Chris Tomlinson's Blog: Crave Something More, page 14

Free Chapter Download and Video: Suffering

This week's free chapter download is titled Suffering, and it deals with the implications that suffering has on the life of a believer.  Why evil or suffering exists is one of the hardest issues people have to deal with when they consider whether or not they can embrace the existence of God.  And it's a hard issue for the Christian too, one that becomes even more difficult in light of Scripture which calls suffering a gift from God.

This chapter has one of the better stories in the book

Free Chapter Download and Video: Light

This week's free chapter download is titled Light, and it's an exploration of all the small decisions we make each day that bring us closer to or further away from the light of Christ.  It's as if we are wicks, and the only way we can burn is to draw near to the white hot flame of Christ.

When Jesus told us we are the light of the world, He was saying we should be set apart from others, to lives our lives in way that is different way from others around us; specifically, to be a light in a...

A Theology of Tears

As far as I can tell, tears show up in at least two ways:  1. They well up from within during times of emotional longing, or 2. They spill over from an reservoir of sin that is inside of us.

I cry at the part in Remember the Titans where Julius comes to see a just-paralyzed Bertier in the hospital, and they grab each other's hand in a moment of regret for all the hatred they had sown on the ground of their budding friendship and the brotherly love they feel for one another.  I also c...

You Don't Want To Read This

When others' words kindle my own fire:  Reflections on words by @JohnPiper.

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"WARNING Graphic. Don't talk about the sovereignty of God in suffering without this reality in your mind. http://ow.ly/wGWv" (John Piper on Twitter)

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I realize the title of this post may actually make you want to read this, so I am in a sense being disingenuous by drawing you in by this method.  But if you're anything like me, you may be sick to your stomach at the end of what you read, so know you have been warned.

We...

Be Real For A Reason

Sometimes, 140 characters need more explanation…

Tweet:  It seems the more willing we are to admit what we don't know, the more people will actually listen to what we do know.

We want our preachers and writers and teachers to be real these days.  If you are vulnerable, you are respected.  If you are transparent, you are admired.  In fact, the surest way to encounter closed ears and closed hearts today is to always talk rather than listen; specifically to always talk about someone else.

Donald...

When God Seems Distant

A prayer when praying to a seemingly distant God…

Father:

Forgive, that I may be restored.

Receive, that I may honor you with rightful praise.

Hear, that I may enter your presence.

Listen, that I may speak my heart.

Speak, that I may hear your voice and follow.

Reach, that my desire might be for you.

Touch, that my confidence may be restored.

Heal, that my brokenness may be made whole.

Move, that I might believe you are within me.

Act, that I may learn to trust you with all I am.

Love, that I may be ...

In The Beginning

A meditation in poem on John 1:1

Our lives are governed by countless seconds

That form into minutes which bleed into hours

That move into days and weeks and months

And years that speed quickly downhill

So that time becomes like gravity on our lives.

We fight against time with hopes and dreams

And all manner of science and striving,

But the fountain of youth has run dry,

Because there was never a fountain to begin with;

Only time ticking quickly in an empty well.

Were we to climb aboard these...

A Jew, a Muslim, an Agnostic, and Pizza

I had dinner with a Jew, a Muslim, and an Agnostic last night.  Three sons of Abraham, and one who wasn't sure, all sharing Italian food.  Good times.

The conversation focused on the different faith's beliefs about God, Jesus, and salvation.  And it was a really great discussion—I even got to try out the Kingdom Circles approach.  Each guy articulated his beliefs well, and there was respectful listening and solid questions from all parties.

My Muslim friend talked about his pursuit of the Way, ...

Are Science and Religion At Odds?

Non-exhaustive answers to hard and relevant questions—From the Ask a Smart Guy or Gal Series…

Question:  Are Science and Religion At Odds?

A friend asked for my thoughts on "God, the Big Bang, Creation, Age of the Earth, and Genesis," all minor questions, right?  I sent him a quick response, outlining three things to think about:  1) The ultimate question to address is first cause, 2) Creationists need not fear science, and 3) Creationists and Naturalists both apply bias to the facts...

Are You Ready For Some Football?

This may be a post that I pull down later. Or maybe it will strike a chord.  I guess we'll see.

I just scanned my Facebook and Twitter accounts, and I noticed scores and scores of posts about football.  It must be Saturday in the fall.  It's good to see college pride extending 5 years, 10 years, 20 years.  And I can relate—I have a great affinity for my college (Air Force Academy), although I can't say it's because of football.  Football is great.  It brings people together, it provides...