Geoffrey Holsclaw
As theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar says, “Most Christians are convinced that prayer is more than the outward performance of an obligation, in which we tell God things he already knows” (Prayer, 13). If prayer is more than an obligation, why do we pray? Why Pray? Well, we spontaneously pray when we are filled with […]
To the question, “Why pray?” I’ve heard the answer, “Because God commanded it.” This is pretty is pretty confusing, unsatisfying for me, and dangerous for the faith. Sure we can there are passages in the Bible that commands us to pray. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful […]
Responding with prayer is right (but not in the way you think). The immediate reaction to shootings like the one in Las Vegas is to offer “thoughts and prayers.” We make an image-card and post it on social media. And we say prayers for those grieving. But the immediate response to this by progressives is to […]
Last month, at the Ecclesia National Gathering, I had the privilege and honor to preside over communion for the whole group. I led through the time as we usually do here at Life on the Vine, but many people not from a more liturgical background asked about the prayer leading into the Table. Many commented […]
(Reposted from last year). Last week I attended a conference in D.C, missing the Ash Wednesday service at our congregation in Chicago. Instead I attended one offered by the conference. The service was beautiful and well thought out. Some words were offered by Dallas Willard, but the only phrase I remember is when he said, […]
Sin is nothing masquerading as something. Sin merely preys on something, on anything, but itself it is nothing. Sin produces desire for what doesn’t exist. It takes what is good, adds NOTHING to it, nothing but disordered desire, and, BAM, now there is something new, something disfigured and ugly. Wanton desires warp creation (what is […]
I’ve seen a Dying Eye Run round and round a Room— In serach of Something—as it seemed— Then Cloudier become— And then—obscure with Fog— And then—be soldered down Without disclosing what it be ‘Twere blessed to have seen— (#547, Emily Dickinson) I haven’t died yet; but I’ve died thousands of times. Sometimes to addictions. Sometimes […]
BREAKING NEWS: The 9 Marks of the church, a ministry of Mark Devers is really a front for a clandestine organization devoted receiving to the 9 Stigmata of Christ. While the 9 Marks ministry has received much attention of late, it seems to be based in a serious misunderstanding. The 9 “biblical” marks of the […]