Would Jesus Choose Unity or Polarization
To ask, would Jesus choose unity or polarization may seem at first blush an easy question because it’s clear that the Bible does teach believers to be set apart from the world. But to engage in the sort of political fighting we are witnessing is not reconcilable with the Jesus of the Bible. In the […]
A Brief Survey of Blended Church and State
A brief history of blended church and state shows that such mixing is always bad for both. Before we go further let me be clear that good government must be based upon sound biblical principles. But the church should never exist in service to the state. Likewise, It is fruitless and harmful for the government […]
The Church Consumer
I recently had a spat with my pharmacy. When they could not fill my prescription, I went somewhere else. When I upgrade my cell phone, I go to the store dressed for battle. I want to come away with the best possible deal. The church consumer is also looking for a deal. He needs to […]
The Forgotten Sin
I get it. Nobody likes to talk about sin, but sometimes we need to. The turmoil of the 21st century has obscured our view of sin with the result that there is now The Forgotten Sin. Some sins seem to reach out and grab us by the collar. The in-your-face wickedness makes us angry. But, […]
Are People Good?
Are people good? Are they inherently virtuous? Why does it seem that some people are good and honorable while others are dishonorable and even evil? As expected, there is a Bible answer. Beginnings Humanity began in Eden. The Bible tells us that as part of God’s creation week, he created the human species. Most importantly, […]
There’s Got to be a Better Way
I was sitting on a stone wall in front of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. I watched the world pass by. Young, old, infants and grandparents, moms and dads. I watched people from Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and, of course, the US. Men and women in high-dollar suits raced between meetings trying […]
Culture Has Failed. Now What?
Culture promised so much but delivered nothing. We were told that happiness comes from faster internet, more entertainment options, the sexual revolution, changing pronouns, legalized drugs, more alcohol, more credit, less work, and so on. But despite the promises, we’re still stressed and bubbling with anxiety. Happiness is elusive and, when found, so brief. Like […]
21 Dead in Uvalde
21 are dead in Uvalde, Texas. 21 people died in a convulsive act of madness. We ask why. Pundits on the news shows recycle the usual explanations and politicians pontificate. All this as 21 coffins are readied for burial. While news reports focus on everything from unlocked doors, and assault rifles, to slow response times, […]
Nothing New Under the Sun
Solomon said there was “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). He was right in so many ways. A comparison of 21st century American culture closely resembles ancient biblical days. Recently, I was struck by a story in the Old Testament book of Judges, chapters 17 and 18, which closely mirrors our secular society. I’m […]
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 The heart of Jesus’ message is love. First, we see his love toward us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8 et al). His insistence to his disciples to love your neighbor as yourself is also clear. If we would […]
