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
Don’t Waste Your Suffering #3
Our idols from the past and future in particular maim God, chopping off his powerful arms, tearing out his loving heart, silencing his tender words. But worse, in all, we stand at the foot of the cross and look the Father in the eye and say, “It wasn’t enough for you to crucify your Son, you should have done this for me too. You should have given me Jesus plus _________.” That’s what idols drive us to. And it’s ugly. Picture two avid sportsmen. Both Christians. Both sustain a career threatening..Continue reading→
2 Problems with Social Action in Missions
To put it in mathematical terms, there are two problems with today’s rush to embrace social reform missions. The Social Gospel is a problem of subtraction: it subtracts essential theology—sin and repentance—from the church’s message. Social reform projects, on the other hand, threaten the church in a different way: by addition. When resource-consuming social projects are added to the church’s agenda, those resources can’t be used for proclamation ministries. It’s a zero-sum game: what’s given to..Continue reading→
The Problem with the Islamic View of Paul (Qureshi)
“The common Muslim view of Paul has significant problems even when considered from an Islamic perspective. First, what happened to the disciples? How were they so easily overcome by Paul that either they were convinced by his trickery and followed him, or their voices were completely drowned out and there is no record of their dissent? Was this outsider that much more powerful than Jesus that he was able to undo all of Jesus’ work and teachings? As a Muslim, I never provided a model as to how th..Continue reading→
Am I a Controlling Person?
The price of this attempt to control is an inability to show or share feelings, reluctance to trust anyone, loneliness, the stress of being perfect in everything, the fear of embarrassment, an over-sensitive conscience, a phobia about trying anything new, and an inability to relax and enjoy the moment. In pages 10-12 of Too Perfect, Mallinger provides 25 self-test questions. In Too Perfect: When Being in Control Gets out of Control, Allen Mallinger asserts that the central dynamic in the obsess..Continue reading→
Life & Society
Franklin Graham Claims Christians Should ‘Hold Your Nose’ and Vote for Either Clinton or Trump
Franklin Graham stated at a rally in Washington this past week that Christians need to vote in upcoming presidential election, even it means that they “hold their nose” in the process. “You’re just going to have to ask yourself: which of the two do you think we as Christians will at least have a voice with,” Graham told those gathered at his “Decision America” event in Olympia, according to the Seattle Times. “You have to make that choice,” he later stated. “This year has been entertaining. I ..Continue reading→
United Methodists Nominate Three Openly Homosexual Candidates for Bishop Despite Prohibition
Two jurisdictions under the United Methodist Church have nominated openly homosexual candidates for bishop despite prohibitions against such appointments. Karen Oliveto, David Meredith and Frank Wulf were all nominated during the meetings of the Western and North Central jurisdictions last month, with their nomination being publicly announced earlier this week by Reconciling Ministries, a homosexual advocacy group that professes to be Christian. Executive Director Matt Berryman asserted that t..Continue reading→
Welby on Brexit fallout: ‘I’m praying and trusting God for the right leaders in the UK’
The Archbishop, along with other faith leaders, has spoken about the tumultuous political climate in the UK in recent weeks. Archbishop Justin Welby today said he is praying and trusting in God for the right leaders to move the UK forward following Britain's shock vote to leave the EU last week. "I think one of the greatest blessings I've relished in the United Kingdom is that we change leadership by discussion, by robust, vigorous even pretty venomous discussion at times, but by discussion, not by other means that you see round the world," Archbishop Welby told Sky News. "Yes, there is competition in the two parties. We pray, we trust that we will have the leaders we need, and we know that in a democracy, if they aren't – we change them." The Archbishop, along with other faith leaders, has been vocal about the tumultuous political climate in the UK in recent weeks. Ahead of the referendum vote on June 23 he announced that he would be voting to remain in the ..Continue reading→
Faith leaders condemn rise in racial hatred after EU referendum
The Archbishop of Canterbury greets Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at Lambeth Palace The three main faith leaders in Britain have warned against the growing amount of "racial hatred" in the wake of the EU referendum. In a letter to The Times, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, say that in times of uncertainty it is normal for people instinctively to crave the familiar. But they say fear must not be allowed to breed mistrust of "the other". "So many of the political, social and economic consequences of the result of the European Union referendum remain unknown but, in less than a week, increasing reports of intercommunal discord and racial hatred are cause for the gravest concern," they say. Much lies outside individual control, but everyone can conquer their instinct to blame others.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→
I’m Not Ashamed – Single by Jeremy Camp
Track Listing 01. I'm Not AshamedContinue reading→
The Creepier EP…er by Relient K
Track Listing 01. The Halloween Blues 02. The Cup 03. Halloween in Owatonna Continue 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
Another “Lifestyle Choice” — Trans-Species
Nano, a 20-year-old Norwegian, says, “I was born in the wrong species.” Nano believes she is trapped in a human female body instead of a feline body. A woman who hisses at dogs, claims her night vision and sense of smell is better because she is really a cat. She even meows in “cat language.” The Daily Mail reports: Sadly, such “lifestyle choices” are nothing more than disordered affections, in some cases mental disorders, which enable people to reject truth and condone wrong and delusional beha..
The Myth of the ‘Moderate Muslim’
Below is a guest post from my friend and Liberty Alliance colleague, J. Matt Barber which was first published on his site: BarbWire.com. “When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them.” – The Quran, Surah 9:5 When it comes to the global scourge of orthodox Islam, the Western world, which Islamists expressly seek to “destroy from within,” is an upside-down realm wherein objective facts, logic and reason ..
O Holy Night– Unique History, Watch Beautiful Performance
“O Holy Night,” one of the most beautiful Christmas carols worshipping the birth of Jesus Christ, was written by an atheist. Not just an atheist, but an avowed atheist and vocal anti-cleric. In 1843 a local parish church in Roquemaure, France, completed renovating its organ. To celebrate this joyous event that coincided with Christmas, the parish priest asked Placide Cappeau (1808-1877), a wine merchant, poet, and native of Roquemaure, to write a Christmas poem for the celebration. Cappeau agree..