You shall be called… the restorer of paths to live in. – Isaiah 58:12
In the quintessential definition of rebellion, much of modern American culture appears to be tolerant of everything EXCEPT the traditional morals and values of our ancestors.
What was once considered obvious common sense is now labeled “out of touch”, “antiquated”, “bigoted” and “hateful”.
From protests to Nightly News and Social Media, some members of our communities are increasingly being told to keep their big mouths shut. The rhetoric is mind-numbing. Continue reading “Big Mouth Christians”
Have you ever experienced a moment when you were having an exceptionally joyful day – one where you felt love for everybody and everything – when all of a sudden, and out of the blue, you were smacked in the face with an insult, rude behavior or someone’s bad attitude?
Isn’t it amazing how our happy, loving and carefree attitude can almost instantly change to anger, hatred and violent thoughts when someone says or does the wrong thing? Believe it or not, there is a Biblical prescription for just such moments. I can’t say that the medicine is sweet, but it is always effective. Continue reading “Jesus Judo for Biblical Blessings”
Imagine being a Christian during the Roman persecutions. It must have been horrifying to wait your turn to be ripped apart by wild beasts. I wonder if some of the Christian prisoners were forced to feed and care for the very lions that would eventually kill them. I also wonder if we are doing something similar today.
There are many positive aspects of the up-and-coming generations. They are technologically savvy, they tend to respond more rapidly to changing conditions, and they process more knowledge – more quickly – than any generation before them. In contrast, however, there are many challenges that should serve as warnings before simply putting the older generations out to pasture.
Although I can only begin to skim the surface of this profound and deep topic in this blog, I believe it is high time we dig beyond the platitudes and begin a serious discussion about the future of our world and more specifically the future of the Church.
With rogue nation states and terrorist groups wreaking havoc across the globe, the attentions of the American media is intently focused on the critical issue of which candidate’s wife would make the worst First Lady.
Even as death tolls rise with an estimated thirty killed in Brussels and another 70 killed by Taliban terrorists in Pakistan during their Easter attack aimed at Christians, the media and their sponsors are obsessed with stimulating the most vulgar of man’s instincts while promulgating rumors and innuendo. Continue reading “Sex Games”
How did Passover become Easter? What’s with the Bunny and the Eggs? Is the day we celebrate really about Jesus’ Resurrection or something else entirely?
It is with great fear and trepidation that I begin this article as I am keenly aware of the strong emotional feelings on each side. I am reminded of the Biblical exhortation, “continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12) My goal, therefore, will be to present a quick survey of the facts and leave the “working out” to each of you. I will love you regardless of your decision. 🙂 Continue reading “Easter Wars – Part 2”
What could be more cute than little girls and boys, dressed in their new spring clothes, gleefully hunting colored eggs? What could be more fun than those same girls and boys giggling joyfully at the site of an Easter Basket stuffed full of goodies on Easter morning? What could be more innocent than a day full of hope and warm feelings – and perhaps a special church service? Believe it or not, the day is far more controversial than you might imagine.
While the Resurrection of Jesus has apparently been celebrated since the very early days of Christianity, the form of celebration has taken some surprising turns along the way. Initially, the celebration was folded into the Jewish Passover. This seemed appropriate since Jesus had celebrated His last Passover supper with his disciples and had Himself fulfilled the promise of the Passover Lamb. Continue reading “Easter Wars – Part 1”
Just in case we ever forget – which I’m sure we do not – the election cycle is certain to remind us of the power of ridicule. Every year the name calling and rhetorical slander gets worse and worse.
What astounds me, is how often two politicians can go head-to-head with each other, throwing some of the most abusive verbal mud-balls imaginable, and then end up supporting each other, or even running together, a few months later. It’s like a really bad version of Jerry Springer marries Oprah. With all the attention on bullying these days, you would think that these middle-aged and older “leaders” would grow-up.
Jesus said that the earth would see a time when men’s hearts would fail them for fear. (Luke 21:26) Although I do not believe we have quite arrived at the time Jesus spoke of, it does appear that anxiety is on the rise. Whether it be politics, terrorism, our children’s safety, marriage, finances or any number of other stress factors – let’s face it – life is tough.
Despite all that we see around us, Jesus said that we shouldn’t let our heart be troubled (John 14:1). If we are honest, however, that is often a lot easier said than done. The good news is that God has already provided our escape from worry in His Word. Here are a few:
Today concludes our series “Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled!” as we look at God’s biblical keys to lasting love. You can review the first three blogs here:
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 3
Here are the final four biblical keys.