Links on Theology, Life, and Culture to encourage us to be — and to make — disciples.

The De-conversion of Saruman: Five Lessons to Learn
Fiction can give insights into reality. Even if you’re not a LOTR fan, the parallels are perceptive. “The key feature of de-conversion, however, is that the individual was once on the ‘inside’ of the faith, and later ends up on the ‘outside’.”

The Half-Century Prayer Request of George Muller
Lengthening time can lead to discouragement. But, there’s encouragement in knowing others who have walked the path of faithful prayer. “But I hope in God, I pray on, and look yet for the answer” … “His name will be glorified.”

Girls, Body Image, and Theological Poetry: Lucy Hutchinson on the Beauty of the Human Body
Applicable to how we all view ourselves, Jenny-Lyn de Klerk, a regular lecturer for our Immerse MDiv students, writes: “Though it is wise to start and end with God when asking questions about life, we cannot skip the necessary step of also thinking about ourselves as God’s creation. Hutchinson, a female theologian who thought deeply about the Bible, wrote an entire section in her epic poem on Genesis about the human body. In her meditations we can find reasons to feel good about our bodies as the physical part of us that exhibits our beauty, complexity, and uniqueness, all of which are a result of God’s goodness, creativity, and power.”

Big Thanks for Little Things
“Grief is good. Lament is appropriate. But gratitude-infused grief and hopeful lament—that’s even better. So, think twice next time you pour that cup of coffee, or slice that delicious pineapple, or open that God-breathed Book on your desk. And give God thanks. He sees you. He loves you. And every good and perfect gift comes from him.” Similarly, balance the weight of mixed emotions: “The Heart Is Not a Cup (There’s a Better Metaphor)”

Heaven: Headed Home
Randy Alcorn writes: “God’s people are aliens and strangers, looking for a country of their own. This world, as it is now, under the curse, isn’t our home. But one day not only we but the earth itself will be remade.”

VE-Day and an analogy to understand The Kingdom of God
With the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), read about reactions across Canada and watch a 5-minute video of the timeline between D-Day and V-E Day. Those significant events in WWII provide an analogy for the often confusing “Kingdom of God”: is it here, near, far in the future? The arrival of Jesus is paralleled to D-Day, while the future return of Jesus is parallel to V-E Day. This 3-minute video helps explain the connection, and this longer article delves deeper into the “inaugurated eschatology” of Jesus’ Kingdom.

Previous TLC Todays can be read here.

Kyle Meeker
Theological and Leadership Development Pastor