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 Now Continue 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→
Daily Verses
1 John 4:16 (02-09-17)
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. — 1 John 4:16 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... We can be sure that God loves us. He wants us to live in and be blessed by his love. That love is more than just the grace that reaches us when we are saved. God's love extends through us. His love is redemptive in our loving behaviors to others. His presence is seen in our loving attitudes and .. Continue reading→
1 John 4:15 (02-08-17)
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. — 1 John 4:15 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... "Jesus is the Son of God." Six simple words. They are much more than simple words, however; they are the doorway that opens our heart to God. So tonight, as you confess Jesus as God's Son, consciously and intentionally welcome God into your heart. The Father lives in the person who confesses the Son! My Prayer... Father, I want.. Continue reading→
1 John 4:13 (02-07-17)
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — 1 John 4:13 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Our sign of authenticity showing we are truly God's children is the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Spirit helps bring forth the character of God in our lives (Galatians 5:22). The Spirit helps us when we pray (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin (Romans 8:13) and gives us strength to do things we would never imagine w.. Continue reading→
Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” Continue reading→
1 John 4:12 (02-06-17)
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. — 1 John 4:12 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... What an incredible thought! God can be seen in my home. The Father of the universe lives in my church. The Almighty God's love is recognizable in my life. How so? When I love those around me, when they love me back, when we choose to be loving instead of petty, unforgiving, critical, and harsh, God's presence, powe.. Continue reading→
Hope
It’s Not Easy Being a Visitor
When I first went to live in Argentina, I took language classes daily. A couple of months after my arrival, one of my teachers got married and invited me to her wedding. One of my other teachers offered to let me ride with her to the ceremony. It was my first time to attend a wedding in Argentina. It was also my first Catholic wedding. I went with a bit of nervousness, hoping that I wouldn’t do anything to offend. As soon as we arrived, my companion headed for the font of holy water. I was unsur.. Continue reading→
We’re all saints and sinners
God has a plan for everyone. And sometimes that plan leads you places you wouldn’t expect. That was the case for both Mary Jo and John. Their journeys had nearly opposite starting points, but the endpoint is the same. Two stories of God leading His people back to Him. Continue reading→
Sharper than any double-edged sword
Perhaps you’ve heard someone say that “Christianity is a crutch.” Graham heard that statement often from his dad growing up. And though Steve was raised in the church, it would be in prison that he truly turned to Jesus Christ. Two remarkable journeys and how God is using these men today. Continue reading→
God is there in your brokenness
Many of you have heard her voice singing praises as a former member of the band Selah. Listen in as we hear Nicol Sponberg share her life story. Despite heartbreak and hardship, Nicol has found her security and hope in Jesus Christ. Continue reading→
Another Perspective
How are you viewing the previous year of your life? For many of us, 2016 was a pretty bumpy ride. I woke up on a recent morning with a dark cloud, literally and figuratively, hovering over me. I was reflecting on my unexpected heart attack that occurred, appropriately, on Valentine's day 2016. If that wasn't enough of a shock, I discovered that I have diabetes even though it doesn't even seem to run in my family. And I was in good shape and runner! All these shocking surprises mea.. Continue reading→
Daily Wisdom
1 John 4:17 (02-10-17)
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. — 1 John 4:17 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... When we live lovingly like Jesus did, we can have the same confidence in the face of death and before God in judgment. Our confidence is not in our efforts, but in our Savior. His love has not only redeemed us, it has changed us. His love is not only a gift to us, but it is a gift through us. We can be confide.. Continue reading→
1 John 4:16 (02-09-17)
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. — 1 John 4:16 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... We can be sure that God loves us. He wants us to live in and be blessed by his love. That love is more than just the grace that reaches us when we are saved. God's love extends through us. His love is redemptive in our loving behaviors to others. His presence is seen in our loving attitudes and .. Continue reading→
1 John 4:15 (02-08-17)
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. — 1 John 4:15 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... "Jesus is the Son of God." Six simple words. They are much more than simple words, however; they are the doorway that opens our heart to God. So tonight, as you confess Jesus as God's Son, consciously and intentionally welcome God into your heart. The Father lives in the person who confesses the Son! My Prayer... Father, I want.. Continue reading→
1 John 4:13 (02-07-17)
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. — 1 John 4:13 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Our sign of authenticity showing we are truly God's children is the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Spirit helps bring forth the character of God in our lives (Galatians 5:22). The Spirit helps us when we pray (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin (Romans 8:13) and gives us strength to do things we would never imagine w.. Continue reading→
Prayers
Mutual Acceptance
PassageRomans 14:1-16 PrayerDear Father, foundation of all our lives,Make me compassionate and generous toward my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us welcome each other, and not dispute over opinions. May I never pass judgment on a brother or sister, for you have welcomed them. They are your servants. It is before you that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for you are able to make them stand.Let us be fully convinced in our own minds about honoring certain days, or about eating cer.. Continue reading→
Staying Awake
PassageRomans 13:11-14 PrayerDear Father, victorious deliverer,May I be found in Christ, not trusting any righteousness of my own. Let me know him and the power of his resurrection. May I share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, so I might attain the resurrection of the dead.O God, let me obtain it! Let me be awake! Let me put on the armor of light! Let me put on the Lord Jesus and his righteousness, and be found in him! Let me trust, obey, even suffer, in order to have the victory!.. Continue reading→
The Last Days
PassageRomans 13:11-14 PrayerDear Father, object of my desires,Everything points to the fact that we live in the last days. Knowing what hour it is, let me wake up from my sleep! For salvation is nearer to me now than when I first believed. The night is far gone. The day is at hand.Help me cast off all the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let me conduct myself as becomes one of your people, not in reveling or drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling or.. Continue reading→
Spirit of Generosity
PassageRomans 13:9 PrayerDear Father, generous giver,Love sees needs and shares resources. How lacking I am in this regard. Please forgive me and make me better. Give a spirit of generosity not only to me, but also to my wife, my children, and my whole extended family - also to my spiritual family, your church. Help all of us to be giving people, because you are a giving God. Move us to serve a needy world.I praise you and thank you for all your mercies. You are so bountiful in your gifts. I lov.. Continue reading→
Questions & Answers
There’s No Good Reason to Deny the Early Dating of the Gospels
Not long ago, Daniel Wallace (no relationship to me, except that all us Wallace’s claim to descend from William) posted some great news about an early fragment of the Book of Romans that was recently discovered. This fragment dates to the early third century which puts it in rare company. It contains Romans 9:18–21 and small portions of Romans 10. Wallace made news a few years back when he mentioned an early fragment of the Gospel of Mark that has yet to be published. The fragment of Mark is sai.. Continue reading→
Are There Good Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection? (Podcast)
In this audio recorded at Brentwood Academy, J. Warner teaches students about “abductive reasoning” and applies this form of thinking to the case of the Resurrection of Jesus. J. Warner offers seven possible explanations for the evidence surrounding the Resurrection, and then briefly investigates four of these explanations to see if they are reasonable. This presentation is excerpted from J. Warner’s longer talk on the issue and the material in Cold-Case Christianity and ALIVE. You can also sub.. Continue reading→
Good Jurors Make Good Christian Case Makers
When picking a jury for a homicide trial, it’s important to try to pick folks who will fairly examine the evidence without a pre-existing emotional or volitional bias. Good jurors are able to set aside their partialities and presuppositions in order to evaluate the evidence fairly. There’s a strong parallel between the characteristics of a good juror and the characteristics of a Good Christian Case Maker (I’ve written much more about this in my book). Let me tell you what I look for in a juror, .. Continue reading→
The Book of Acts: Summary and Overview
The Book of Acts in the Bible, written around 62-63 A.D., may be best described as a history of the founding and growth of the early church. While there are some areas of great detail of the Acts of the Apostles, many times you must use cross references to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as some other epistles in the New Testament to get the full picture of what was happening at this time in history. The book was written by Luke, the same writer of the Gospel of Luke and you .. Continue reading→
Hot Topics
Abortion’s Unintended Survivors
In her own words, Ohden brings a formidable testimony against abortion as she outlines the hurt and inner pain she dealt with as a teenager trying to cope with the knowledge she was so unwanted by her biological family, they attempted to end her life. She believes now that she developed post-traumatic stress reaction to the revelation of her beginnings as well as survivor’s guilt that she lived and so many others were destroyed by abortion. Her depression developed into anorexia, bulimia, alcoho.. Continue reading→
Worshiping the God of Justice
Sure, we usually do this selectively. Liberals and progressives, conservatives and traditionalists each have their own favorite sins that they like to denounce, while ignoring those that seem to painful to confront. In the meantime, adultery and complicity in oppression are far too prevalent among us, as we live our comfortable, non-confrontational lives. We are so used to slander and deceit – or even practicing it ourselves – that we stand by as it crashes like a wave through the highest places.. Continue reading→
What Came First? The Desire to Sin or the Opportunity?
The critical lesson is that if we crucify the desire, God will almost always shield us from the opportunity. And even if God may permit the devil to throw a spark of opportunity our way, there’s nothing in the heart that will easily catch fire. However, if we entertain and enjoy the desire to sin, God may permit the opportunity to sin to coincide. When a Christian falls into gross immorality, the question arises: What came first: the desire to sin or the opportunity? From what I’ve seen and he.. Continue reading→
Marriage: A Means to Holiness or to Happiness?
When God created Adam, he made an interesting observation: The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable* for him.” (Genesis 2:18.) Bringing Eve into the picture, then, was a response to the solitude of Adam, not his unholiness. Again, how could it be about making Adam holy before sin had entered the world (see Genesis 3). The answer, as shown above, is that marriage was not designed for holiness. It was designed for companionship. Marriage Isn’t for .. Continue reading→
Women
Leading Fragile Lives
Leading Fragile Lives I dare to say that our lives are more fragile than each of us probably realizes or truthfully admits. If we are honest with ourselves, we feel confidently secure that when we lay our head on our pillow at night, we will awaken to face another day. We do our best to control the variables in our lives with the hope that we can control our fitness level and health and even avoid obvious risky behaviors. But the truth of the matter is that we are all on borrowed time. If we ta.. Continue reading→
Making Married Sex Mutual
Pervasive ideologies distort our view of female sexuality. God’s Word shows us a better way. Continue reading→
God Doesn’t Need You to Try So Hard
A spiritual lesson for chronic achievers. Continue reading→
Life & Society
Pence Comes Out in Support of Trump Decision to Retain Obama Order on Homosexual, Transgender Protections
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence defended on Sunday President Donald Trump’s decision to retain an Obama-era order banning groups that contract with the federal government from “discriminating” against homosexuals and transgenders in their business or non-profit organization. “I think throughout the campaign, President Trump made it clear that discrimination would have no place in our administration,” Pence said during an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” according to a transcript of the di.. Continue reading→
Mississippi Town Rallies After Complaint Results in Removal of Christian Flag
RIENZI, Miss. — Over 100 residents from a small Mississippi town rallied on Saturday after a complaint from a prominent professing atheist organization that took issue with a Christian flag being displayed in a public park resulted in the removal of the banner. The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a letter on Jan. 20 to Rienzi Mayor Walter Williams to assert that the flag, which had been flown in Veterans Memorial Park, was unconstitutional. It said that it had been .. Continue reading→
Tweets Taunt Trump for Allegedly Wanting Female WH Staffers to ‘Dress Like a Woman’ at Work
Social media is buzzing with posts from those upset over an unconfirmed report from an anonymous source who once worked with President Donald Trump, who allegedly told the media that Trump wants his female staffers to “dress like a woman” while they’re at work. The outlet Axios released the report on Thursday, which mentioned the president’s presentation preferences for both male and female White House staff. “If you’re going to be a public person for him, whether it’s a lawyer or representing.. Continue reading→
Report: ISIS Chops Off Hands of Two Children for Refusing to Execute Civilians
MOSUL, Iraq — Members of the barbaric Islamic group ISIS, which identifies itself as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, recently cut off the hands of two children for refusing to execute civilians. Alsumaria News reports that the incident occurred in the ISIS-occupied territory of Mosul, being tipped off by an anonymous source. “The Islamic State’s leaders issued orders to train a group of children on fighting in the group’s camps in Nables neighborhood, in the western side of Nineveh,” it o.. Continue reading→
Persecution
Teenager Charged with Blasphemy in Pakistan Waits in Jail
LAHORE, Pakistan (Morning Star News) – A 16-year-old Christian in Pakistan is languishing in jail under a baseless blasphemy charge after a judge declined to grant him bail this month, his attorney said. The judge in Punjab Province’s Kasur District on Feb. 7 denied bail to Nabeel Masih, who has been jailed since Sept. 18, 2016 after a Muslim friend accused him of “sharing” and “liking” on Facebook an allegedly blasphemous photo of the Kaaba, the holiest Islamic site in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Pol.. Continue reading→
Man Charged in Turkey Nightclub Massacre Says His Intent Was to Target Christians
Photo Credit: Burak Su(World Watch Monitor) — The man charged with killing 39 people on New Year’s Eve at Istanbul’s exclusive Reina nightclub attack, Abdulkadir Masharipov, has testified before a Turkish court, saying, “My purpose was to kill Christians.” The Uzbek national was arraigned in court 11 Feb., nearly a month after he was captured by Istanbul police 16 Jan. He told the judge interrogating him at the hearing that he was a member of the so-called Islamic State, which had claimed respo.. Continue reading→
Christian in India Dies After Tribal Villagers Immerse Him, Wife in Cold Pond, Son Says
NEW DELHI (Morning Star News) – A Christian in Jharkhand state, India last month succumbed to illnesses incurred when villagers immersed him and his wife in frigid water because they refused to deny Christ, relatives said. Upset that his family had left their indigenous religion, tribal residents of Kubuaa village, Palamu District immersed Bartu Urawn and his wife up to their necks in a cold pond one night this winter, when temperatures can dip below freezing, from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next mo.. Continue reading→
Christians in Nigeria’s Yobe State Face Pressure to Convert to Islam
(Open Doors USA) — The long drawn-out Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria has created an ongoing humanitarian disaster. In the northern state of Yobe, one of the three worst affected states, Christians who have finally returned to their destroyed and severely damaged communities are facing added pressure for their faith. Reports reached Open Doors that while the government has spent millions on rebuilding other communities and restoring amenities, Kukar Gadu, Yobe’s only Christian communi.. Continue reading→
Movies
The Story of God: Heaven, hell, hope and justice
Flickr, by Simon Rahn. CC Licensing. Season two of “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central) on the National Geographic Channel. Once again, I’m writing about it here each week from a Christian perspective as a preview. This post is about episode two, “Heaven and Hell.” Years back, I was out to dinner with a friend when we began talking religion. She was agnostic and I was in the middle of a pretty ugly bout of cage-stage Calvinism. She kept trying to change .. Continue reading→
Sony Animation reveals the cast for Nativity film The Star
The studio hasn’t released any pictures yet, to my knowledge, but today Sony Pictures Animation sent out a press release announcing the voice cast for its upcoming film The Star, which tells the story of the first Christmas from the animals’ point of view. Here is the key paragraph from today’s press release: The voice cast will be led by Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kristin Chenoweth (Mouse), Anth.. Continue reading→
Wrestling with ‘Silence’
Raised in a Christian community, I constantly heard stories of martyrdom. The Bible is replete with such tales, whether it’s the three men thrown into a fiery furnace or early apostles stoned for threatening the status quo. Youth leaders would solemnly tell of saints who were burned at the stake, singing songs of praise even as the flames lapped at their feet. These were not stories of tragedy but of triumph. The focus was not on those who killed the missionaries, but on the faith that endured u.. Continue reading→
Box office: Hidden Figures holds on to the top spot while six new films fail to find an audience
A drama about three African-American women who broke racial barriers in the early 1960s held on to the top spot at the box office on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, while half a dozen new wide releases failed to find an audience. Hidden Figures, which focuses on three black women who worked at NASA in its early days, topped the chart for a second straight week with an estimated $20.5 million between Friday and Sunday — a drop of only 10.3% since last week. That raises the film’s North Am.. Continue reading→
New details about — and a new trailer for — The Shack
With seven weeks to go before the film comes out, new details about The Shack — and a new trailer for the film — have come online. First, Publishers Weekly has a profile of The Shack novelist William Paul Young, who notes that a significant change has been made to the story’s main character: Although Young called the film a “faithful adaptation” to his novel, the author noted a major difference between the main character in the book, Mack, and the character onscreen. “I framed the book within so.. Continue reading→
The Story of God: Chosen
Photo by Ted, Flickr. CC Licensing. Season two of “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman” debuts Monday, Jan. 16, at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central) on the National Geographic Channel. Once again, I’ll be writing about it here each week from a Christian perspective as a preview. The first episode of the season deals with “The Chosen One.” Given its topic — chosen people in various religions — I initially assumed that this first episode would deal with the central figures of various faiths. Jesus, Mohamm.. Continue reading→
Return to “The Story of God” on Jan. 16
(Photo credit: National Geographic Channels/Matthew Paul Turner) One of the highlights of last year was writing about National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman.” Being part of Patheos’ “blogging carnival” was a great writing experience and a chance for me to re-examine my faith. I was deeply challenged by that discussion and, in the end, it made my faith stronger. National Geographic Channel will debut season two of “The Story of God” on Monday, Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Centra.. Continue reading→
Box office: Hidden Figures nearly beats Rogue One
A movie about the space race nearly beat Star Wars at the box office this week. Hidden Figures, which tells the true story of three African-American women whose mathematical and scientific prowess was key to NASA’s success in the early 1960s, grossed an estimated $21.8 million between Thursday and Sunday nights. That was nearly tied with Rogue One, which earned $22 million this week — though Hidden Figures could pull ahead when the final figures come out tomorrow. Hidden Figures went into wide r.. Continue reading→
From “Rogue One” to “Empire Strikes Back”: What I watched on my winter vacation
Don’t let the headline mislead you: this isn’t all about “Star Wars.” As I write this, I’m coming off a very long vacation. On Dec. 23, I left work for two weeks to enjoy the holidays and recuperate from a very busy fall. I go back to work and school tomorrow and, as providence would have it, it’s also shaping up to be a busy week for this blog. For now, I’m enjoying the last few hours of break. It wasn’t the greatest vacation — quite a few stressors made it a bit hectic — but for the first time.. Continue reading→
Music
Back To Life by Anthony Evans
Recording Artist and Worship Leader Anthony Evans' highly-anticipated new album Back To Life releases February 3, 2017 through Sherman James Productions. A collection of worship songs, this new album features NBC's The Voice alumnus on 11 worship-themed tracks exploring authenticity, vulnerability, honesty and the way that the culmination of those three things brought him Back to Life. It marks Evans' eighth solo studio album and will be available through all digital retailers and exclusively at Lifeway Christian Stores. Back To Life is available for pre-order on January 6, 2017. "Over the last year, God has given me one revelation after[...] Continue reading→
Canopy by nobigdyl.
"I wrote Canopy coming out of a time of isolation and darkness. It felt like my life was completely falling apart and I'd have to start over again from nothing. God showed me that sometimes there's safety and protection in isolation. Sometimes, the darkness makes it easier to see the light," confessed nobigdyl. when speaking of the anticipated release. 'Canopy' is nobigdyl.'s first album release since his debut in 2015 with the 'Smoke Signal' EP. Check out indie tribe and nobigdyl at his website, nobigdyl.com.[...] Continue reading→
Kat&Jared EP by Kat&Jared
"Everyone goes through difficult seasons. When we're in those seasons we can either choose to magnify our problems or we can magnify who God is. These five songs are really just a collection of songs that celebrate the life that comes by choosing to enter into God's presence." Kat Hartmann Kat&Jared, Kat and Jared Hartmann, are worship leaders and songwriters whose passion is to help people discover the life that comes from friendship with God and spending time in His presence. Kat and Jared spent the first nine years of their marriage traveling the world with Flyleaf, a platinum selling[...] Continue reading→
Nu Age Soul EP by Phil J.
Phil J. released his new completely self-written, produced, and mixed free EP project.[...] Continue reading→
Blessings (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – Single by Lecrae
Lecrae is taking a shot at radio with his new single, "Blessings," that drops tomorrow (January 27). After more than a decade in the industry, the Atlanta MC has hustled his way through the independent scene often carrying the sometimes-dreaded title of "Christian rapper." But perhaps that label is what will make his version of "Blessings" stand out, as he explained to HipHopDX before his show at The Roxy on Wednesday (January 25). "I get to change the narrative a little bit, let people see some of the behind-the-scenes of what I mean when I say it and my perspective," Lecrae[...] Continue reading→
Signs & Wonders by Watoto Children’s Choir
Watoto presents a brand new children's choir tour and album, Signs Wonders, that celebrates the joy of salvation. The choir, whose members are orphans and other vulnerable children, present new worship music from Watoto Church in Uganda.[...] Continue reading→
After All These Years by Brian & Jenn Johnson
More than 10 years since their last solo release, Bethel Music's Brian Jenn Johnson will debut their highly anticipated album After All These Years on January 27, capturing the wonder, conviction, and tenderness of heart behind the story of who they've become and who they've remained over the past season. Cowriting every song on the album together, After All These Years varies stylistically from previous projects, as each track is marked by a distinct and bright 80-piece symphony orchestra paired with timeless lyrics and instrumentation. Songwriting, leading worship and overseeing Bethel Church's Worship Department for over 15 years, the album[...] Continue reading→
FUTUREGEN by AMP
FUTUREGEN, AMP's Junior release, shines a spotlight on the Future Generation and the expansive potential they hold. A symphony that swings from modern electronica to grand orchestrals, the album brings into focus the next rising generation, rallying them on to run toward the prime joy of making Christ known and glorified. The track list, featuring AMP's signature sound and lyricism, is both electric and vertical, passionate and authentic, contagious and full of praise. It exhibits the musical and spiritual growth of each individual in the group, and in doing so, overflows into an active encouragement for all believers to vigorously[...] Continue reading→
Books
The Theology Professor and His Ailing Wife
Life brings occasions, both good and bad, that serve as natural chapter breaks in our own narrative. Dealing with the good ones is enjoyable, and there’s usually time to prepare for things like a wedding and the birth of a child. There’s no preparation for the bad ones, though. They happen, and you flee to wherever—whomever—you find refuge. For John Feinberg, longtime professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and his wife, Pat, that day came on Novemb.. Continue reading→
Men who won’t work
Nearly a third of American men aren’t working. These include the unemployed, men who can’t find jobs. But there are two-and-half times more men who aren’t even trying to find a job. Because their lack of work is voluntary, they aren’t counted in the unemployment rate. But the number of men between 25 to 54 who are “economically inactive” is soaring. This has nothing to do with educational attainment, the business cycle, or the availability of jobs. Many men just don’t feel that traditional mascu.. Continue reading→
Four Myths Christians Believe About Politics
Back in February, we at the Summit hosted a forum addressing the interaction between the gospel and politics. As the past few months have taught us, politics can be a messy, confusing, infuriating venture. Christians often don’t know what to do with politics—myself included. On one side, I feel like I may not be speaking up enough on key issues. On the other side, I feel like I may be speaking up too much and causing a stumbling block for the gospel. That’s the tension I wrestle with, and that m.. Continue reading→
Turning 40 While Single and Childless
I was 28 years old the first time someone called me “barren.” At a book club hosted by one of my friends, I met a 22-year-old graduate student who had just moved to the city. After our group discussion, she and I ended up in the kitchen talking about food, life, and expectations. As I shared with her the story of my recent broken engagement, I confessed, “I thought I’d be married by now.” Later that week, she emailed to say she enjoyed our conversation and that she, too, thought she’d be “marr.. Continue reading→
Ten Ways Jesus Ruined His Own Campaign
It’s campaign and election season for all of us, but I’m even deeper in campaign mode than usual. I’m in the throes of my husband’s run for the state house while also in my own “campaign”—publisher’s terminology—as my tenth book releases this week. And that book (Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus through the Storms, the Fish, the Doubt and the Seas) is itself the fruit of following Jesus’ three-year campaign in Galilee. To better understand those events, I hiked the Gospel Trail solo around t.. Continue reading→
5 Books to Read Before Voting in a Presidential Election
Peter Wehner, former presidential aide, helps us wrestle with deeper issues than Candidate A versus Candidate B. Campaign season has a way of raising everyone’s blood pressure, inflaming partisan passions and cultural resentments. How can we step back from a ferocious news cycle and find enduring wisdom on how to approach the task of choosing a national leader? CT asked Peter Wehner, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and a veteran of three Republican presidential administrati.. Continue reading→
Free Stuff Fridays (Nabeel Qureshi Edition)
This week’s Free Stuff Fridays is sponsored by Zondervan. There will be 5 winners this week and each of them will receive a great package of material from Nabeel Qureshi. The winners will receive: No God but One: Allah or Jesus? “Former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi’s new, New York Times bestselling book No God but One examines the most important questions at the intersection of Islam and Christianity. Nabeel shares stories from his life and ministry, casts new light on current events, and explores pivotal incidents in the histories of both religions, providing a resource that is gripping and thought-provoking, respectful and challenging. Readers of Qureshi’s first book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, will appreciate this careful and respectful comparison of Islam and Christianity. While Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus showed us the conversion of Nabeel’s heart, this new follow-up, No God but One, shows us the conversion of Nabeel’s mind. Both religions teach that there is No God but One, but thi.. Continue reading→
Friendship Evangelism Is Not Dehumanizing
In her new book, Joyful Witness in the Muslim World: Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Encounters, Evelyne Reisacher—an associate professor of Islamic studies and intercultural relations at Fuller Theological Seminary—casts a vision for Christians entering relationships with Muslims based on shared joys. She does so by tracing how these relationships can blossom in six spheres: the internet, the arts, environmentalism, humanitarian service, urban contexts, and theological conversations. Relation.. Continue reading→
The Life They Never Expected: Andrew and Rachel Wilson on Raising Special-Needs Kids
Parents, particularly those of children with special needs, are bombarded with how-to books and advice. But a book that addresses the parent’s heart is a rare find. Andrew and Rachel Wilson provide just that as they chronicle their emotional and spiritual story as their son, Zeke, and then daughter, Anna, are diagnosed with autism in The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs [review] (Crossway, 2016). The book reflects.. 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..