Benedict of Nursia

What are we to make of Jesus’ frequent encounters with the devil and his legion of demons? Evil spirits don’t seem to have the same prominence today as they did in Jesus’ time. Here is my take on things. When God comes to earth in Jesus Christ, the...

John Calvin

Idolatry seems so Old Testament. I don’t see anyone today bowing down to golden calves, as they did in Moses’ day. It seemed that every time Moses turned around, people were paying homage to gods of their own making. Martin Luther said, “An idol is...

Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) went with friends to the German circus and was mesmerized as he watched the Flying Rodleighs perform their high-wire trapeze act. He returned to the circus and introduced himself to these trapeze artists as one of their big fans. They invited...

Robert Harkness

Robert Harkness (1880-1961) was the music director for the evangelist R.C. Torrey in the early 1900’s. They were conducting evangelistic services in Toronto in 1906. Robert met with a new convert after a service, struggling with the thought of staying faithful...

John Wesley

John Wesley (1701-1791) sought for years to earn favor with God by means of good works. He wrestled with how many good deeds are needed to achieve favor with God. Try as he might, John lacked the assurance that God had accepted him. He had just returned from a...