We've all heard the incessant reminders that Christians should be champions at turning the other cheek, perfecting the art of being meek and quiet, and living at peace with everyone. Yet the early church of Acts quickly learned what we would do well to remember today. You don't have to be a Christian to cause trouble -- but it sure helps. That's not to say we should make it our aim to stir up strife. I've know a few believers who seemed to think it their duty to do just that. My reading of … [Read more...]
Why All Christians Should Care About Politics
August 24, 2012 By 6 Comments
I'm sure you've heard it. It's a common dismissive comment among Christians. Maybe even one you've made yourself. "I'm just not all that in to politics." The comment about Christians and politics is usually accompanied by a shrug, a sympathetic smile, and a dismissive wave. "It's just not my thing." As if I'll understand. As if I'll get it. As if I will be fine with their choosing to ignore the call of Christ to love their neighbor as themselves. I know, we all have different passions … [Read more...]
Separation of Church and State — At a Water Park? Really?
August 14, 2012 By 20 Comments
You want to swim? Sorry. You're going to have to pay more. All you church people who want to swim with your church youth groups in Willow Springs Water Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, are going to have to pay more thanks to complaints from a non-profit that serves children but is not a church. Eager not to miss an opportunity to evangelize, an humanistic group has also jumped in with both feet, seeking to impress their secular faith upon the private business owner. You can read the entire … [Read more...]
Why Paul Ryan as VP? You Win with an Energized Base
August 11, 2012 By 9 Comments
I don't claim to be a political expert, although I've followed politics ever since I could remember. I recall tracking Reagan's win in 1980 when I was but a wee lad. I most enjoy thinking about the human behaviors and leadership patterns behind political decisions. Of course, I'm the guy who watches sports mostly to see the leadership dynamics of the team. Sorry. Can't help it. When I saw that Mitt Romney had chosen Paul Ryan as his VP pick, I had one thought: You win with an energized base. … [Read more...]
See Why You’ll Hate to Love WRECKED by Jeff Goins
August 2, 2012 By 7 Comments
I'll just tell you right up front. I read Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into your Comfortable Life by Jeff Goins released just this week by Moody Press. I didn't like it. Not one bit. It made me feel uncomfortable. It made me squirm inside. I think I even grimaced when I thought no one was watching. So I bought ten copies. Confused? Conflicted might better describe how I feel now that I've finished Jeff's first traditional publishing effort. He's also published an excellent … [Read more...]
Why Good Church Music Is So Hard to Find
August 1, 2012 By 8 Comments
Worship Week continues on Bill in the Blank at Patheos with a post by Keith Guilford. You can connect with him on Twitter or leave a comment below. This guest post is in response to Why I've Stopped Singing in Your Church: The current American Evangelical culture seems to have become quite different than the secular American culture, but really the similarities are striking. While one culture might read books by famous pastors or TV evangelists and the other about 50 shades of light black, both … [Read more...]
Worship Week: Opening Ceremony for Singing in Church
July 29, 2012 By 15 Comments
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) Such is the cry of my heart as we launch this opening ceremony to what I am calling Worship Week here at Bill in the Blank at Patheos. No, Mr. Bean will not be making a cameo -- although I've been told I inadvertently resemble him at times by my loving sister-in-law. One commentator called my recent post "Why I've Stopped Singing in Your Church" another … [Read more...]
Reason for Hope: A Fresh Voice in Church Planting
July 26, 2012 By 4 Comments
I've published a few posts of late pointing out problems with the evangelical church here and here. But today I'll spotlight something going very right -- a fresh voice and reason for hope in church planting. I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring Dan Nichols through his years as a high school student where he led the school's worship efforts. It's been a delight to watch him grow, first as Student Body President at Baptist Bible College and now as he follows God's call to plant a fresh … [Read more...]
Colorado Evil: A Father’s Reluctant Response to Gun Control
July 24, 2012 By 8 Comments
Evil exists. It reappeared in a violent and horrific way last week in a Colorado movie theater. I've tried to stay out of the ensuing debate placing blame in all directions. As the father of six, including one son on the verge of his sixth birthday, the tragedy just hit too close to home. It's a horrible thing that's been done, rightly prompting much prayer and sympathy in our own household and, I hope, in yours. Be sure to read this post by a woman of faith who survived in the theater that … [Read more...]
Legacy of Wisdom: One Christian’s Tribute to Stephen Covey
July 17, 2012 By 14 Comments
Stephen Covey changed my life. I never met him. Yet I know he changed a lot more lives than mine before his unexpected death this week. But I suspect he would be the first to agree -- it wasn't really Stephen Covey who changed anything. It was wisdom. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Prov. 4:7 ESV) Where does wisdom come from? I trust most readers in this evangelical Christian audience would agree with Scripture (wisdom literature, as Covey … [Read more...]
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