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Robert Lowry (1826-1899) was a popular Baptist preacher and professor in New England when he wrote Nothing But the Blood in 1876. By the 1950’s it was the top song in the most widely used church hymnals. It’s theme is simple: cleansing from sin and atonement through the crucifixion of Jesus alone. When originally published, it had two scriptures printed above it:   The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)   Without the shedding of blood there is no

When we lived in Dominica there was another couple from our hometown of Portland, OR. Like many Portlanders, they were staunchly, fiercely atheist. They believed that religion was responsible for all the conflict in the world. But we were still able to bond over our common love of the Pacific Northwest.       The husband was facetious and liked to strike up fiery debates with American Christians who lived on the island. There were more than a few public debates that were on t

I was talking with a friend the other day about someone we both know who’s had some struggles in their past but was working hard on becoming a better parent. I was impressed that she was doing that by seeking community and discipleship from other moms. I mused to my friend that when I found out I was pregnant with Solveig I read a lot of books and listened to a lot of presentations from experts. But looking back over my parenting career, pretty much everything I know about be

When we talk about salvation we also usually connect that with repentance. Asking forgiveness for our sins. Turning away from our old life and stepping into a new life in Christ. But sometimes that concept of repentance can unhelpfully morph into shame, condemnation, and self-consciousness.   We look at other Christians and start to feel inferior, unworthy. Like we could never be as holy or deserving as the Christians around us. Like we need to constantly serve penance in ord