I received some truly heart-rending news last night from our old stomping grounds of Carlisle, Arkansas, where I spent 13 years of my teaching career. News of another student taking his own life. This was the second such sad news in a month. Of course, immediately rumors were flying that this was yet another case … Continue reading Hope in a Hopeless World
Discernment
Sadly, I see an ever-growing plague afflicting Christians - and the disease is "Discernment Deficiency". What do I mean? Well - the most obvious is the lack of discernment regarding who they spend their time listening to. I see many churches hosting speakers and simulcasts of celebrity preachers and teachers, who might offer up some "good stuff" on a regular basis, yet at the same time hold to heretical position, which they generally weave in with the "good stuff" they put out.
Churches, Pastors, and a Problem
Biblically, we see in the New Testament, elders/pastors basically appointed by the faithful to lead local congregations. Those men were entrusted with "feeding" Christ's sheep. They were appointed to be leaders who literally ran the affairs of each local church. Church members (saints) were expected, so long as that elder/pastor remained qualified and faithful to the work, to submit to their authority, and to serve along side them willingly and with joy in the Kingdom work.
US Elections and Divisions Among Brethren
As I sit here trying to engage fully in prayer and study, I find my self flooded with tears. Certainly there is plenty to grieve when it comes to the condition of our nation - the hatred, the resurgence of politician and media-fueled (even engineered) racism, the ongoing holocaust of abortion, and of course - … Continue reading US Elections and Divisions Among Brethren
Hypocrisy and Current Events
hypocrisy: 1. a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion 2. an act or instance of hypocrisyThe simple definition of the term would be in application - to claim to believe or hold a belief or view, but your … Continue reading Hypocrisy and Current Events
Does "RISEN" Rise to Greatness? A Review
My wife and I were able to have an all-too-rare "date night" last night, and as part of that night out, we chose to see "RISEN", the latest "Christian" film release from Sony Pictures/Columbia/Affirm Films.Before I begin, I want to admit that I tend to watch films that are labeled as "Christian" with a very … Continue reading Does "RISEN" Rise to Greatness? A Review
Episode 4: Who Alone Is to be Worshipped?
Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”While being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus responded to Satan's calling for Jesus to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the earth, Jesus said … Continue reading Episode 4: Who Alone Is to be Worshipped?
Episode 3: Sseeking the the Real Jesus – My Lord, My God!
I cannot help but be blown away by the words of "doubting" Thomas in his confession of faith found in John 20:28 - “My Lord and my God!” Thomas didn't just express Jesus' position above him ("Lord" - κύριος - literally "supreme authority"), but he also called Jesus God (θεός - Deity/Supreme Divinity).The Apostle Paul wrote … Continue reading Episode 3: Sseeking the the Real Jesus – My Lord, My God!
Part 2: Who is "I AM?"
This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18I often hear said that "Jesus never claimed to be God". While in a very limited and literal sense, … Continue reading Part 2: Who is "I AM?"
Who is This Jesus (The Deity of Christ) Part 1
Among the great theological debates that rage regarding Jesus and who He is, the greatest is whether or not Jesus IS God. There are some who would profess Jesus to be something less than fully God. They claim faith, yet in “who” are they believing? This short piece is designed simply to answer this incredible … Continue reading Who is This Jesus (The Deity of Christ) Part 1
Contending For Christ 