I remember the night so clearly when I decided my time was done. In fact, it was hardly a decision. I just “knew”. It was like the purest revelation I’d ever experienced, and I just followed it. Like Jeff, the air was fresh when I walked outside. The moon was full. And even though the path before me was dark, my eyes were clear and ready to see my next step. Many of you know what I’m talking about. Download... Read more
In the last 15 years of being a pastor of a local church, I employed the dialog format for preaching. Question and answer. Discussion. I also emphasized grace, love, mercy and compassion in all my teaching. You can ask any of the people who listened to me teach and they will verify both of the above. What I hope can also be verified is that someone always… and I mean always… felt the need to balance my message of grace... Read more
There is a lot of bad theology. Theology that denigrates the human being and encourages self-hatred. It is unfortunate that people already struggling with poor self-esteem can find support for their self-loathing in last Sunday’s sermon. Even Karl Barth who insisted throughout his illustrious theological career that the cross was God’s “NO!” to humanity softened his position towards the end of his life and said that it was also God’s “YES!” to humanity, and perhaps more so. There is a... Read more
Can’t find a church? Can’t find a pastor? You are not alone. Millions of Christians have been in the same place for 2,000 years all over the world… not just in oppressive regimes, but in Christian cultures as well. There can be an absence of safe places to gather where there are no churches or where there are thousands. It is a control-driven church culture that demands there be theologically trained leaders who are accountable to centralized authorities. That isn’t... Read more
I’ve always loved the Ephesians 6 passage about spiritual warfare and the armor of God. When I was younger I had no idea that the greatest danger would be presented by friendlies. Now that I am older, more mature and hopefully wiser, I understand this now. There are powers that seek our defeat and any means will be used to accomplish this. In the end, we are to stand. And having done all, to stand. But armor helps. Check out... Read more
It is not helpful to be theologically lazy. It does not contribute to the conversation to dilute truth and make it palatable for everyone. It doesn’t help when everyone conforms their ideas to make a soupy stew of tasteless substitutes. What I mean by this prayer from the cell is that I just can’t simply say, “You’re evil. You’re going to Hell!” Or “You didn’t accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior. You’re going to Hell!” Neither... Read more
The things we will do to make ourselves fit. Read more
I’ve attended and participated in exorcisms. They aren’t pretty. Not because of the alleged demons but because of the very real people. I’ve had, I’ve been told, demons in me and around me. I’ve had demons cast into me and cast out of me. Apparently. I’ve had people who stay at my house claim that they were attacked by demons in the night. They never slept at my house again. Whatever your imagination can conjure up will seem very very... Read more
I am once again making my Sophia prints available for just $25 each (not limited edition). Click HERE to check them out. They are excellent quality prints with acid-free ink on acid-free fine art paper. They are perfect for framing and hanging on your study wall, your office, your cubicle. Wherever you want to see it and be reminded of Sophia… a young woman’s journey out of bondage and towards her own spiritual independence and wisdom. This one, Fearless, is one... Read more
Did you know that approximately half of those who die in war are civilians. Completely innocent men, women and children. It is estimated, for example, that up to 70 million people died during world war 2, and that approximately 35 million of those were civilians. When I was young in the church I heard of wars within the church. Civil wars that were anything but civil. I heard about church splits. I swore I would never be a part of... Read more
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