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#SCOTUSDecision #ChurchFreakOut
And a decree went out from SCOTUS on June 26, 2015, that couples of the same sex may receive marriage licenses that every state in the USA must recognize as legal. And the church in America freaked out. Yes, perhaps the earth shifted a bit under our feet. But Chicken Little was still wrong about the sky. The true ruler of the world is still on the throne. This decision did not even usher in the last days, as one friend’s hashtag suggested. Indeed, we were already in the last days. I refer readers to 2 Timothy 3:3ff, which describes people in those days as follows: lovers of themselves, lovers…
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2014–Time for a Respectful Compelling Christian Voice
In 2013 too many Christians and conservatives have asserted their views with well-meaning but hostile, combative rhetoric. I've engaged in some myself as I observe my Christian heritage slipping away. But I'm praying that in 2014 new Christian voices will be characterized by a more respectful, compelling style that invites engagement, even when we disagree. Will a different communication style woo desperate people to Christ in the long run? I believe it will. I'm not advocating that we abandon our principles. In fact, I believe we need to stop trying to be so relevant and begin living a lifestyle that looks radically different from our neighbors. But that lifestyle…
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Are you prepared for conflict?
My mentors prepared me for my spiritual journeys and ministry. They taught me to pray, study, and apply the Bible. They equipped me with a plethora of ministry skills—but not one ever mentioned to expect conflict. No one told me that every ministry leader, lay or paid, experiences criticism, personal attacks, and church politics. Don’t believe me? Who would qualify as one of the most honest, amiable, godly Christian leaders alive today? I'm nominating the pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and Bible teacher on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindoll, who is also chancellor of the seminary where I minister. Now here is a man that no one would dare attempt…
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What King Nebuchadnezzar and Obama have in common
We met with our home group for breakfast this week and the conversation naturally led to opinions about Syria. You've probably been exchanging views with your friends and family. Wherever you land, if you are like most of my friends, you feel frustrated, confused, and concerned. I sure do. What do you think is a godly response to all the political upheaval right now? I'm grateful that I'm currently immersed in the book of Daniel as I prepare for the release of a new Bible study for the Discover Together Series this summer. If world events weigh heavy on your mind and heart, consider reading the memoirs of this…
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Possession, Power and Politics: A Lesson from Acts 19
Some people love the Lord, others try to pimp him, but eventually, motives will be exposed and consequences meted out. Acts 19:11-20 chronicles this. As the apostle Paul spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit imbues him with such power that people touch his skin with their hankies and aprons in order to bring healing to their loved ones. In Acts 19, people who belonged to Jesus were not characterized by self-aggrandizing demonstrations of healing (Paul was described as one who “preaches” in verse 13, not as a "healer," and he didn't even actively heal in verse 12), but were those who feared, praised, confessed and spread the…