Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for providence

A Little Bit Mysterious

May 3, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 5 Comments

I have always liked a mystery.  In my reading that has led me to enjoy Dorothy L. Sayers’ “Lord Peter Wimsey” novels and Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” series. I blush to confess the vast number of hours I used to spend watching the various incarnations of Law and Order. Love of mystery also shapes my […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Prayer Tagged With: Catechism, Father, Heaven, Heidelberg, Prayer, providence

Survey Says…

April 18, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 8 Comments

Quick quiz — or maybe it’s a riddle: What makes you patient when things go against you? thankful when things go well? and confident as you face all the unknowns of the future? Or maybe I should switch it around and make it a survey — something they could have used on the old game […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Heidelberg, providence, Responsibility, Sovereignty

Taking Things Personally

April 1, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

“Hey, don’t take it personally!” they say, when they do something that causes us pain. “Hey, it’s not about you!” they say, when we take it personally anyway. For the Heidelberg Catechism, the Christian faith is all personal. In a sense, Heidelberg says “Yes, it really is all about you.” Not in a self-centered way.  […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Heidelberg, providence

Meat and Potatoes for the Soul?

March 8, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

“Do I really need to pray?” I’ve heard the question often enough.  It is easy to get stuck in puzzles and paradoxes on the topic, even if we know in our hearts and our guts that we need to pray: If God knows what I need, and loves me too, why do I need to […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Calvin, Catechism, Faith, Heidelberg, Prayer, providence, Responsibility

Providence at O’Hare

March 6, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 17 Comments

This week I found myself with first-world problems: a Monday evening flight was cancelled on account of snow. All the Tuesday flights were cancelled as well. The mercy of a gate agent led to a discount voucher for two nights at a hotel. Two nights and one full day cooped up in a hotel. Did I […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Heidelberg, providence, Sovereignty

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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