Author Archives: jrcoggins

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About jrcoggins

James R. Coggins is a professional writer and editor based in British Columbia, Canada. He wrote his first novel in high school, but, fortunately for his later reputation as a writer, it was never published. He briefly served as a Christian magazine editor (for just over 20 years). He has written everything from scholarly and encyclopedia articles to jokes in Reader’s Digest (the jokes paid better). His six and a half published books include four John Smyth murder mysteries and one other, stand-alone novel. In his spare time, he operates Mill Lake Books, a small publishing imprint. His website is www.coggins.ca

The Earth, Design, and Written Records by James R. Coggins

Today I will not be presenting a new blog (which, in the chaotic lull between Christmas and New Year’s, no one will have time to read anyway). Instead, for your reading pleasure, I offer some original poems. (Yippee!) Hey, they … Continue reading

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Who is Jesus? by James R. Coggins

We sometimes look at the various announcements of Jesus’ birth and gloss over the detailed statements of who Jesus is. Luke 1:26-38 tells the story of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and telling her about the baby she would … Continue reading

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It is tough to write at Christmas by James R. Coggins

It is tough to write at Christmas. Christmas is the season of love and joy and peace. Everything that is written—a blog, a sermon, a story, a poem—must be filled with love and joy and peace. That is why we … Continue reading

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A Personal God by James R. Coggins

Luke 1:5-25 tells a story with cosmic significance. The priest Zechariah was performing temple service on behalf of all the Jewish people (and in a sense on behalf of all people). Gabriel, an angel, who stands in the presence of … Continue reading

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Writers and Editors by James R. Coggins

Writers write. Writers write because they can’t not write. They are so overflowing with ideas and stories that they just have to write them down and share them. If they don’t, they feel as if they will burst. I began … Continue reading

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Where is Jesus? by James R. Coggins

When they think about Jesus, many modern Christians picture Him walking the dusty roads of Palestine. Or they don’t think about the question of where He is at all. Early Christians were clear about where Jesus is. The apostles declared … Continue reading

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Sooley by James R. Coggins

I hate John Grisham. He is a master wordsmith. In his crisp, clear prose, he can describe in two sentences a complex situation that lesser writers would require two paragraphs or two pages to adequately portray. A recent example is … Continue reading

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God’s Purposes by James R. Coggins

Often the purposes of God are not seen until long afterward. The apostle Paul had been tremendously successful in preaching the gospel and starting churches across the Roman Empire. Then, when he decided to visit Jerusalem, he was immediately arrested … Continue reading

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A Fresh Take on Guardian Angels by James R. Coggins

Years ago, when I was editor of a denominational magazine, I began receiving article submissions from a man named Jerry Raaf. They were often unique, unexpected, even offbeat pieces, displaying out of the box thinking. I published some of them. … Continue reading

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A Splintered Reed by James R. Coggins

Three times in the Old Testament (2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 36:5-6; Ezekiel 29:6-7), God compared Egypt to “a splintered reed.” Reeds are long, thick grasses that grow along the banks of rivers such as the Nile. Egypt is a dry … Continue reading

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Lying Lips by James R. Coggins

A mother confronts her son: “Did you write on the wall?” The boy replies, “No, Mom, my little brother did it.” The mother says, “But your little brother can’t spell.” “Oh.” ***** On another day, the mother confronts the same … Continue reading

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An Introduction for Modern Readers by James R. Coggins

A couple of generations ago, things were much different. Back then, most people in North America—whether believing Christians or not—had a basic understanding of the main teachings of Christianity. Today, the church exists in a culture that is largely disconnected … Continue reading

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In Praise of Libraries by James R. Coggins

I’ve always wanted to own a castle or at least a country estate. I particularly wanted to have my office at the top of a tower in the castle or country manor house. From there I would have great vision … Continue reading

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Global Connections by James R. Coggins

I had never met Teus and Maria Kappers—until they asked me to help them publish their joint autobiography. And yet their lives have intersected major connecting points in the global evangelical world. Teus grew up in the Netherlands and Maria … Continue reading

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Midtown Bus: A Short Story by James R. Coggins

The midtown bus lurched along, carrying its random assortment of humanity. “Someone should do something,” muttered the old woman, squeezed between two middle-aged businessmen on the seniors’ bench near the front. The driver, balding with a spreading middle, hunched over … Continue reading

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