Help For Christians Agitated By the Current Political and Societal Chaos

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

I had never heard the word “vexed” until we moved to Jamaica where a more British vocabulary was spoken. “Vexation” is the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or anxious. Apparently, there is a positive side to vexation – like, being grieved, troubled, or perplexed – that can create genuine actions for the good. It seems to include an element of … Read More

Getting to the Root of Our Struggles

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

A tree cannot exist without its roots. Usually gnarly and unsightly, the roots serve the tree in many ways. Here is what I found in summary: The root system of a tree performs many vital functions. In winter, it is a store-house for essential food reserves needed by the tree to produce spring foliage. Roots absorb and transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of … Read More

Is It Possible for Christians to Disregard God’s Grace? Apparently, St. Paul Thinks It Is.

Keith KettenringAncient Paths, Bible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

If we truly understand what being a Christian is, then it’s a no-brainer to become one. Freeing Christianity from insipid moralistic codes and confusing theological constraints and focusing our soul towards Jesus Christ and our union with Him, the gloriousness of what it is to be in Christ is slowly revealed to us. (Don’t gloss over that last sentence. It’s … Read More

Have You Missed Your Calling? Maybe You Didn’t Know

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, Prayer & Fasting, The Uncommon Journey, Uncategorized

The other night, Rhonda and I happened upon a short film on the life of Florence Nightengale. At a time when medicine was a “men-only” profession, she had a calling from God to be a nurse taking her into unexplored territory challenging the status quo. Her father did not approve. Yet, she was determined to fulfill her calling no matter … Read More

What is Your Life’s “Work” as a Christian? The Answer Will Surprise You.

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

Christians are often concerned about God’s will for their lives. They usually mean, “What does God want me to do for Him while I’m on earth?” It’s a question related to vocation. It’s also a question that gets elevated above a more crucial one. A better and more important question, because it cuts deeper into our being, is “What “work” … Read More

Like the Apostle Paul, There’s a Great Need to Check my “Confidence in the Flesh”

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

God is continually mucking around in my life challenging my self-sufficiency and self-righteousness. The process is grueling but necessary. I don’t like it but I keep asking for it. So, here’s the latest… I’m taking my cue from Paul’s spiritual journey (though mine pales miserably to his) as he compares his background to his current intense desire to know Christ. … Read More

What I’m Learning from Wesley, My New Teacher

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living

In December, a child entered my life, not unlike Jesus himself. I may be a heretic, but I think he’s about as close to an image of Jesus as a human can be. I don’t think this is hyperbole or simply a proud grandpapa bragging on his new grandson. He has changed my life. Not only an adjustment to my … Read More

Looking at the Scriptural Support for Nurturing Your Body

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey

Having come to the conviction that God is everywhere present and filling all things, Randy sat with Pastor Bill at lunch where they randomly talked about what they were eating. Randy: “I sometimes wonder if I’m too casual about what I put into my body. After all, isn’t this the place where God lives?” Pastor Bill: “I don’t think you … Read More

Christianity is Not a System of Morality

Keith KettenringBible Insights, Christian Living, The Uncommon Journey, Uncategorized

I’m not quite sure how it happened (Was I was taught or just caught “moralism?”) but for most of my life I thought the Christian faith was primarily about moral behavior, mine and others. This is what that looked like… I thought being a Christian primarily involved: not sinning behaving morally upright in my outward actions staying away from people … Read More