Category Archives: On Faith

Apologetics, Theology, and Exposition

The Nazarene Thing and Melted Butter

Posted on January 28, 2023 by Mark

I didn’t know my grandfather well. As the youngest of my three brothers, I got to know grandpa mostly while a college student at NNC. He and Grandma Jewel live on Ivy street—a short walk from the campus. Even so, … Continue reading →

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Humble Pie

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Mark

I have scratched humility off the list of virtues I need. Growing old is humbling enough. I, of course, have many other areas that need attention. But aging is doing a fine job of keeping me humble. Earlier this school … Continue reading →

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The Grammar of Faith

Posted on December 5, 2022 by Mark

I am an English teacher, so I notice grammar even when reading the Scripture. I have found the  grammar of the Psalms especially encouraging when facing difficult times. A number of psalms possess a grammatical structure that expresses the essence … Continue reading →

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Why Pray? (Part Two)

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Mark

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication  with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,  shall guard your hearts and your mind. Philippians 4:6 In … Continue reading →

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High Noon Atheist

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Mark

My spiritual crisis is usually a “bright day of the soul” rather than the “dark night of the soul” described so well by St. John of the Cross. It comes at noon in the dry days of August or early … Continue reading →

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Why Pray?

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Mark

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 This may seem like an odd question to ask, … Continue reading →

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My Functional Atheism

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Mark

I fear that regarding my health decisions, I am a functional atheist. By that I mean I make decisions no differently than a wise atheist would. For instance, I was told after a blood test for my PSA levels that … Continue reading →

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On Having Cancer

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Mark

This week a doctor told me I have prostate cancer. I will be having some scans to see whether there is cancer anywhere else. The doctor says it is most likely that the cancer is localized in the prostate, so … Continue reading →

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Loving Until the End

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Mark

Recently the words from the John 13:1 “He loved them until the end” pierced my heart. They are part of John’s prelude to Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. It is His last Passover with them and the end … Continue reading →

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Garage Sales and the Kingdom of Heaven

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Mark

We just had the all-city garage sale here in Myrtle Point. Teckla and I sold some furniture that belonged to my brother, Stanley, who died last year. I even sold a desk and chest of drawers that Dad bought long … Continue reading →

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