My normal practice each summer is to live within only one book of the Bible. For a few years, I read and re-read the book of Judges from May to August. Then it was the Psalms. Then it was the Book of the Twelve. I find that an extended study of one particular book helps … Continue reading Isaiah, Injustice, and Unanswered Prayers
Author: colbyhetcel
Freedom, Face Masks and Matthew 5:41
Becoming a Christian is the act of giving up of one’s rights in order to become a slave to Christ. It’s the putting to death everything that isn’t Jesus in order to embrace the fullness of what Jesus offers. It’s the giving up of all power by submitting to the One who truly holds all … Continue reading Freedom, Face Masks and Matthew 5:41
Justifying Hatred
“Hating is something of which to be ashamed unless it provides for us a form of validation and prestige. If either is provided, then the immoral or amoral character of hatred is transformed into positive violence.”[1] This was written by Howard Thurman in the context of the second world war. On the basis of nationalism, … Continue reading Justifying Hatred
The Spirit of Change
Here’s an edited manuscript of the sermon I delivered at Word of Life Baptist Church on July 5th, 2020. I have removed the introduction and a few other parts here and there as they didn’t lend themselves to this blog format. If you’d rather listen to this sermon than read it, you can find the … Continue reading The Spirit of Change
Reading the Bible Won’t Make You Not Racist
This title is intentionally provocative. However, there is a truth that we do need to seriously consider, especially in this week’s current climate: simply reading your Bible does not make you less racist. In fact, reading your Bible (alone) doesn’t help with your racism whatsoever. I grew up in a Christian subculture. I’ve read the … Continue reading Reading the Bible Won’t Make You Not Racist
Stop Thinking About Your Rights
Thinking primarily about our “rights” makes us bad Christians. However, I do think the temptation to do so stems from a noble endeavor. There is nothing wrong with being concerned about the state of our country. There’s also nothing wrong with being concerned about the perceived lack of religious freedom being granted by our state. … Continue reading Stop Thinking About Your Rights
Revelation 13 and the Mark of the Beast
Reminder: This blog contains my heuristic opinion on the Bible and theology. I realize that the material contained in this post might be divisive for some. That is not my intent. If you have questions, feel free to engage. It seems that every few years the “mark of the beast” section of Revelation becomes vogue. … Continue reading Revelation 13 and the Mark of the Beast
Trusting God in this Age of “New Magic”
More and more frequently I have been seeing videos and social media posts passed around in Christian circles that claim to contain “prophecy” concerning the coronavirus. For example, the 700 club’s recent videos contain “prophecies” that a divinely directed cure is being developed in Israel[1] as well as a “word” that this virus was created … Continue reading Trusting God in this Age of “New Magic”
The Sea, Chaos, and the Sovereign Creator
Here’s an edited manuscript of the sermon I delivered at Word of Life Baptist Church on April 19th, 2020. I have removed the introduction as well as a chunk of the conclusion as they were highly contextual and didn’t lend themselves well to this digital medium. If you'd rather listen to this sermon than read … Continue reading The Sea, Chaos, and the Sovereign Creator
Expressing our Disappointment
This material comes from a video sermon that I made for Axis Student Ministry’s YouTube channel which aired on April 1st 2020. For a bit of context, the video that this sermon was in was released during the Spring Break in which everyone was on lock-down quarantine because of COVID-19. Have you ever experienced something … Continue reading Expressing our Disappointment
