http://www.theforwardlook.com A focus on the Christian's future Hope Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:42:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I married the most beautiful girl in the world on September 9, 1980.  She still loves her "fuddy duddy" husband who usually never has a clue.   She is remarkable in every way. I like this song.  It seems that there are times in marriage that require a loving partner to ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/family/a-wife-found/ Dan Nichols lived two blocks from me. Of course in the SW hills of Portland, Oregon, it wasn't considered two blocks as much as in two neighborhoods over.   Our life was defined by neighborhoods.  You didn't know many kids two neighborhoods away,  let alone one.  But Dan transcended neighborhood boundaries.  ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/nostalgia/he-shot-himself/ I know there are plenty out there that are militant against what i am about to write, but here goes... Years ago during a road trip, my kids’ attitudes were terrible; they were fighting and bickering as kids sometimes do; but it went too far.  So I pulled off the highway ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/family/children-and-the-imago-dei-part-2-censured/ I am not a great preacher, neither have I studied much hermeneutics and I can't seem to get my mind around these types of books (The Meaning of Meaning?).  But I do struggle with some of the current preaching today.  Can I give a few suggestions to those of you ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/mentoring/to-the-preacher/ "A time to get and a time to lose"  Ecclesiasties. Today the stock market dropped to it's lowest in over ten years.  Most of you reading this are probably not invested but I think it important for you to read the quote below and learn a lesson now before you are ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/the-present/a-time-to-lose/ Many of you who read this are young dads or moms. I hope you find this helpful. Ask this question in front of a group of reformed Christians:  what is the nature of man? The initial response (although not always I must admit), is that man is depraved. No ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/family/children-the-imago-dei-part-i/ My good friend Jay Crowdus encouraged me to share this story. Recently, one evening my wife and I were getting ready for bed, but the kids were still awake. I still have six kids at home ranging from 21 years old to my twins at 10 years.  They were all in ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/family/not-in-spite-of-but-because-of/ One verse that has helped me understand the righteousness of Hell is the following Romans 12:19  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. (NAU) A couple things from this verse: 1.  There are ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/doctrine/hellish/ Well, here goes.  I have heard very few sermons on hell.  I don't think I can remember even one!  With much discussion going around these days in attempts to "defend" God's apparent "mean streak", it is challenging to remain unaffected.  Certainly a loving God would not send anyone to eternal ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/uncategorized/the-insufficiency-of-hell-to-convert-sinners/ Dear Friends, I want to give you this book! I have been a avid listener and reader of Dr. Timothy Keller for three years now.  His insights into the centrality of the gospel have not only changed my life, which is the most important thing, but also reconstructed much of my harmful ... http://www.theforwardlook.com/doctrine/the-prodigal-god/