I don’t hate you. I just disagree with your position.

Last updated on: August 17, 2015 at 8:41 am By David Rupert

When the woman was ready to be stoned, Jesus by his persuasive logic of love caused the accusers to melt away. Out of compassion, out of love, he saved her life. But then he said, “Go and sin no more.” He didn’t hate her, but he still told her change her ways. His love changed the conversation, and so can ours. You want tolerance. You want acceptance. Start with me. Start with my friends. Respect that we will disagree on certain things without calling us names. Without labeling us as hateful. Read more

Looking at race — Through their eyes

Last updated on: June 22, 2015 at 5:01 am By David Rupert

I'm pretty sheltered. I've never suffered like so many others. I've always been employed. I've never been unjustly arrested. I’ve never been at the end of a racist joke or been pulled over just for looking a certain way. But my lack of experience in your world doesn't disqualify me from caring. Friends, you are not alone. Read more

Reflections on Charleston: The one question without an answer

Last updated on: June 19, 2015 at 7:57 am By David Rupert

We stand arm in arm with those who are hurt, losing loved ones and friends. And we stand with those who weren’t directly impacted, but feel targeted because of their race or their religion. Don’t be afraid. Every time fear and doubt creep into my life; I shake it out like a dirty rug. I stand firm, “because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 1 Tim 1. 12. Read more

Pick your person: Can you really self-identify a different reality?

Last updated on: June 15, 2015 at 5:31 am By David Rupert

As an adolescent boy I remember watching the Olympics for the first time on our small television with the rabbit ears that had to be pointed in-just-the-right-direction. Winning medal after medal, my hero was a man’s man. Now, he says he no longer wants to identify with his physical makeup. He “self-identifies” as a woman. And yesterday I read of a woman who is “self identifying” as a different race in order to obtain jobs and standing as a minority. These... Read more

Is it possible that persecution will actually save the church?

Last updated on: June 8, 2015 at 5:45 am By David Rupert

We read the reports and hear the news. The church’s influence is waning. The tide of culture is crashing, sweeping our morals, our structure, and our ability to have impact in the world. No longer dominant, no longer in control, Christians are shrinking to minority positions. And in that vacuum, the opposition is coming in. We see it in our culture, with laws and regulations that run counter to our beliefs. We see the state take the minds of the... Read more

Video, “My Jordan Journey”

Last updated on: June 2, 2015 at 8:41 pm By David Rupert

Last month took part in a writer’s tour of Jordan. I met some amazing people and experienced a trip that changed my life. Safe, interesting and expansive to the soul and the mind, it’s “The Other Holy Land” in my opinion. While I was over there, a group of four of us were part of a short, four-minute video where we reflected on our pilgrimage. This was shot in the middle of a Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum desert. I wanted... Read more

Calling Evil Out: One Man’s Stand

Last updated on: May 23, 2015 at 3:01 pm By David Rupert

I never meant to be in a fight, let alone one played out across the world. But this one has crossed the ocean, jumped the divide, and struck a chord right in the heartland of America, the heartland of my very soul. I wanted to spend the rest of my days writing about thoughtful pursuits, faith, and hope. I wanted to be a man of peace that would age gracefully, allowing the gray hair to take over my head one... Read more

The day I died in the Dead Sea

Last updated on: May 8, 2015 at 5:54 am By David Rupert

The Dead Sea is a unique spot. One of the lowest spots in the world, the Jordan River dumps fresh, vibrant water into it's depths. And there, everything living thing is choked out by the salt. The sea has one inlet, and no outlets. There are relationships like this, and homes, and churches. There are people who take, and never give. There is no lower place a human can sink...no lower place on earth for them to reside. Read more

Unsettled: Face to face with families of the martyred

Last updated on: April 27, 2015 at 10:02 pm By David Rupert

So, here I am. My neck red from years of misunderstanding. But now I'm ready to stand up for my brothers and sisters, to extend love to the enemy, and to pray for peace. I'll do it alone, or you can can you stand with me. It does not matter. Read more

Tour guides for faith

Last updated on: April 21, 2015 at 5:14 am By David Rupert

Raed Haddad has been a tour guide for 21 years, and he's a natural. He has a heart for his country and loves his people. “This is the birthplace of faith,” he reminds us. “The Holy Land wasn't defined by nation's boundaries as much as it was by tribes.” But what comes out in every conversation is his heart for his faith. As a committed Christian in this country, his faith is under fire every day. “I cannot separate my faith from what I do,” he admits. “If God is true, He must be everything.” Read more