In our introduction to Fast Forward 2018, we looked at how the law of opposite actions a.k.a. “Jesus Judo” can be used to turn the devil’s attacks against him. This week we begin looking at some specific areas where the principles of Jesus Judo can be used to transform culture into Kingdom. In the most famous prayer of all time, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Continue reading “Fast Forward 2018 – Jesus Judo Part 1”
Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 2
Who is this man Jesus? Love him or hate him, he cannot simply be ignored. Napoleon wrote of him,
I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His Empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. – Napoleon
Continue reading “Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 2”
Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 1
As we reflect on the spiritual significance of Christmas, it is appropriate and natural for us to consider the wonderful gifts of salvation, justification by faith, and Redemption from death unto life. But if we are not diligent, it is easy to overlook some of the more earthly and natural outcomes of the little Baby in the manger. While the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ yields far too many benefits to comprehensively list here, let’s take a look at just a few: Continue reading “Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 1”
Christmas Wars
This time of year it is not uncommon to hear about battles over nativity scenes, Christmas greetings and other secular vs. sacred topics. This year is no different as we see new polls showing an ever increasing move toward removing Christ from the marketplace and from individual homes. There is certainly a place for that discussion, but it is NOT what this blog is about. Instead it is about something far more important.
Is it possible that we can get so caught up in the perceived attempt to rob us of our Christian faith, that we totally miss the attempts to rob us of our Christ? Continue reading “Christmas Wars”
Worthy of a King
It’s time to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year,” do you have all your gifts ready? What about the ones for the guest of honor? You know – the One Christmas is really all about – the REAL meaning of Christmas. For great gift ideas, let’s seek some sage advice from a group of wisemen.
Despite the traditional teaching that the wisemen brought three gifts to Jesus, I would like to suggest that they presented at least five gifts to the child king. Yes there was Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, but I believe they offered some other treasures that were every bit as important and meaningful. Additionally, I would like to suggest that the three traditional gifts carry much greater significance than we often consider. Continue reading “Worthy of a King”
Protesting Leviathan
Hellish demons are wreaking havoc in ways that I have not previously experienced. While they have surely been at work since the fall of satan, it seems they are more stirred than ever. They know their time is short and they are trying to make the most of it. Additionally, increased population and the speed of communication has made it easier than ever for the hordes of hell to spread their venom from coast to coast and continent to continent. Social Media assures that we have ample opportunities every minute of the day to engage our sinful natures and damage the hearts and minds of ourselves and others with our words and memes. Continue reading “Protesting Leviathan”
Happy Thanksgiving!
We need three positive emotions to balance out every negative one according to Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, Professor of Psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill. As a Pastor and Life Coach, I can’t help but believe that many people are living with a deficit. The good news is we don’t have to be stuck that way. We can “choose” good feelings.
I remember this principle coming home to me in a very real way when I traveled out to the remote village of Kakamega Kenya. When my friends and I got off the bus from Nairobi, we were greeted by enthusiastic children and adults. As two of us were white, we got special attention. Many of these children had never seen a white person before and were amazed as they looked at our skin. Continue reading “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Cultural Misappropriations
I sometimes find myself musing over what I am allowed to do nowadays. How do I avoid violating the new tenants of politically correct purity? I love Lasagna but ahime’ (alas), I am not Italian, I enjoy certain rap music, but I’m not from the hood. I do have a lot of Irish in me, but I don’t dance a jig, play the bagpipes or drink. Before you even suggest it, nobody wants to see my legs in a kilt.
One of the many great offenders of the modern politically righteous is Cultural Appropriation. For those who may not know, Cultural Appropriation occurs when someone from one culture says, does, or wears something that was originated by a different culture. Continue reading “Cultural Misappropriations”
Real Reformation
A few days ago on October 31, we marked the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg Germany. While it most certainly played out very differently than the legend contends, no one can deny that the post went viral and changed the world. Continue reading “Real Reformation”
Pits, Potiphars, and Prisons
Isn’t it ironic that even the most debase among us demand justice? Doesn’t it irritate you when you read or hear a bad guy say something like, “You killed my brother, now your family is going to die?” He seems to totally ignore that his brother killed a bunch of innocent people and was planning to blow up the world. In the bad guy’s mind justice is all about what personally affects him. Continue reading “Pits, Potiphars, and Prisons”