Tag: SermonBytes

Posted on

Five Responders to the Culture War

Cultural WarI have been astonished and saddened by the level of unadulterated vitriol and hate that is being spewed group against group in our country. As I have watched the decline of civil society over the past several decades, I have been increasingly concerned about a coming civil war.

No, I’m not referring to another North against South, nor do I believe it will necessarily end up as a conventional conflict. I am more concerned with clashes between races, religious groups and political ideologies. I am concerned that warfare might be gang and gorilla style, with riots, murders, rapes, theft and the like. More than physical bombs, I have been concerned about the destruction of personal economies, freedom of speech and the inviolability of our personal thoughts and moral convictions.

Continue reading “Five Responders to the Culture War”

Posted on

10 Ways to Express Yourself Without Being a Jerk

jerkI’ve been thinking a great deal lately about the “debates” going in our world. Unfortunately, it increasingly appears less about enlightened and reasoned conversations that make us all better, and more about personal pride and unyielding rants. While there should be encouragement from leadership to keep the discussion civil, it seems that more-often-than-not, leaders appear to be fueling the rage. I believe some do this for personal advantage while others are simply too immature to play well with others.

Continue reading “10 Ways to Express Yourself Without Being a Jerk”

Posted on

Is Greece A Sign of the End?

GreeceAs Greece dances in the streets, the world teeters on the brink of financial and political collapse. Irresponsible and narcissistic impulses have seemingly seized control of the nations financial system and correspondingly our world economy.

I watched in horrified amazement this week as the people of Greece celebrated their recent electoral decision to stick their collective tongues out at their creditors. In some ways they are like little Oliver Twist holding out their beggar hands saying, “Please sir, may I have some more.” The biggest difference is that the people of Greece are not saying “please.”

Continue reading “Is Greece A Sign of the End?”

Posted on

Is Today’s Preaching Powerless?

PowerlessPreachingWith churches springing up in nearly every old shopping center and High School, it would appear that the Church is alive and well and growing like never before. The truth is, looks are deceiving.

Indicators that reveal the true healthiness of the Church and its members are at record lows. Take a look at Christian divorce rates, church attendance, immorality, greed, discipleship, worldliness and spiritual complacency just to name a few. It doesn’t take a statistician to see that we have a lot of work to do.

Continue reading “Is Today’s Preaching Powerless?”

Posted on

Are We Living in the Last Days?

endDo you believe that the world has changed dramatically in a short period of time? Does it make you nervous? Do you think it is a sign that we are living in the “end times?”

The concept of “last days,” exists in Judaism, Christianity and even Islam. Each of the big three believe that a time of great turmoil will come which will lead to the eventual establishment of a global kingdom led by God.

Continue reading “Are We Living in the Last Days?”

Posted on

Think Inside the Box

insidetheboxNo, it’s not a typo. The fact that you thought maybe it was, shows that you are thinking inside the box that says you should always think outside the box.

Likewise, some so-called sacred cows are not sacred cows at all, (a sacred cow being a false god) instead they are immutable principles of God’s universe that should not and cannot be violated without severe consequences.

Confused on the metaphors yet? Let’s break it down.

Continue reading “Think Inside the Box”

Posted on

I’m a Freak!

iamafreakOK, this is probably not big news to those who know me. I learned something while attending a Conference last week. One definition of a freak is something that is often unusual and unexpected. Who knows, maybe you are a freak too.

My beautiful, wonderful and long-suffering wife ,Teri, is probably tired of hearing it, but I frequently say to her, “I must be a weirdo!” or “I feel like I was born in the wrong century.”

Continue reading “I’m a Freak!”

Posted on

What are Most Christians Missing?

philippians1.9In my many years of Spiritual Coaching and Counseling, I have frequently noticed one thing missing from most of the people I have worked with. Tragically, the absence of this Spiritual tool, causes people to make poor choices and experience unnecessary pain. The tool I am referring to is discernment.

Paul the Apostle wrote:

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT)

Continue reading “What are Most Christians Missing?”