Last spring I had the privilege of speaking at a conference for NFL players put on by Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), a group which exists to unite a community of pro athletes and couples to grow as disciples of Jesus and positively impact their spheres of influence. They have a fantastic outreach to professional football and baseball athletes and their wives. I’ve seen firsthand the amazing difference they’re making. In the off-season I exchanged emails and texts with dozens of NFL players and cha..Continue reading→
Home
Thoughts
Motherhood Is a Marathon
I wanted to do great things for God. In the spring of my senior year of college, on the brink of embarking upon my own journey into adulthood, my future was undecided and that was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. As a philosophy major, my path was narrower than I had realized, but I was sure it would take me on some grand and glorious adventure. I knew the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. “Glorify” sounds like such a grand term. It evokes images of battlefie..Continue reading→
1 Peter 5:7–8: How Not to Battle Anxiety
Anxieties attack our faith and torment our peace. The question with anxiety is not whether it will come, but rather, how can I fight it when it does? Watch NowContinue reading→
Is Love of Money Really the Root of All Evils?
Is the love of money the “root of all evils” or only the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10)? “All evils” is the formal English equivalent of the original Greek (pantōn tōn kakōn). It is remarkable that all older versions of the Bible translate 1 Timothy 6:10 in the more literal way: “The love of money is the root of all evils” (or all evil). This includes the Wycliffe Bible, Luther Bibel, Geneva Bible, King James Version, Douay-Rheims, Darby Bible, and Revised Standard Version. Bu..Continue reading→
Hot Topics
In Praise of Heavy Providences
I share this story because I believe the American church desperately needs this perspective on life—the perspective captured in the profoundly simple hymn that sings, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” But by and large, the evangelical church in America sings, “This world is my home and here I’m putting down roots!” Today, I’m struck anew with how contrary to the world is the Christian life. I’m thinking specifically about how the world will almost without fail define the ..Continue reading→
Autopsy Of A Deceased Pastor
They had no defenders in the church.Imagine a dying person with no medical intervention. That person will die. Imagine pastors without members who will stand by these leaders. Imagine pastors where members are too cowardly to stand up to cartels. If you can imagine that, then you can imagine a dying pastor. By the way, this form of death is often the most painful. The pastor is dying without anyone to help or intervene. They are the walking dead. They are dead emotionally. Their vision and pa..Continue reading→
Aquinas Is No Safe Guide For Protestants
In his Summa Theologica, Aquinas clearly stated his view that the sacraments perform their work through a virtue in themselves. He also stated unequivocally that the sacraments confer the new birth, justification, the grace of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, inward enlightenment, the washing away of guilt, and forgiveness of sins on every person who partakes of them. From time to time, I come across articles by Reformed authors wherein they encourage the reading of the Summa Theologica by Thom..Continue reading→
Aquinas Is Not Safe Guide For Protestants
In his Summa Theologica, Aquinas clearly stated his view that the sacraments perform their work through a virtue in themselves. He also stated unequivocally that the sacraments confer the new birth, justification, the grace of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, inward enlightenment, the washing away of guilt, and forgiveness of sins on every person who partakes of them. From time to time, I come across articles by Reformed authors wherein they encourage the reading of the Summa Theologica by Thom..Continue reading→
Life & Society
Mom made proud by her son who stopped to pray, recite Pledge of Allegiance even though he was late to school
A young boy stopped to pray and recite the Pledge of Allegiance on his way to his school in Texas. A Texas mother is so proud of her kindergartner after she saw him stop to pray and recite the Pledge of Allegiance even even though he was already running late for school last week. Royce Thompson recently posted a photo of her son on her Facebook page. The picture shows her son standing outside the door of his school, the Wollam Elementary School in Sante Fe. "Proud mommy aler..Continue reading→
Poll Finds Most Non-Mainline Pastors Spoke About Abortion From Pulpit Within Past Year
A poll conducted by the Barna Group finds that most non-mainline Protestant pastors have spoken about abortion from the pulpit over the past year, while the majority of denominations considered to be apostate did not. Barna’s quarterly Pastor Poll inquired of 513 Protestant senior pastors and 88 Roman Catholic priests last December and January as to whether pro-life issues are a part of their assembly. Mainline congregations were defined as American Baptist, United C..Continue reading→
Atheists want Ten Commandments painting removed from Kentucky county clerk office
The Ten Commandments painting on display inside the Trigg County clerk's office in Kentucky. A group of atheists has asked a county clerk's office in Kentucky to remove a Ten Commandments painting, claiming it violated the Establishment Clause. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has sent a letter to Trigg County Clerk Carmen Finley regarding the painting which is displayed at the Trigg County clerk's office, which carries the words "God spoke these words" and includ..Continue reading→
Solicitor and wife accused of swindling retired vicar out of £230,000
Giles and Clare Scott are being tried at Teesside Crown Court. A solicitor and his wife have gone on trial at Teesside Crown Court accused of swindling a retired vicar out of more than £230,000. Rev Jane Waugh, 78, believed she could trust Giles and Clare Scott, who she met through the church choir. She gave Giles Scott power of attorney over her financial affairs and employed Clare Scott to care for her. But the court was told the couple stripped her of her assets. Giles Scott has admitted ..Continue reading→
Movies
THE YOUNG MESSIAH in a World on Fire
Who has time to answer a child’s questions amidst racial strife, religious conflict, and a refugee crisis? There is so much uncertainty and anger surrounding our search for a new leader, threats can lead to violence at any moment. And if we fail to see the parallels being the tumultuous ancient world that Jesus entered and our context today, then we’ve missed the poignant, life affirming point of the captivating new movie, The Young Messiah. Opening in movie theaters this weekend, The Young Mess..Continue reading→
RISEN Dares to Dabble in Mystery
The Greatest Story Ever Told is also one of the most oft told cinematic tales. So how can filmmakers bring a fresh take to Jesus’ death and resurrection? Directors often succumb to the digital temptation of bigger, louder, faster in an effort to instill faith in their audiences. Unfortunately, relying on spectacle only builds fascination with the special effects. Risen restores my faith in the Gospel film by doing the hard work of finding a new angle. It places us within the dramatic moment when..Continue reading→
Does the Arc In Hollywood Bend Towards Justice?
Editors’ Note: This article is part of the Patheos Public Square. This month we’re asking: Has Hollywood Become Our National Conscience? Read other perspectives here. While some decry the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an exclusive club deserving an #OscarsSoWhite label, others see it pushing a liberal agenda through every ribbon displayed at the annual Academy Awards. Given the conservative nature of the economic decision-making in Hollywood, the truth resides somewhere in betwe..Continue reading→
Faith-based drama ‘The Reconciler’ being released
Justice Pictures and IMD Films are releasing the Dove Foundation approved film, “The Reconciler,” which includes the first appearance of Canadian professional wrestler and actor Roddy Piper in a film since his passing on July 30, 2015. “The Reconciler” also stars Sherry Morris of “The Book of Ruth.” The film is now available in all Walmart stores through an exclusive agreement with Black Wolf Media Group and Origin Releasin..Continue reading→
SPOTLIGHT: No More Silent Nights
Spotlight is a throwback to the golden age of seventies cinema. It is a whip smart tribute to investigative journalism, rooted in character and grounded in a world where the most special effect is human emotion. Spotlight follows the tireless efforts of a team of reporters from The Boston Globe to uncover the sexual abuse perpetrated by far too many Roman Catholic priests. The most disturbing revelations in this true story involve the systematic cover up by Cardinal Bernard Law and the Boston Ar..Continue reading→
ROOM: Expanding Our Empathy
Heartache is an interesting condition. It is usually associated with romance, when break ups lead to heartbreak. So what should we call a situation where you find yourself rooting so hard for someone else’s happiness, that their trials and tribulations make your heart ache? Room is both harrowing and heroic. It places a heavy burden upon its characters and thanks to superb acting, writing and directing, transfers that weight to the audience. Emma Donoghue adapted her award-winning novel to what ..Continue reading→
Faith-based historical football drama “Woodlawn” coming to theaters nationwide
A faith-based period drama with a modern-day purpose and explosive sports action is headed to theaters nationwide October 16, 2015. WOODLAWN, is said to be an exhilarating high school football story about revival and reconciliation, offering hope for overcoming the racial crises facing America today. The movie, an Erwin Brothers film produced by Kevin Downes, tells the true-life story of Ton..Continue reading→
“One Generation Away” film tour visits the frontlines of religious liberty issues
“One Generation Away” is a fast-paced film that travels the United States (and Europe) in search of a deeper understanding of the religious freedom clauses in the Constitution’s First Amendment. From Hobby Lobby to the Mt. Soledad Cross in San Diego to wedding service providers in the Northwest, “One Generation Away” asks hard questions about the status of religious liberty in America toda..Continue reading→
Inside Out (2015)
Take a deep dive into your own head. Do an archaeological dig. Work your way all the way to the center. What do you find? Core memories. Foundational impressions. The moments that made you. Me? Mine are almost all related to creativity: – Reading books — fairy tales and fantasy, mostly. – Writing and illustrating my own fantasy stories with crayons, and then learning how to type out the words with my index finger on a typewriter. – Drawing pictures on church bulletins during church while my mom softly shushed me. – Opening presents on Christmas morning at my grandparents’ house, and discovering that my grandfather has built me my very own puppet stage. – Hanging out with my dad while he read theology books and graded high school students’ papers all evening. – Playing basketball in the backyard all by myself, inventing new variations on the game, and pretending to be every player on opposing teams as I acted out whole games. – Watching Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the bi..Continue reading→
Music
The Chapel Band Releases ‘The Gathering’
Pop worship team, Chapel Band is proud to release their new album, The Gathering. After recently signing with DREAM Worship, the group quickly went into the studio to finish amazingly powerful pop live album. The songs of this revival were penned by the young worshipers of Chapel Band who had poured into this movement and were beginning to see all they had prayed and longed for. The songs on the album have become anthems over the nation in their hometown in Ireland. Check out their new song, "A..Continue reading→
Pop Artist Julianna Zobrist’s Husband Ben Named World Series MVP
Last night in game 7 of the World Series with the score tied in the top of the 10th inning, it was pop artist Julianna Zobrist's husband Ben who saved the day with a go-ahead double that sent in two runs and led the Chicago Cubs to a 8-6 victory over the Indians and their first World Series win since 1908. Zobrist was named MPV of the World Series (the first player in Chicago Cubs history to have that honor since the award wasn't established until 1955) for his "curse-breaking" hit.Continue reading→
The City Harmonic To Part Ways Summer 2017
This morning The City Harmonic made the announcement that they would be parting ways come summer 2017. The difficult announcement was partnered with the promise of a final tour next year and a unique worship album recorded during that time. The City Harmonic will be hosting a Facebook Live Event on Saturday, Nov. 5, beginning at 700 pm EDT. Fans friends of the band who would love to talk more about the announcements by the band in the letter below are invited to participate during this live even..Continue reading→
Newsboys Shine Spotlight On Heroes
GRAMMY®-nominated, Platinum®-selling Newsboys brought their blockbuster "Love Riot Tour" to a capacity audience at Nashville's Curb Event Center Friday night, with the band's hometown concert also serving as a benefit for the Guardian for Heroes Foundation. Established by late U.S. Navy SEAL and "American Sniper" Chris Kyle, the organization assists combat veterans transitioning to post-military life. During the evening, Guardi..Continue reading→
Ron Block And Jeff Taylor Visit World-Famous WSM Radio
Multi GRAMMY®-winner Ron Block and GRAMMY®-nominee Jeff Taylor stopped by Nashville's world-famous 650 AM WSM Radio earlier this week to share selections from their collaborative debut, Trouble Go Down, which bows today. The virtuosos joined legendary host Bill Cody and producer Charlie Mattos on the "Coffee, Country and Cody" morning show, heard around the globe on WSM Radio and online, as well as broadcast to television audiences via The Heartland Network. Continue reading→
Integrity Music Releases ‘Majesty In A Manger’
Committed to resourcing churches with songs of substance for every service need, Integrity Music announces the global release of Majesty In A Manger, a new worship album for the Christmas season. Produced by Dove Award winner Michael Farren (AllAboutWorship) and Daniel Kinner (Mandisa/Royal Tailor), the album features 11 tracks including new songs and an instrumental. "The Advent season brings some challenges to most wor..Continue reading→
The Creepier EP…er by Relient K
Track Listing 01. The Halloween Blues 02. The Cup 03. Halloween in Owatonna Continue reading→
I’m Not Ashamed – Single by Jeremy Camp
Track Listing 01. I'm Not AshamedContinue reading→
Galaxies by The Digital Age
Track Listing 01. I Can See It's Coming... 02. One Pursuit 03. Undivided 04. I Belong 05. From a Great Distance... 06. How Sweet It Is 07. Galaxies 08. Kingdom Come 09. Everything Is Bright... 10. Awake, Sleeper 11. People of the Cross 12. If I Have You 13. And I Cannot Look Away. 14. Heroes (Light Up the Sky) 15. We've Got Joy 16. Epilogue (A Prayer for Jordan) Continue reading→
American
Leading Physician Confirms Unborn Children Feel Excruciating Pain During Abortions
Sheila Page, D.O., is board certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy. She treats a wide spectrum of patients from the newborn to the elderly, including patients with irreversible and terminal illness. Dr. Page (pictured right) has a special interest in children with disabilities, particularly those whose burden of care is difficult and who have been given little hope for a better quality of life. Dr. Page is one of our nearly 40 associate scholars. In this ..
Woman Defends Aborting Two Babies: “I Talked to the Babies and I Felt the Babies Understood”
A woman talking about her 2nd abortion said : “But I really feel good that I made the decision, not to have the baby. Again, I pretty much had made my decision, talked to myself, you know, constantly, talked to my sister, talked to the baby. ‘Cause I definitely believe that when you get pregnant, I don’t care if it is just a little … little form there… It feels, picks up on the vibes. I really do believe that. So it was important for me to let the baby know that. It just wasn’t a good idea to h..
Scientists are Making Human-Pig Hybrids for Organ Transplants That Could Develop Into “Monsters”
The recent creation of animal-human hybrids is stirring up ethical questions about the value and definition of human life. In January, scientists announced that they successfully created the first human-pig hybrid, a living pig embryo injected with human cells. National Geographic reports researchers at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California said they implanted the living pig-human embryos, or chimeras, in adult pigs’ wombs and allowed them to grow between three and four..
Missouri Governor Takes Strong Pro-Life Stance: “The People of Missouri Do Not Support Abortion”
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens spoke out against the new St. Louis “abortion sanctuary city” ordinance over the weekend, saying it does not reflect the state’s values. “We need to send a clear message: the people of Missouri do not support Abortion Sanctuary Cities,” Greitens wrote Saturday on Facebook. “We will fight for the vulnerable to get the support they need in tough times—we will proudly stand up for life.” Supporters of St. Louis City Board Bill 203 say the measure protects women from di..
Australia
A child of hope and faith in Nicaragua
Adriana Collado first placed her faith in God at the age of just two, when she was being treated for leukaemia at La Mascota Children’s Cancer Hospital, in Managua, Nicaragua. Thanks to your support, Adriana and her mother Ana were among 7500 suffering Nicaraguan families who last year received free copies of the Bible while attending devotions organised by pastors and volunteers at La Mascota Hospital. “Ana would eagerly participate in the devoti..
People of the rock need the word
This is my work now, till the end of my life,” says Lily Neville. “It is the greatest pleasure for me, really.” She’s talking about translating the Bible into her native Adnyamathanha, the language of the Aboriginal people of the Northern Flinders Ranges in South Australia. “Adnya” means rock and “mathanha” means people. The Adnyamathanha people are “people of the rock”. Lily Neville, who is working with Bible Society Australia to translate the Bible..
Abortion Rethink Campaign in Australia Focuses on How Abortion Hurts Women, Kills Babies
The Abortion Rethink campaign team has commissioned a song to be composed and dance routine choreographed for the purpose of artistically highlighting some of the concerns around abortion. The lyrics take us through the various perspectives of some of those impacted, but particularly those of the woman, her partner and the pre born baby. They call on both those who govern our State and our community at large to listen to the voices of those so negatively impacted by abortion. They ask them to ..
Jesus gets thousands of new followers
Thousands of Australians have made decisions to follow Jesus at major events happening around the country. In Sydney, at Australia’s largest Christian gathering – Hillsong Conference – over 1800 people responded to calls to consider Christ as their saviour. “We pray that the [conference] experience lives well and truly beyond this arena but extends on into your churches, homes, schools and work-places. We believe that your best days are yet to come,” t..
Law & Government
Trump Praises ‘Fantastic Contributions’ Hindus Have Made to America
(World Religion News) — In a move likely calculated to capture the Indian-American vote come election day in November, the Republican nominee Donald Trump released a statement praising the Hindu community for its contributions to the U.S.A. He commented, “The Hindu community has made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture and we look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy.”
Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton Collapses at Ground Zero in New York
NEW YORK — A video shows Hillary Clinton collapsing into the arms of her security detail after leaving a ceremony at Ground Zero early today. The Democratic presidential nominee was in New York to give her respects to the victims of those killed on 9/11 in 2001, but had to leave early after what is being described as a “medical episode.” Clinton, who briefly collapsed into the arms of security officials before entering a van, showed signs of other physical troubles recently when she needed to..
Law is on your side over evangelism, Christians told
"Sensationalist" reports cause Christians to think they are not free to proselytise, according to a new resource that urges the public sharing of faith. Street preacher Rob Hughes was arrested and imprisoned for 11 hours after being falsely accused of homophobic remarks. Speak Up was launched by the Evangelical Alliance (EA) and the Lawyers Christians Fellowship (LCF) on Friday and aims to persuade Christians they have the law on their side when it comes to sharing their ..
‘A Force He Could Not Stop’: Teen High on Psychedelic Drug Jailed Following Violent Attack
STUART, Fla. — A Florida teen is behind bars after he smashed through a window and attacked a random family in their home following his ingestion of a psychedelic drug that caused him to act on a “force … he could not stop.” Nico Gallo, 19, was allegedly high on Dibutylone when he “cannon-balled” through the plate glass window of a Stuart home in the middle of the night on Sunday. He is accused of then attacking a woman and her adult son, who called 911 and beat Gallo in the head with an alumin..
Entertainment
All Hail The Crown: The 10 Best Movies (and one TV Show) About the British Monarchy
Comment countIt’s been quite a week. As I type this, I’m hanging out in downtown Denver as an anti-Trump rally winds past me, the sky filled with chants and signs saying “NOT MY PRESIDENT.” However we pulled the lever for, I think most of us can agree that our democracy wasn’t exactly at its brightest this election season. A good many Americans disliked both candidates from the start—a rock-bottom beginning that somehow kept going lower. Most of us had to vote for the candidate we disliked least..
Doctor Strange Is The Most Religious Superhero Movie Ever
From Doctor Strange. Photo courtesy DisneySuperheroes have always been religious. But Marvel’s great, trippy new movie Doctor Strange takes superhero spirituality to the mirror dimension and unfolds it in a dozen fascinating ways. Underneath all the story’s Eastern mysticism and occult trappings, there’s a deeply Christian undercurrent here. Perhaps we should’ve expected Doctor Strange to be pretty religious. Director Scott Derrickson is one of Hollywood’s best-known and most influe..
How taco trucks caused a mystical moment
One day in 1958 on a street corner in Louisville, KY, the Catholic monk Thomas Merton had a mystical experience that he recounts in his book “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander”: “In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of se..
Hacksaw Ridge is Insanely Bloody. Here’s Why.
Comment countFrom Hacksaw Ridge, photo courtesy Summit EntertainmentChristianity is bloody. The whole thing started with an execution. If the early Christians had any tact—or, at least, a good PR agency—they would’ve downplayed the religion’s messy, off-putting beginning and encourage prospective newcomers to concentrate on something else. Instead, the cross has become the central symbol of our faith—something we slap on our walls and hang around our necks and embroider on our throw pillows. It’..
Health and Science
Research Biologist Says Bible, Not Evolution, Accounts for Human DNA Diversity
When did human ethnic groups originate? And can the biblical young earth viewpoint explain differences between races today? One research biologist says the biblical model, not evolution, accurately accounts for human DNA diversity today. Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson is a PhD biologist with Answers in Genesis who studied Cell and Developmental Biology at Harvard University. In his latest article, published last week in Answers Research Journal, he considers “why African people groups tends to harbor mo..
Scientists Capture ‘Flash of Light’ That Occurs at Moment of Conception
CHICAGO — Life begins with a “flash of light” or “fireworks,” scientists at a university in Illinois have announced in releasing a written study and video that captures what occurs at the moment of human conception. Northwestern University in Chicago recently announced the find in a study outlined in Scientific Reports. “It was remarkable,” said Teresa Woodruff, director of Northwestern’s Center for Reproductive Science. “We discovered the zinc spark just five years ago in the mouse, and to se..
Ancient Lizards Preserved in Amber Could Pose Problems for Evolutionists
Christian scientists are touting the recent discovery of amber-encased lizards as evidence of a recent creation as described in the Bible. Last month, the journal Science Advances published a detailed analysis of amber-embedded lizards, estimated to be approximately 99 million years old. Thanks to the “extraordinary preservation” qualities of the amber, scientists were able to observe intricate details on the lizard specimens. “Amber deposits are especially useful for preserving small, delicat..
Comb Jelly Footage Surprises Scientists, Upends Evolutionary Expectations
AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Evolutionists are once again having to scrap existing beliefs and return to the drawing board after observing one type of sea creature perform a previously undiscovered function. On March 14 and 15, several dozen biologists met in Florida for the Ctenopalooza workshop—an event designed to further the study of ctenophores, which are a type of jellyfish-like sea creatures. Speakers at the workshop presented ideas, discussed new areas of study, and shared recent research findings..
US
Susan B. Anthony and the other early feminists were pro-life
Feminists today hail the pioneers of women’s rights, the suffragettes and 19th century activists who crusaded for women’s right to vote and equality before the law. But they also crusaded against abortion. Yes, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Wollstonecraft, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Sarah F. Norton would not have been allowed to participate in [Read More...]
Live-blogging the Inauguration
Being unable to resist significant moments in history, I’ll be watching the Inauguration ceremonies today and making comments here. Things get started at 9:30 a.m. ET, with the actual inauguration ceremony starting at about 11:30 a.m. ET. The swearing in will be at noon, whereupon Donald Trump will give his inaugural address. I’ll be devoting most of my live-blogging to the speech. Please join me with comments of your own. On Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. will be the Interfaith Prayer Service a..
Moving day at the White House
The White House staff has five hours to move out the former president and his family, with all of their furniture and belongings and preferred decor, and to move in the new residents. The logistics of this tightly choreographed operation are rather amazing. Professional movers can haul the furniture to the door, but they can’t go inside, so carrying it all and staging it perfectly is a job for White House staffers. So a salute to the 90 “blue collar” members of the White House Staff as they carr..
Pro-life women excluded from “Women’s March”
The day after Donald Trump’s Inauguration, thousands of women will march on Washington to demonstrate for women’s issues. But pro-life women–even pro-life feminists, even pro-life feminist liberals–will not be allowed to join the demonstration. From Views on Abortion Strain Calls for Unity at Women’s March on Washington – The New York Times: As a self-described feminist and law student who wants to correct racial wrongs in the criminal justice system, Maria Lyon agrees with Hillary Clinton that ..
Church & Theology
6 Ways Teachers Prepare for a Life-Changing Year
I think of teachers much like I do of nurses—heroes. Like nursing, teaching is an unsung job that requires tremendous amounts of personal investment in other people’s lives. And, also like nursing, teaching has the potential to make a tremendous difference as well. Teachers have a unique ability to influence moldable lives. I still remember the names of and specific lessons from many of my teachers, and I’m guessing you do as well. So, as a new school year begins, how can you as a teacher—in a..
Biblical Sci-Fi? Aliens, Angels, and the Nephilim
On a recent episode of Word Matters, Trevin Wax and I discussed some prominent views of Genesis 6, particularly these first few verses: When mankind began to multiply on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any they chose as wives for themselves. And the Lord said, “My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever, because they are corrupt. Their days will be 120 years.” The Nephilim were o..
5 Questions to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Your Gospel Witness
We cannot always measure effectiveness by visible fruit. Some of my favorite testimonies of salvation are of people who trusted Christ after repeated witnessing attempts by multiple people. Even the Apostle Paul experienced times when he witnessed and the fruit wasn’t immediate. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.—1 Corinthians 3:6 So if we try to measure the effectiveness of our witness on fruit alone, we may miscalculate. Perhaps during a season when we are diligentl..
7 Essentials of an Adult Bible Class
I believe the key reason for adult Bible classes in the local church is the organization to fulfill the purposes of the church. Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, “The Sunday school is the church organized to fulfill the purpose of the church.” Whether you call it Sunday School, Adult Bible Fellowships, Connection Groups, or something else, it is vital that you have clearly defined purposes and processes for this vital area of church ministry. At Lancaster Baptist Church, we now have over fifty adu..