Nat Crawford - Executive Coach, Speaker, Leader

Why is there something rather than nothing? Have you ever considered this question? Why is there something rather than nothing? Why are we here? Why is the earth here? Why is the universe here? Why is there something rather than nothing. Every world view has to answer these questions. Not just the Christian. Not just the theist, but the pantheist, the polytheist, the agnostic, and the atheist. We all must try to determine why there is something rather than nothing. Once one gives an answer, they need to answer one more question: is my conclusion the most reasonable answer. Atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell who said that “The universe is just there, and that's all." In other words, it just exists. It always had. It’s a brute fact. Is this reasonable? As Christians we would say “God” is the answer. But is that the most reasonable answer. Some would say, it doesn’t matter. It’s a matter of faith. But I ask you, is such a blind faith badge of honor for us as Christians? The

*Updated 12/19* Good news: this blog series is coming to an end. We are trying to look broadly at Jesus’ teaching and lifestyle as it relates to socialism. It is not uncommon to hear both secularists and Christians ponder if Jesus promoted socialism. The past three weeks we've looked at Jesus' teaching about how we are to care for the poor. In case you haven't read these yet, you can go read Part 1 , Part 2 , or Part 3 at your convenience. This week we’ll address how Jesus handled the sick and next week we’ll look how Jesus dealt with taxes. The Sick “Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon h

*Updated 12/2019* Last week we began exploring the question of “ Did Jesus promote socialism ?” In case you missed it, read it here . We looked at two passages in particular: Luke 6 and 14. We discovered that God is the source of all of our resources. As a follower of Christ, we are to help those in need freely because of our love of God. Because we want to be good stewards of what he has given us. God does not rip His money and resources out of our hands to give away. That is not God’s model. God wants us help as the Spirit leads in accordance to our love for Him. This week we’ll examine Matthew 25. It reads, ““For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me…Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (NASB, Mat

How did we get here? This is the question I have been pondering for some time and not just since the Supreme Court gave their landmark decision to redefine marriage. I have been pondering the question for years as I watch the American culture…and even the American “Christian” culture change. I know the answer is multi-faceted. There is no one reason why we are here. As far as a secular culture, we can expect nothing less. God has given mankind free will to choose what they think, believe, and behave. Since mankind is inherently sinful (Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9) we cannot expect the culture to behave any different.   When we as a society move farther away from objective morals and moves toward naturalistic thinking, a deeply amoral society emerges. So in short, the secular shift is expected. What I really am asking is, “How did we as Christians get here. How have we maneuver the path to secular Christianity. In other words, how have some Christians come to sw

Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a man's heart; but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This is why I strive to not cling onto my plans too tightly. This week I was delivered unexpected information. Life changing. I have told hundreds and hundreds of people "Today is normal and tomorrow your son has cancer. Today is normal and tomorrow you are raising your kids by yourself. Today is normal and tomorrow you hit the jackpot." It was one of those weeks for this guy. I am still sorting out the event. But a good friend ask me "What changed about  you  from last week till now?" The answer: Nothing. I am still me with the same skills, abilities, experiences, degrees, etc. It is only information that has changed. Thank you, Tom. Having said all this I have taken advice given very seriously about dealing with unexpected events. The next time life throws you a curveball try these 5 steps. Don't panic.  Where's The Hitchh

In light of some recent tragedies, I have heard this discussion come up again. This is a sad debate, but one that rages on.  So, can a Christian lose their salvation? Some Christians argue that believers can lose their salvation and they must be born again and again and again. . Remember the words Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:7 “…you must be born again.” It was not that you must be born again…and again…and again. Some use Matthew 10:22 “ You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Others quote John 15:6 , “ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. ” There are other verses as well.  Let’s look at the Luke 13:27 “ and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers .’ ” What these verses are referring to are the false convert and not at true Christian. T

First, let me apologize for my tardiness! I recently was on a missions trip for two weeks and starting my final undergrad class. But I am glad to be blogging again! Today, I want to keep it brief. It is the Easter season. This is the time we remember the triumphant work of Jesus Christ. Christ took on Himself the sin of humanity. The sinless lamb was slain. But that is not where it ends. After three days in the grave He rose and exited the tomb. That is what I want to address today.  How do we know Jesus' resurrection is legit? An important starting point is that scholars, both Christian and non-Christian agree that Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. "When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him . And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in