Being a good Christian is a duty, but being a Christian is also a privilege. It is a binding contract, but it is also ultimate freedom. It is release from the law, but a restrictive lifestyle. What is the balance? How do we walk this tight-line? Well, I'll tell you how not to. Don't be: … Continue reading Freed to be a Slave
It's November 7th, tomorrow is election day, and we're going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful … Continue reading NeverTrumpers, Those Not With Her, Anyone Who Votes, Prepare Yourselves.
I know a girl, she is inwardly terrified of how people perceive her. She doesn't speak a syllable without immediately critiquing her statement, assuming everyone thought it was "stupid." She is afraid to be herself, because she feels it might not be good enough, for herself, or for anyone else. Really, though, she's ok, just a … Continue reading Just a Few Harsh Truths, to Be Encouraging
Warning: The content of this blog is in no way intended to offend. You are about to read observations made humbly and carefully from God's Word. Don't shoot the messenger. The thoughts and views expressed by the author don't matter, unless, he is speaking for Someone who does matter. Please, read to the end. I have … Continue reading Why Church is Optional, and Why it’s Terrifying.
The numbers are truly staggering. Churches, religious organizations, and parents spend countless hours and dollars trying to answer this question, "how can we keep students committed to church after they leave the home?" I believe this is the wrong question, and in many cases, it's being asked by the wrong people. What we should ask … Continue reading How to Teach Your Teenagers to Leave Church and Not Even Know it.
"Of two evils, choose neither." That seems to be one of the favorite arguments for those advocating either avoidance of voting, or third-party voting (many Christians in that category at least). Spurgeon said it, and we like him. *Certain candidates* are running, and we don't like them. So naturally, "Of two evils, choose neither." I … Continue reading Be Careful, Spurgeon’s Two Evils Quote Has Nothing to do with Politics.
The Fall started something in man, self-love, and only God can finish it. The Fall utterly damaged our perspective of the beautiful realities of communion with God. We are now tempted to see everything, literally everything, through the cracked lens of self. Here's where the plot thickens, because of that broken view, I now have … Continue reading How to Read Scripture Selfishly
Preachers, don't be like these guys. Listeners, ignore these guys. They preach sermons that can be categorized as "bad", which I referred to previously. Mr. Text Chicken- Text Chickens commonly give the impression that they are about to fully and faithfully expose a richly challenging text. They have you open to the passage, read it, … Continue reading Preacher, Don’t Be That Guy. Listener, Don’t Listen to That Guy.
Let's face it, we've all endured a preacher's flop at some point. Perhaps we could echo our friend C.H.'s sentiments. He knew a thing or two about preaching. "I heard one say the other day that a certain preacher had no more gifts for the ministry than an oyster, and in my own judgment this … Continue reading How to Listen to a Bad Sermon
I'm gushy, I admit. I have no qualms expressing affection or appreciation where it is due. So, here is my tribute to the man God gave me to teach me of Himself. He may be uncomfortable with too much of the story, so I will be respectfully ambiguous. He didn't have the home he made for me. Daily … Continue reading A Joy to Come Home
