… [Read more...] about Matt Chandler’s Controversial Sermon at Elevation Church/Code Orange
Masters, Slaves and Scripture: A Template for Christian Political Involvement?
We are smack dab in the middle of a political season. Frankly, I am glad that the Iowa caucuses are an historical event now and I can answer my phone again without listening to a prerecorded political message. But, on the other hand, I got wrapped up in the race this time. I attended the caucus for only the second time and I even spoke on behalf of a candidate. My candidate, Rick Santorum, won our caucus by a huge margin - I claim credit for his statewide win! (In case you haven't heard, the recount showed that Santorum won Iowa by about 35 votes instead of losing it by 8.) I got into … [Read more...] about Masters, Slaves and Scripture: A Template for Christian Political Involvement?
Joe Paterno: A Life Defined by One Mistake?
I already know two things: 1) As a long time Penn State and JoePa fan, I'm thinking with my heart here more than anything. 2) I may get killed a little for these comments. Joe Paterno passed away just a few moments ago. I checked ESPN.com just before I went into our early service and nothing was posted. By the time I came out, his death had been announced. And it makes me sad. I can't remember a time when Joe Paterno was not the coach of the Nittany Lions. He was an institution at the institution of higher education from which my father graduated. If Joe had died last year, … [Read more...] about Joe Paterno: A Life Defined by One Mistake?
Issue: Should NE Patriots’ Fans be Excommunicated?
One of the issues in the church in recent years has been the necessity of church discipline. You may find tomorrow that your church is confronted by a serious moral quandary. Can your church permit members who cheer for the NE Comrades to remain in full fellowship? It's a difficult issue. Certainly, cheering for the spawn of Belichick is evil - we all know that. But is it the kind of evil we should divide over and institute church discipline because of? Ultimately, the question is, how can light partner with darkness? How can good cheer for evil? So, I hope that each of you who … [Read more...] about Issue: Should NE Patriots’ Fans be Excommunicated?
The Essence of Baptist Blogging?
Fear Not – (Richard Cisco)
Does Malachi 2:16 Condemn All Divorce?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Does Malachi 2:16 Condemn All Divorce?
Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: The OT Foundation – Does God Hate All Divorce?
NOTE: I have just released a book which compiles (and edits and expands) these posts. It is called "Disqualified? What the Bible Says about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry." It is available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version will be released in the next couple of days - not sure what the hold-up is there. This book reviews the biblical evidence on divorce and remarriage, beginning with the cornerstone in the Old Testament - the twin principles of God's intent of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman and the understanding of the brokenness caused by sin. It then lays the … [Read more...] about Divorce, Remarriage and Ministry: The OT Foundation – Does God Hate All Divorce?
Are Christians LOUSY Tippers?
Forgive me for venting, but it makes me really mad. I heard it again recently - this time from my son. He waits tables at a national chain restaurant near our home (think soup, salad, breadsticks and pasta) and he confirmed what I had heard before. Servers do not want to work Sunday mornings because "the church crowd" doesn't tip well. That fries my bacon! The servers at your local restaurant make about 2/3 of minimum wage - or even less. They only get paid a decent wage if you tip. And if you don't tip them, they probably don't feel too warm and fuzzy about you later. And if … [Read more...] about Are Christians LOUSY Tippers?
I Baptize Children: Does That Make Me Paedobaptist?
This was originally published at sbcIMPACT a couple of years ago. We had a lively discussion then. William Thornton's article this morning got me thinking about it. I've revised it a little. For the record, the baptisms referenced in the first paragraph were a couple of years ago, not yesterday. Last Sunday I baptized five children in our early worship service. In the next couple of weeks, there are 4 or 5 more that are waiting in the wings to publicly picture the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Many are the fruit of an evangelistic family which adopts children and brings them … [Read more...] about I Baptize Children: Does That Make Me Paedobaptist?