Men’s Attitude Toward Women: Genesis 2:23

There are, unfortunately, many dark marks in the history of Jesus’ church. One of the most egregious examples, thoroughly documented, has been the inequality that women have suffered. But when traced to its lair, the erroneous attitude contributing to the inequality is not Scripture, but the mishandling of it. Even today in Christ’s church, resistance to the equality of women can still be felt among men. But according to Scripture, Jesus’ church ought to be the arena where women’s equality is showcased. I hope that if you struggle in this area, you’ll consider some seminal thoughts from Scripture.

Tim ColeOctober 12, 2017Women in Church, Women, Equality, Old Testament, Genesis

Does God Cause Evil in this World? Thoughtfully Responding to the Tragedy in Las Vegas

Gunshots in rapid succession, this time leaving behind 59 dead in Las Vegas, Nevada, remind us that we live in deeply troubled times. It seems just yesterday that the same tragic news came out of Manchester, England. While hundreds of families grieve and mourn, many others turn up the volume looking for someone or something to blame. It can shred our confidence in God. How can thinking, compassionate Christians respond with confidence in the character of the God they trust and worship?

Tim ColeOctober 4, 2017Las Vegas Shooting, Evil, nature of God, Does God cause evil, Meticulous providence

Raising Christian Children: Does God Offer a Lifetime Guarantee? Proverbs 22:6, Part 3

How are we to understand the painful contradiction of wayward children and good parents? Who is responsible for the failure? Should faithful parents feel guilty when their children choose an entirely different moral inclination? Does Scripture even promise that good parenting will guarantee a wise trajectory for children? Are there other factors involved in the future welfare of a son or daughter?

Tim ColeSeptember 29, 2017Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs, Parenting, Old Testament

Train Up a Child: Does God Offer a Lifetime Guarantee?: A Fresh Unpacking of Proverbs 22:6, Part 2

Countless dads and mums banked on what seemed like a lifetime guarantee. If they trained their children in the way they should go, those children would not depart from that way even into old age. The lifetime guarantee failed to pan out. Too many parents, good dads and mums, have been bitterly disappointed and confused. As Solomon wrote, “the heart knows its own bitterness.”

Tim ColeSeptember 19, 2017Parenting, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs, Bible Translation

Why God Sends Us Storms: In the Wake of Irma

Hurricane Irma was the largest storm in recorded US history. So, naturally the windy lady captured our undivided attention as she strolled westward along the Caribbean corridor and then, after a sharp right turn, traveled up the spine of Florida. Like most others, we were motivated by fear, a healthy fear of damage to our persons and property, to prepare for Irma. We knew what was at stake. We knew what we would lose if we were unprepared for the storm.

Tim ColeSeptember 15, 2017Storms, Gospel, Gospel of Mark, Jonah, Hurricane Irma

Train Up a Child: A Lifetime Guarantee? Part 1

Countless families were led to believe that if they followed certain steps in parenting, their kids would turn out right. Perhaps what persuaded them was the life-time, iron-clad promise from Proverbs 22:6. The inclusion of that small but pregnant phrase, “even when he is old, he will not depart from it,” promises that there will be no lapses, no times of rebellion, no periods of wandering in the life of the child. The promise is irrefutably comprehensive.

Tim ColeAugust 30, 2017Parenting, Proverbs, Proverbs 22:6, Old Testament