Demon Faith

Tim Riter October 2, 2017

Demon Faith--the ultimate oxymoron and insult, perhaps. James, the brother of Jesus, stated that many believe in Jesus without trusting him. The demons do that. Hence, demon faith. In an extended definition of genuine faith, James said, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” (James 2:19-20 NLT, but see verses 14-26). But could we possibly have some elements of demon faith in our lives? Not that our faith is...

The Problem of Pain

Tim Riter June 19, 2017

Have you ever wanted something so much that if God didn’t provide it, that lack became a block between you? Maybe being healed, or prosperity, or a relationship? Or…just fill in the blank. The classic problem of pain. God’s omnipotence says he could; his love says he would. So if he doesn’t act as we ask, then we question either his caring or his power. Or both. But maybe we err.

Be Filled

Tim Riter June 5, 2017

Growing up, I sincerely yet shallowly gave my life to Jesus. That superficiality caused enough spiritual struggles to leave me feeling guilty, so in college I left faith. Four years of searching and studying brought me back to Jesus, much more deeply, but some struggles remained. Then Wayne, the custodian at the Christian junior high where I taught, encouraged me to study about the Holy Spirit. Understand that in reaction to some overemphasis on charismatic gifts and some weird stuff going on, the church I grew up in minimized talk about the Holy Spirit. My study revealed one reason for my struggles...

Who IS This Guy?

Tim Riter May 29, 2017

After the political year we’ve had, with politicians of all stripes (an intentional animal allusion) promising what no human could possibly deliver, I hesitate to make this claim. But out of over 200 posts on Unconventional, this week may be the most central to following Jesus. Seeing Jesus as he truly is will radically change how we follow him, so I ask you read it carefully, apply it to your life, and share the post if it blesses you. Here’s why...

The Look of Faith

Tim Riter May 8, 2017

What does authentic faith look like? For a clue, check out the pic above and the story of Abraham in Genesis. A pretty good example of faith, he set out blindly following God, and became the father of the Jewish people, who in turn gave us Jesus. But his journey included some missteps. Serious ones. Sometimes repeated ones. So, let’s...

Garden Walking

Tim Riter May 1, 2017

Just what does it mean to “follow” Jesus? Not long ago, for many it just meant being an American. That day is done. Obeying God? That’s important, but being good is not good enough. Telling people you follow? That expression is crucial, but not central. Going to church? Nope, going to church makes you no more of a Christian than going into a barn makes you a horse. Years back I came across a verse that began a change process in me.Jesus proclaimed...

Achieving

Tim Riter April 24, 2017

For the last five years of my teaching career, I had the privilege of teaching Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, a course that had the most practical significance of all I taught over several decades.It had two portions—a semester examining style, or how to use words for the best effect, and another semester on persuasion, or how to analyze or craft political speeches, sales pitches, or asking your folks to borrow the car. Regardless of your political leanings, these ...

When Pigs Fly

Tim Riter April 17, 2017

Don’t let those wings deceive you, that pig will remain earthbound. It represents the impossible, like when Hell freezes over. So let’s consider if the impossible exists. Absolutely, and here’s one—me being drafted to play center on an NBA team. In my prime I had white man’s disease to the max, with a vertical lift of six inches, and even at 5’11” my speed just exceeded the normal turtle. Now add 50 years, and clearly the impossible does exist. But perhaps it’s not as pervasive as we often think...

Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following