I want to start out saying that if you have been sexually or physically abused by people in churches, members of church groups, or by spiritual leaders, please report these as crimes to your church leaders and local police. This post is not being offered to discourage the legal actions you may need to take… Continue reading Actual Abuse vs. False Allegations of “Spiritual Abuse” in the Church
I am thankful for the blood of Jesus who cleanses me from the sins of my past and the sins of my ancestors. I am thankful I do not carry their guilt before God. I am thankful, but I am still sorry. I am still sad. I am thankful for the hand of fellowship offered… Continue reading Thanksgiving for Racial Reconciliation
*I'm writing this as a post that encourages people to stay married. It's a simple strategy that has allowed for the healing of many broken relationships that I have watched God heal over the years. However, if you or your children are being physically abused or threatened with violence, get help now from a local… Continue reading “It Was Not This Way From the Beginning:” God’s Heart on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will… Continue reading Jesus on Leadership: Do Not Call One Another Teacher or Father or Instructor…You Are All Siblings
I have had SO many conversations lately about what makes something right and wrong and who defines it. You might think it's an easy answer but many people are doubting scripture as an actual basis for understanding sin and morality, thinking it portrays God as unmerciful and harsh. Until we yield our own definitions of… Continue reading WHY MORALITY MATTERS
God purposed us to be His. He loves you! Nothing terribly unpopular here (everyone likes to be loved), but for everyone who has believed in Jesus for their justification before God, by the blood of Christ, He desires you to now be set apart. This is where the rubber meets the road. You are His… Continue reading FIVE UNPOPULAR TEACHINGS OF JESUS
You might think the narrow way is belief in who Jesus is, that He died for our sins, and that He is coming back to take us to heaven, but Jesus said many will call Him Lord, but will not enter into the wedding feast. In other words, many think they are on this narrow… Continue reading Literally Obeying Jesus: And How it Will Change Your Life
What do you do when you feel disappointed by God? Maybe you keep praying for the same healing or salvation of a loved one, or an unfulfilled promise over and over? Maybe some of those people have died, even. Some of those promises seem so far off or impossible now. If you're anything like me,… Continue reading On Praying in the Face of Unfulfilled Promises
Jesus talked about money a lot, not simply to make theological points but as practical advice for entering the Kingdom of God. I believe that this fact is way more important than anyone really wants to admit. In fact, by leaving the financial commandments of Jesus out of Christian teaching and discipleship, we are damaging… Continue reading Making your money work
July fourth is a special day for most Americans. Many of my family members have served in battle protecting and defending our nation and the cause of freedom. I'll never forget meeting a French man who grew up in a village in Normandy. He was there when the Americans rolled in after WWII during the… Continue reading In Dependence Day
