The Transformative Political Power of Matthew 25

Last updated on: April 23, 2015 at 9:13 am By Guest Contributor

by Dr. Ashley K. Fernandes With Hillary Clinton and several Republican rivals entering the presidential race over the past few weeks, the 2016 contest is “officially” underway, the media tells us. They have confirmed their own self-fulfilling prophecy with a frenzy that has included, among other things, a “Hillary Announcement Countdown meter” on the television screen, and a literal stampede of reporters (who outnumbered voters) running to catch a glimpse of Senator Clinton at an early Iowa event. In my... Read more

Safe Again

Last updated on: April 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm By Guest Contributor

by Bethany Weaver She was young, probably five years of age, with long, dark brown hair. She sat on the ground with her knees hugged tightly to her chest. And though she swiped at her face repeatedly with the back of her hands, her dark eyes remained overflowing with tears. That’s where the father found his slight, gangly child. She heard him approach but didn’t look up. When he sat down quietly next to her, the girl’s small body quivered... Read more

The Wisdom of a Church Janitor

Last updated on: April 15, 2015 at 11:26 am By Guest Contributor

by Brandon Showalter As I have in several seasons of my life, I am currently working as a custodian at my church. I get to clean the sanctuary, the staff offices, and just about everywhere else. It is a privilege because I get to serve God in an important and practical way, but it is challenging because I am overqualified for this job in the natural. I have a university education and skill sets that have enabled me to work... Read more

What Do You Do If You’re Being Financially Bullied At Your Church?

Last updated on: April 16, 2018 at 3:40 pm By Guest Contributor

Warren Throckmorton recently did a series of posts regarding the alleged bullying tactics of Faith Christian Church. In addition to reports about bizarre teachings on spanking infants, former members have described feeling forced to give money to the church. One Former staff minister Jeff Phillips said that “tithing is strictly enforced. We were taught that if we did not tithe, we were cursed.” Phillips recalled FCC pastor Steve Hall saying, “‘I WILL NOT pastor cursed people.’” Phillips related the following account:... Read more

So You’ve Been Caught Sinning: Now What?

Last updated on: April 1, 2015 at 10:14 am By Guest Contributor

by Doug Bursch Sin is bad. The way we respond to sin is sometimes even worse. The Bible is replete with many big picture examples of how people poorly respond to being caught in sin. The following are some of the worst and best ways we deal with sin. We Hide When we sin against God and others, we have a tendency to hide. After Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they “hid themselves from the presence of... Read more

Reminiscence of Depression

Last updated on: March 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm By Guest Contributor

One thing the Bible never says is that we must not feel sad or wonder what God is doing! At the end of the day, the best counsel is that God has a plan and it is good. But I can question God, wonder why, and I can even weep; but I can't lose my faith. Read more

Can’t Spell Faith without Facebook? (Part III of IV)

Last updated on: March 24, 2015 at 9:44 am By Guest Contributor

by Jon Macklem Early in the time when our boys were in the NICU, we discovered that the boys’ Facebook page had other unintended consequences. Throughout this process, my wife is the one who posted almost all the content on the Facebook page. Through her posts, she opened her heart and exposed an authentic sense of vulnerability. The result was that she created wretchedly beautiful posts that so perfectly encapsulated the rollercoaster of emotions and events that our family was... Read more

Can’t Spell Faith without Facebook? (Part II of IV)

Last updated on: March 24, 2015 at 9:44 am By Guest Contributor

by Jon Macklem Facebook took on an all new meaning when our boys were born. They were born on July 1st . Two beautiful twin boys. Born way too early at 25 weeks. Both under two pounds, with an unfavorable outcome and a difficult path to sustain life. It was a challenging time for my wife and me, and it is difficult to admit that the day the boys were born was not a day marked in celebration and smiles.... Read more