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→
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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→
Music
Christmastime by Jody McBrayer
Track Listing 01. Imagine This Christmas 02. Candlelight Carol 03. O Come All Ye Faithful 04. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep/Silent Night (feat. Sarah Clayton-McBrayer) 05. What Child Is This? 06. Ave Maria/O Holy Night 07. Bring A Torch Janette Isabella 08. Last Christmas 09. Christmastime is Here 10. Have Yourself A Merry Little CContinue reading→
What God Wants to Hear by Jonathan Cain
Jonathan Cain, longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in Journey, co-writer of the No. 1 digital catalog song in history, "Don't Stop Believin'," as well as writer of "Faithfully" and co-writer of "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms" and many more international hit songs, will release his solo album, What God Wants to Hear, Oct. 21 on Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution. Cain, who continues to tour the world with Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, crafted his new solo album from his personal faith-journey that started in Chicago when, at a young age,[...]Continue reading→
No Shadows by Eric Kneifel
No Shadows is Eric's debut worship album, and has been a dream of his since he began songwriting. This album began with over 50 songs that were narrowed down to a final 12 to be recorded on the album. The theme of the album reflects Eric's desire to see the church become filled the light of Christ to the point where it fills every void, leaving no room for fear, sin, or shame. As stated in the title track, "there's a light that will leave no shadows." The song selection includes congregational worship songs, as well as songs of personal reflection[...]Continue reading→
Lecrae Releases New Single Can’t Stop Me Now (Destination)
The wait for new music from Lecrae is over, with a new single heralding a new era for the legendary Christian rapper. Lecrae has been hinting on social media for the past few months that new music was brewing as snapshots of him in and out of the studio appeared. The appetizer has finally arrived as he released a new single on Friday titled "Can't Stop Me Now (Destination)," produced by Reach Records' own Alex Medina. You can stream the new track on either Apple Music or Spotify. The ..Continue reading→
Jered Sanders’ Third Release Set For December
Hype has begun to build for Jered Sanders' third release, Nobody Famous. An all-star roster of features will be included such as Eshon Burgundy, KiShon Furlow, Dee Black and Dre Murray among others. Production from Illien Rosewell, Talen Ted and others will fill the background. Eshon Burgandy shared a tweet previewing what's to come, saying "we've got a lot to talk about, y'all. In February of this year, Jered Sanders claimed hip-hop's version of the Rookie of the Yea..Continue reading→
A Canton Christmas by Canton Junction
Celebrate the Christmas season with A Canton Christmas, the first Christmas project from Dove award-winning southern gospel quartet Canton Junction. On their newest release, steel guitars and fiddles set the scene as Canton Junction's timeless harmonies paint the wintry pictures celebrating the season of our Savior's birth. From the soothing sounds of "Silent Night" to the creative arrangements of "Hark the Herald," Canton Junction delivers eternal Christmas favorites wrapped in a country-tinged style that is sure to be a gift to enjoy year round.[...]Continue reading→
Tidal Wave (Single) by Rapture Ruckus
Track Listing 01. Tidal Wave Continue reading→
Unto Us: A Christmas Collection by Matthew West
Track Listing 01. Unto Us 02. The First Noel 03. Silent Night 04. A Christmas to Believe In 05. Join the Angels 06. Come On, Christmas 07. Jingle Bells 08. The Heart of Christmas 09. O Holy Night 10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Continue reading→
These Christmas Lights by Matt Redman
Debuting the first Christmas album of his career, 2X GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman will unveil These Christmas Lights on October 21. Filled with powerful and diverse collaborations, featured artists on the album include longtime friends Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs. These Christmas Lights finds Redman sharing his interpretation on quintessential holiday songs, along with creating new, originals including "His Name Shall Be," "Help from Heaven," the title track and more. "I don't want to just tell a story, I want to make sure that we put ourselves in the story too. To help with the songwriting on this record,[...]Continue reading→
American
Illinois Committee Passes Bill to Overturn Law Saying Unborn Child is a Human Being
An Illinois House committee passed legislation this week that would remove provisions from a 1975 Illinois Abortion Law granting the right to life to unborn children from the time of conception, the Chicago Tribune reported. The bill basically would declare these children unworthy of the right to life even in the event of Roe v. Wade being overturned. “I think we have the responsibility to recognize that even an unborn child is a human being,” State Rep. Sheri Jesiel told the newspaper. “We ha..
Shocking Video Shows How Abortions Kill More Black People Than Every Other Cause Combined
Right to Life of Michigan created a special video project for Black History Month in February that exposes the devastating impact of abortion on the black community. The 1-minute video uses statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and the Guttmacher Institute to show how abortions killed more African Americans than all other causes combined. “More abortions than every other cause of death combined,” the Michigan pro-life group said in an email. “These statistics about Black abortions bo..
Senate Defeats Democrat Filibuster of Pro-Life Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary
Senate Republicans today turned back a Democrat filibuster of pro-life HHS Secretary nominee Tom Price, a member of the U.S. House. The 51-48 vote to invoke cloture sets up a vote for later this week on Price’s nomination itself and the pro-life congressman is expected to be confirmed for the important position. Previously, despite a boycott by Democrats on the panel of the vote, a Senate committee voted to confirm pro-life Congressman Tom Price as Secretary of the Department of Health and Huma..
Senate Confirms Pro-Life Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, First Pro-Life AG in Eight Years
The Senate voted today to confirm pro-life Attorney General nominee Jeff Sessions. The Senate approved the nomination 52-47 on a virtual party-line vote with Republicans and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin voting to confirm and every other Democrat voting no. The vote came after Democrats, notably pro-abortion Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren, falsely attempted to paint Sessions as racist. That was even after Sessions received an award from the NAACP a few years ago. Senator James Lankfo..
Australia
“I will fight for religious freedom,” says Tim Wilson, incoming MP and former Human Rights Commissioner
The incoming Liberal MP for Goldstein and former Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson has accepted that freedom of speech and freedom of religion are “brothers”, agreeing with Ridley College theology lecturer Rev Dr Mike Bird that they are both “imperative to an open and free democracy”. The pair were speaking at an event hosted by Mentone Baptist Church in Victoria on Tuesday night, considering the state of religious freedom in Australia. Both speaker..
Pokemon GO is sending gamers to a most unexpected place
If you’re one of the millions using the new Pokemon GO app, chances are you’ll end up at church. No, really. Churches around the world have become training places for Pokemon as part of the new Nintendo and Niantic Lab game launched this week. The new app is looking like it’ll have more daily users than Twitter pretty soon and already people are coming to church to battle their creatures. If you’ve seen people walking along the streets glued to their ph..
Brian Houston chats with John Dickson about why we teach the Bible
At Hillsong Conference’s daily segment called ‘Let’s Talk Church’, senior Pastor Brian Houston taught about what he called the “five-fold ministry gifts”: pastor, evangelist, teacher, prophet and apostle. Walking around a section of Sydney’s Qudos Arena, Houston came across Sydney Anglican minister, author and head of Centre For Public Christianity, John Dickson. Crossing the denominational divide, Houston selected Dickson as his examp..
She became a Christian at Hillsong Conference
My coming to Jesus happened almost entirely by surprise. It was a small lifetime ago, in the year 2000, when I was just 16 years old. I remember it well: my jeans were flared, I had a strange affinity for cargo pants an addiction to wearing ribbons in my hair, and I confess to an embarrassing crush on Nick from the Backstreet Boys. It was also the year I became a Christian at Hillsong conference, back in the days when it was held at the ol..
Entertainment
“Ben Hur” a path of redemption
Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell in “Ben-Hur” (Paramount Pictures/ Philippe Antonello) Today the fourth cinematic adaptation of Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is a reimagining for the 21st century opens in theaters. The first, in 1907, was a silent short film and made without permission from Wallace’s family. The heirs took the filmmakers to court over copyright infringement and it ended with the Supreme Court setting a legal precedent for film and theatrical adaptations of l..
Same Kind of Different As Me: Watch the New Trailer!
The fabulous Renee Zellweger is back, and she’s paired up with the equally stellar Greg Kinnear in what looks to be a fantastic (and tear-jerker!) movie, Same Kind of Different As Me. Based on the book of the same title that was a New York Times best-seller, it’s the story of an international art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) who must befriend a dangerous homeless man (Djimon Hounsou) in order to save his struggling marriage to his wife (Renée Zellweger), a woman whose dreams will lead all thr..
The Little Prince is a Little Magical
We’re in the shaggiest stretch of the dog days of summer, and the theaters are full of tent poles. Suicide Squad has bounded into theaters, ready to make all the money. (I’ll be posting something about that movie come Monday.) Jason Bourne and Star Trek Beyond will mop up the leavings. If you’re still trying to catch up on your summertime blockbusters, Finding Dory, The Legend of Tarzan and Ghostbusters are still on plenty of screens. But if you’re looking for ..
Watch: ‘for King & Country’ Music Video for Ben-Hur
Watch the inspiring for KING & COUNTRY “Ceasefire” music video. BEN-HUR is in theaters August 19th — visit the Patheos Movie Club for more conversation and resources! BEN-HUR is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his..
US
Top 5 heresies of 2016
499 years after the Reformation, 1691 years after the Council of Nicaea, theological disputes and charges of heresy are still going strong. Emily McFarlan Miller of the Religious News Service looks back on the Top 5 Heresies of 2016. Could you list some more? Are some brewing that will come to a head in 2017? [Read More...] The post Top 5 heresies of 2016 appeared first on Cranach.
Dave Barry’s 2016 Year in Review
One of my New Year’s Eve rituals is to read Dave Barry’s annual Year in Review. The month-by-month breakdown helps me remember and sort of relive the year that is ending. But it’s filtered through off-the-wall hilarity and on-target satire of all sides. If you didn’t read it over the weekend, it’s not too late. I’ll get you started after the jump. From Dave Barry’s 2016 Year in Review | Miami Herald: Yes, we’ve seen some weird years. But we’ve never seen one as weird as 2016. This was the Al Yan..
Happy New Year!
Thank you to all of my readers for being part of this blog last year. Many blessings for 2017! Here is what you can do: Use the comments for this post to give your New Year’s resolutions. Then you can come back next year and check them to see how you did. Well, I can see that you might not want to do that. Happy New Year anyway! Image from Pixabay, Creative Commons, Public Domain
The Name of Jesus
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21). So tomorrow, the 8th day after Christmas, which falls on New Year’s Day, the church year commemorates the Circumcision and Name of Jesus. With the baby’s circumcision, He took upon Himself the burden of the Law, which He fulfilled on our behalf. And with His naming, His identity and purpose are made clear. “Jesus” means “Yahweh saves.” God sav..
Church & Theology
Immanuel: When God the Son Became Like Us
Follow @BrandonSmith85 Perhaps the most beautiful hymn in Scripture is not found in the Psalms, but in Paul’s letter to the Philippians: Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cro..
6 Ways to Help your Children Love Being in Ministry (even during the holidays)
The Christmas/New Year’s season is incredibly busy if you are a pastor or ministry leader. Not only are there special church programs and services, but December is also a full month for outreach, weddings, school events…and all while you are wrapping your mind around planning and casting vision for a new year. It can be easy to put your family in the back seat—or at least on autopilot—as you prepare, preach, and work to focus forward. Some people even go so far as to suggest that ministry and ..
When God’s Gifts Aren’t Wrapped How You Hoped
Life has a way of handing us unexpected and unwanted packages. A pink slip from your employer. A bad report from the doctor. An eviction notice from the bank. A harsh email from a strained relationship. Too often, the package delivered with your name on it isn’t a present you want. The first Christmas was wrapped in an unusual set of circumstances: Joseph and Mary having to make a difficult journey in the last trimester of her pregnancy…and then to have to give birth in a stable. But the ..
7 Practices to Build into Your Annual Calendar
If planning counts as productivity, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is my most productive! This is my week for setting goals and planning out the “big rocks” in my calendar for the coming year. I have found that if I am to wisely steward the multiple roles God has entrusted to me—including husband, dad, grandfather, pastor, college president, friend, and more—it helps if I set aside blocks of time for what is central to meeting these roles. In other words, I can’t just hope it will a..