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?
Who Knew Good Seminaries Could Be So Dangerous?
I spend almost 8 years in a very good Seminary & Bible College. I am greatly blessed by the correct information I received. But when I look back there was some dangerous lessons that never made the official syllabus. Who I am supposed to admire... What I am supposed to believe... Where I am supposed to find answers … Why I am supposed to think a certain way ... How I am supposed to deal with impossible questions... I had very good training for a ministry without risk. I've got heroes to emulate, mantras to disseminate, the right books to mediate, theological systems to … [Read more...] about Who Knew Good Seminaries Could Be So Dangerous?
Does Intent Trump Impact?
Ever watch a bunch of cows jammed into a pen before an auction, branding, or health check? Too many bovines packed into too little real estate; the crowding makes it easier to direct them all out the one-cow gate and down the chute. It’d be fine if they didn’t all weigh 2,000 pounds and didn’t go around manuring all over the place while having large pointed weapons on their heads. Invariably, one steer will back into another. Somebody gets poked in an unpleasant place and before you know it, a large four-legged steak is lying on his rump roast wondering what in blue blazes just … [Read more...] about Does Intent Trump Impact?
Five For Fighting
With apologies to John Ondrasik's band of the same name, and in response to Dave Miller's humble yet impassioned plea for content, I introduce five "short" topics for your consideration. No, these ideas are not developed into full-length feature articles. Is that always necessary? I re-read Jack London's "To Build a Fire" this morning, appreciating both his master storytelling and his brevity. Why take forever to say something if you can say it briefly? 1. Rooftop Sex in the Bible So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of … [Read more...] about Five For Fighting
What about Followership?
It's election time, and all the candidates are talking about leadership. Leadership in the buzz word in business, organizations and there is no shortage of people talking about leadership in the church. I have half a dozen books within eye shot that deal exclusively with the issue of leadership. We talk about leadership a lot, but I want to talk about something a little different. Followership. I heard from Chris Tomlin once where he was talking about leading worship. He talked about how often time worship leaders spend a great deal of energy trying to get the congregation to worship, … [Read more...] about What about Followership?
Rainy Day Planning – Wise or Disobedient?
In his famous and wonderful devotional book My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers warns “Do Not Calculate Without God”. So often we make our plans and neglect to honestly factor God and His will first and foremost in them. By contrast Chambers lists three points in his devotional for July 5th (I was flipping through and came across it). First, the obvious, “Don’t calculate without God.” Second, “Don’t calculate with evil in view”; we know there is evil in the world, but we ought to live and plan in ways that don’t exhibit a guardedness because the world is evil. Third, “Don’t calculate … [Read more...] about Rainy Day Planning – Wise or Disobedient?
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?