stand and the keel that keeps you on course. It’s the spark in your imagination, the drive in [...]

What happens to Christians who commit suicide?

July 4, 2011 // 205 Comments

What do you say to the parents of a Christian teenager who has just killed himself? I faced this situation several years ago and, I have tell you, it’s not easy. Premature death is hard to handle at any time but suicide leaves loved ones bewildered at its senselessness. It seems the subject of suicide is one of [...]

What Happens to Unfruitful Branches?

June 5, 2011 // 131 Comments

Update: Check out the newer version of this article. Jesus said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, NASB). In the hands of a religious person this becomes a conditional statement: You have to keep the commands of Jesus to prove your love. The problem with that, however, is the [...]

God doesn’t change; we do

May 20, 2011 // 38 Comments

In a recent post I argued that God is not a jealous God, even though he said he was. I am either the world’s greatest heretic, or I am confident that I know who my Father is! How can I say God is not jealous when it’s right there in black and white in both Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 6? Because I have learned [...]

Is God a jealous God?

May 19, 2011 // 25 Comments

“You shall not make for yourself an idol… You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and [...]

Is God’s Love Unconditional?

May 17, 2011 // 59 Comments

“How do you know God’s love is unconditional? The phrase ‘unconditional love’ is not in the Bible!” Ever heard this? It’s a fair question that cuts to the heart of the grace message. Grace says that God loves us with no strings attached but read the Bible and you will find that sometimes there are [...]

Love Letter

April 5, 2011 // 4 Comments

It’s our 12th wedding anniversary today, so I’m in a certain frame of mind. Our marriage is a taste of heaven-on-earth because God is in it and He is the Source of love (1 Jn 4:16). Whether you’re married, single, widowed, or divorced you can know and enjoy His love – love that is beyond [...]

Malcolm Smith on the Love of God

December 1, 2010 // 11 Comments

Have you ever wondered what Acts 10:44 means when it says, “the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word”? The Greek word, which is here translated, fell on, means to embrace fervently. To say the Holy Spirit fell on those who heard, is to say that He passionately embraced them. Do you know what [...]

Forsaking Your First Love: What Was the Ephesians’ Problem? (Rev 2:1-7)

April 5, 2010 // 35 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. Camilla and I are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary today. We were married on Easter Monday in 1999 and because Easter moves every year, this is our first anniversary to [...]