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... Read more
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,... Read more
“What are you going to be when you grow up?” When my children are asked this question — and they often are — I have taught them that they do NOT have to answer. Am I rude? I don’t think so. I think it’s the question itself that’s out of place. Think about it. How do kids usually answer this question? I think I used to pick chemist as my acceptable answer. My College Algebra teacher’s laughing hysterically right now.... Read more
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine for parents go down in the new film The Odd Life of Timothy Green in theaters nationwide Friday, August 17. Yes, it’s predictable. Yes, it’s sweet and a little sappy. But it also celebrates adoption as it calls us – with typical Disney magic — to love and be loved. Yes, there’s magic. Think Mary Poppins meets Field of Dreams. It’s a Disney movie in the vein of The Kid and The Rookie that blurs... Read more
It is a rare thing these days to find a Millennial writer who enjoys delving into deep doctrines such as sanctification, propitiation, redemption, or the holiness of God. Yet that is exactly what Tyler Braun does in his new book Why Holiness Matters: We’ve Lost our Way–But We Can Find it Again just released from Moody Publishers. Tyler Braun unites a writer’s talent, a theologian’s careful intellect, and a pastoral heart to tackle the issue of God’s holiness and what it... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
You read that right. I’ll never stop singing in your church. Never. I know. Shocker. I’m the guy who wrote Why I’ve Stopped Singing in Your Church not long ago and stepped unwittingly into what some have called “worship wars.” Not my intention. If that’s how you look at it, consider this a white flag. I was just voicing frustrations that had been brewing for the last decade or so. It seems as if there are a lot of others who’ve felt the same way. You... Read more
Worship Week nears its end with our final guest post of the week on Bill in the Blank at Patheos. Today’s post comes from Josh Brahm, a writer and speaker with Right to Life CA, a podcaster, and part-time worship music leader. You can connect with him via Facebook. Today’s guest post is a response to Why I’ve Stopped Singing in Your Church: As a young worship leader, I have a lot of common ground with Bill’s article on worship. In... Read more
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
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