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Christian Living

Do You Wish People Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

My wife wishes people a “Merry Christmas,” while I say “Happy holidays.” We both have our reasons for doing so, and we are both right.

It’s important to us to keep Jesus as the central focus of Christmas. One way my wife does so is by wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas”—every chance she gets.

She never says “Merry Xmas” and doesn’t shop at stores that resort to that godless abbreviation. She also never says “Happy holidays”—and gives me a critical glare when I do.

I am, however, quick to say “Merry Christmas” to people who follow Jesus and am happy to return the greeting to others who offer it to me.

My preference, however, is a more intentional “Have a wonderful Christmas,” because the idea of making merry is a bit too jolly for me, obscuring the wondrous love of Jesus and what he came to do.

However, when expressing season’s greetings to people of unknown faith, I prefer a less confrontational “Happy holidays.”

While people of other faiths could take my “Merry Christmas” greeting in a secular sense, they could likewise be incensed at a perceived attempt to proselytize. That would not be my intent; I do not want to offend.

My wife thinks I’m over-analyzing something simple.

I consider it this way: How would I feel if someone wished me a “Happy Kwanzaa,” a created holiday originally intended as an “oppositional alternative” to Christmas?

Someone did, and I was offended. Caught off guard and unwilling to reply with “Happy Kwanzaa,” I blurted out “Merry Christmas.” Sadly, I responded to his confrontation with an equally confronting retort.

I wish I had just smiled and said, “Happy holidays.”

Celebrate Christmas in a fresh way with The Advent of Jesus. It’s a forty-day devotional that prepares our hearts to celebrate the arrival of Jesus in an engaging read. Begin your Advent journey now and gain a greater sense of wonder for the season.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Christian Living

Why Must We Resort to Name Calling?

Beware of Using Labels

“Are you Arminian or Reformed?” The man’s question surprised me. He seemed sincere, and my answer was apparently important to him, but it perplexed me. Besides, I just met the guy.

“I don’t know.” And I didn’t care. I’m sure he thought me as evasive or dismissive or pagan or perhaps all three, but I was just being honest. Knowing the answer never merited my time.

He tried again. “What’s tulip mean?”

Oh, I’ve heard this one. “Um, it’s an acronym…” If I knew the answer, he’d label me Reformed. If I didn’t, would that make me Arminian? “…but I don’t remember what it stands for.” Again, honesty prevailed.

Snorting, he tipped his head back and rolled his eyes. He stared for a moment, shook his head, and then stomped off.

I’ve also had people try to pigeonhole me into one of the three main streams of Protestantism: Mainline/liberal/traditional, evangelical/fundamental, or Pentecostal/charismatic.

How about none of the above? While I identify with parts of all three groups, each has elements I decry.

Then there are those who align with certain preachers or theologians. I respect some, but that doesn’t cause me to follow them. (Consider 1 Corinthians 1:12).

I disagree with others, but that doesn’t cause me to reject them. After all, I might be wrong.

For me, my theology comes from the Bible and my commitment is to Jesus. Nothing else matters, so stop calling me names.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Bible Insights

Are You Working for Jesus or Watching for Him?

In Doctor Luke’s biography of Jesus, he shares some of the things Jesus said. Two accounts appear to contradict each other.

One time Jesus says the master will have his servants sit at his table and he will wait on them.

Another time Jesus said to not expect any such treatment; the servants will not be served or thanked for merely doing their jobs. After a hard day’s work, they can’t rest but need to prepare their master’s meal.

Assuming these illustrations have application for us—and since Jesus said them, I believe they do—which is it, to be served by our master or to serve him some more?

That’s a great question.

While we all desire to receive a reward, it seems silly to expect recognition from an almighty, all-powerful God. (Set aside our culture’s practice of rewarding every child for simply showing up.)

Although I’m not ready to turn this into a principle, I do see one difference between the two accounts.

In the first instance (where the master served the servants) he found them watching for him, waiting and ready.

In the second account (where the master wanted to be served), the servants were working, doing what they were supposed to do, performing their assigned tasks.

Could it be that Jesus elevates watching overworking? Perhaps expectancy is more important than action.

Furthermore, is there a parallel here to the debate over faith versus works (good deeds)?

[Luke 12:37-38, Luke 17:7-10, and James 2:14-26]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Christian Living

Are You a Minister?

“Are you a minister?”

The first time someone asked me that question, I was shocked, appalled even. I shook my head and laughed, “Heck, no.”

This confused my inquirer. “Humph, I thought you were.”

Later someone else asked me the same thing, then another, and eventually a fourth. Now I’m no longer disturbed when someone wonders aloud if I’m a minister. Even so, the query still perplexes me.

I’ve pondered this with trusted friends; they’re not surprised. They offer possible explanations, which I don’t fully agree with:

  • You have a godly confidence.
  • You’re a man of peace.
  • When you pray, they feel God’s presence.
  • You’re kind and compassionate.
  • You possess a calm assurance about spiritual matters.

My friends think too highly of me.

What I do hope, though, is that when people see me, they see a bit of Jesus.

I’m not a minister, at least not in the traditional gone-to-seminary, lead-a-church, preach-a-sermon manner. I’m simply a follower of Jesus, the Christ.

May my actions always point people to Jesus.

Nothing would please me more.

What about you, are you a “minister?”

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Christian Living

What’s More Important, to Get Decisions or Make Disciples?

I recently read about someone who is credited with producing over 55 million decisions for Christ. That’s the most impressive number. However, I wonder if it’s the correct focus. He needs to make disciples instead.

Jesus didn’t tell us to go and make decisions—or to get people saved, to make converts, or to have people come forward at an altar call, raise their hands, or say the prayer—but to make disciples.

Making a disciple is much more difficult and takes a lot longer. It requires but minutes for someone to decide to follow Jesus, but a lifetime to become a disciple of Jesus. However, true disciples are what Jesus wanted.

It’s really an issue of quantity versus quality. And frankly, most people today are more impressed with quantity.

Millions of decisions may make headlines and garner attention and adulation, but it was just 12 disciples who changed the world.

Consider how you can make disciples for Jesus.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Bible Insights

A Card Carrying Member of the Jesus Party

Tuesday’s post was about Jesus’ invitation to side with his life-party. This is not a raise-your-hand, say-a-prayer, or sign-a-card decision made without careful consideration, but a total, lifelong commitment regardless of the consequences.

To grasp the enormity of this, contemplate the verses where these phrases appears in the Amplified version of the Bible:

…became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him] (Matthew 4:20).

…joined Jesus as disciples [sided with His party and followed Him] (Matthew 4:22).

“Be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me],” (Matthew 9:9).

“…be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me]” (Matthew 19:21).

…become Your disciples [sided with Your party and followed You] (Matthew 19:27).

“…you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me,” (Matthew 19:28).

…followed [with] Him [joining Him as disciples and siding with His party] (Mark 1:18).

…went off after Him [to be His disciples, side with His party, and follow Him] (Mark 1:20).

Follow Me! [Be joined to Me as a disciple, side with My party!] (Mark 2:14).

…take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me (Mark 8:34).

“…we have yielded up and abandoned everything [once and for all and joined You as Your disciples, siding with Your party],” (Mark 10:28).

…they left everything and joined Him as His disciples and sided with His party and accompanied Him (Luke 5:11).

“Join Me as a disciple and side with My party and accompany Me” (Luke 5:27).

And he forsook everything and got up and followed Him [becoming His disciple and siding with His party] (Luke 5:28).

“Become My disciple, side with My party, and accompany Me!” (Luke 9:59).

“I will follow You, Lord, and become Your disciple and side with Your party,” (Luke 9:61).

“…follow Me [become My disciple, join My party, and accompany Me],” (Luke 18:22).

…many believed in His name [identified themselves with His party] (John 2:23).

This is what it means to follow Jesus.

[Biblical references to Jesus’ party (and a few others, too)]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Christian Living

Are You a Disciple or Believer?

Those who follow Jesus used to be called “disciples” but that term has fallen out of favor. Now the common label is “believer.

It is easy to believe; it takes a lot more to be a disciple.

To believe is essentially a one-time act, a singular decision made at one point along life’s path. To be a disciple is a continuing commitment, an ongoing determination to steadfastly follow Jesus.

Although believing in Jesus is a great place to start—and the requisite beginning—merely believing isn’t enough. James notes that even the demons believe.

Jesus wants more and deserves more. He desires that all will believe, but once we believe he wants us to become his disciples: fully committed, totally dedicated, and steadfastly pursuing him throughout our entire life.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Christian Living

Show Me Your Faith

Early church leader James wrote, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

It seems that to James, a faith without action is worthless. His statement, however, did not end this debate between faith and works. In fact, he seems to allow at least the possibility of a viable faith that lacks tangible action.

There is a tension here, one that has not been resolved in the two millennia since.

James also wrote, “If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

I recently read the premier issue of a magazine that addresses this idea of Christian action in a most proactive way. It is Reject Apathy, published by the folks who put out Relevant magazine. (I recommend both.)

The tag line of Reject Apathy is: “Sustainable Change. Sacrificial Living. Spiritual Revolution.”

We can look to Jesus as our example. He went about doing good: healing people, feeding people, and teaching people what they should do. How could we, as his followers, do anything less?

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Christian Living

Life’s Not Fair

What Are You Going to do About It?

How often have you heard someone exclaim, “It’s not fair!”?

This lament seems especially prevalent among children and teens. When this complaint is voiced to their parents, the typical response—be it sage or sadistic—is “Life’s not fair.”

It’s true; life’s not fair—and I, for one, am glad.

If life were fair, then we would all go to hell. As less than perfect beings, we all do wrong things upon occasion, some more frequently than others.

As a result, we deserve punishment from a holy and just God; we all deserve to go to hell. Justice demands punishment.

Fortunately, life is not fair. The God of the Bible offers mercy to those who follow him. Though fairness demands hell, an eternal death, those who follow Jesus receive something else: heaven, an eternal life.

Thank you God for not being fair, for offering us mercy and grace instead.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Christian Living

Does Ritual Have Any Value?

A byproduct of my spiritual formation is a disdain for ritual. To me, a ritual is a meaningless religious activity that is mechanically performed; it is an empty ceremony and a mindless habit, devoid of substance.

This perspective is due in part to what I read in the Bible, where God repeatedly criticizes his followers for their meaningless rituals.

I don’t think he was attacking their rituals, however, but their attitude behind them; after all, much of the Old Testament Law prescribed ritual.

The other reason for my dislike of ritual is that I was always repelled whenever I was expected to participate in one.

It may be that I see rituals as a relic of the past, something that Jesus freed me from—or it may be nothing more than a rebellious spirit.

I am even resistant to the traditional mealtime prayer because it is so hard to keep it from becoming a requisite and meaningless habit that must legalistically precede the proper ingestion of food.

However, I also know that, unlike me, many people find a spiritual ritual to be an inspiring and meaningful act. Perhaps this is why some churches have a liturgical service and others do not. Different strokes for different folks.

Despite my dislike of ritual, a friend recently pointed out that I have, in fact, adopted my own rituals, which I call spiritual disciplines.

For example, I usually end and begin each day with prayer; I regularly have a time of daily Bible reading and contemplation, and I generally fast one day each week.

These are my rituals, they aren’t done mindlessly, and they do hold meaning for me.

They have become a significant part of my spiritual formation and growth.

So, when done right, rituals are valuable after all.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.