Category Archives: Culture

‘Cause I Have a Soul

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Bob Bjerkaas

‘Cause I Have a Soul   (A silly musing for my congregation!)     Today I read in World magazine, Of a truly gifted rhyming machine. Called ‘Deep-Speare’ – ‘twas named for the bard, It writes poems; but that’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Poems | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Blessings in Worse Waters

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Bob Bjerkaas

The biblical account of Naaman and his encounter with God has always intrigued me.  Everything that we know about this once great and powerful man can be read in 2 Kings chapter five – take a moment to read it!  … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Representative Christian

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Bob Bjerkaas

During times of socio-political angst, Christians are often perplexed about how to participate in a secular culture.  Whatever we do, or any segment of society for that matter, participation can be challenging.  We are sometimes caricatured as  SNL’s “Church Lady” or, more viciously, … Continue reading →

Posted in Academic, Christian Living, Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What Are You Looking At? The Problem of Porn

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Bob Bjerkaas

“What are you looking at?”  Have you ever found yourself just staring off into nothingness and had someone interrupt your reverie with this question?  Maybe they are curious about what has so focused your attention.  Maybe they are offended because … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Being Evangelical in a Post-Christian Culture: the Biblical Advice of J. Wilbur Chapman, Part One

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Bob Bjerkaas

Recently I read a book in which the author, after noting the failure to reach the next generation for Christ, the presence of increasing socio-economic difficulties, and the theological confusion and turmoil among Christians, said that “The need is great today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Evangelism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Christmas – In a World of Terror

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Bob Bjerkaas

Martin Luther is remembered for his sometimes quaint but often penetrating dinner table anecdotes and maxims.  One of the things his students recalled him saying frequently was, “Et multiplicata sunt mala in terris” – “And evils were multiplied in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Culture, New Year | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Clones, Droids, and Sith – Oh My!

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Bob Bjerkaas

  This December, many wonderful things are happening.  A week ago my son Timmy turned thirteen years old, two days later my daughter Maggie turned fifteen.  As a church, we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior with our … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Historical Perspectives on Worship Wars: “A Patent Thing A-Squealin’ Over Me!”

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Bob Bjerkaas

I am the very worst sort of bibliophile. I will not only judge, but will even buy a book based upon its cover. During my early twenties – when I was a young, poor grad student (who nonetheless had more … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Music, Worship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love Does Not Envy

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Bob Bjerkaas

There are two words in the language of the New Testament that can be translated by our English word “envy.” One is always used in the negative sense – it means to begrudge someone their success and want to take away what … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Poetic Advice on Arguing Well

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Bob Bjerkaas

We live in fractious times.  There seems to be no end to the scornful and snarky memes, disrespectful dialogue, and ad hominem attacks that are thrown about in rants that concern everything from politics to… theology?  Yes, sadly, even followers … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment