Certain critics of Christianity consider it a slight to declare our faith as merely a “crutch” for the weak. They might be surprised to know that I agree: it is a crutch, but that's no critique! Just as Jesus turned the Cross from a symbol of shame to an emblem of power, so I relish the reality of leaning on Him who hung there for me. (And as for weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9 calls me to lean on the all-sufficient grace of the Lord, for His strength is made perfect in my weakn

The amazed commentary of Jesus’ observers in Matthew 13:54 (“Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” [NASB]) reflects how profoundly Jesus demonstrated a ministering life infused with what I like to call “the Divine Download”—or, in a more traditional word, the Anointing (i.e. the very title of Messiah—or “Christ” as derived through the Greek language—by which Jesus is known). So also Jesus’ followers came to be known as “Christians” [Acts 11:26b], th