-
The Pivot: But Fire Came Out …
Leviticus 10 opens with a sobering scene. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, approach the Lord with “unauthorized fire”—offering worship on their own terms rather than God’s. Scripture doesn’t tell us every detail of what they did wrong, but it makes one thing clear: they treated what was sacred as though it were ordinary.… Continue reading
-
But Gives Grace
Read James 4:6; Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12 Some phrases appear so often in Scripture that we almost stop noticing them. Here’s one: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” You’ll find it in James. You’ll find its roots in the Psalms. Jesus taught the same principle repeatedly. The Proverbs return to it… Continue reading
-
Attention: Worship Music Enthusiasts!
The Doctor Has Been Listening… The Doctor has a confession to make. Contrary to rumors circulating through the Department of Conjunctional Studies, his laboratory isn’t always filled with Gregorian chants and hymns from the nineteenth century. Sometimes… the Doctor likes a little rock-n-roll. Lately, one particular song has been making regular appearances on the laboratory… Continue reading
-
But Blessed Are Your Eyes
“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” — Matthew 13:16 There are moments in life when someone says something so profound that everyone in the room suddenly grows quiet. Not because they understand it completely. But because they know they’ve just heard something worth pondering. Jesus had a way… Continue reading
-
Gathering or Scattering?
An Excerpt from Chapter 12. Read Matthew 12:30 Jesus rarely spoke in shades of gray. After healing the demon-possessed man and confronting the Pharisees’ accusations, He made a startling statement: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Those words leave very little room for neutrality. The… Continue reading
-
Before You Ask
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’” — Matthew 6:9 Prayer often begins where life hurts. Sometimes we come to God with fear. Sometimes with exhaustion. Sometimes with questions we can’t answer or burdens we no longer know how to carry. And sometimes we come with no words… Continue reading
-
Proverbial But O’ The Week: Teachable
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, BUT he who hates correction is stupid. (Prov. 12:1) The wisest people aren’t those who never make mistakes—they’re the ones willing to learn from them. A teachable heart welcomes correction, knowing that God’s loving discipline is meant to shape us, not shame us. Continue reading
Darin Michael Shaw
In addition to being the world’s foremost expert on the conjunction but, author and freelance writer Darin Michael Shaw (he/him/his) identifies as a post-evangelical, free-range Jesus Freak, taking Jesus seriously when he says, “Follow me,” while inviting others to come and see for yourself.
Big Buts of the Bible 