Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Because we are citizens of the Kingdom of Jesus, my opinion is that there could be many ballot measures for which it could beContinue reading “There is no one obvious biblical way to vote – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 4”
Monthly Archives: October 2024
What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3
In light of upcoming ballot measures in some states, is Matthew 22:18-21 actually arguing for a separation of church and state? Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Are there otherContinue reading “What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3”
Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2
Catholics deeply respect Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a helpful way that many Protestants and evangelicals do not, and that is to our detriment. Mary is a wonderful example of a heart for God. But should we pray to her, and does she pray for us? How do Catholics come to that conclusion? ItContinue reading “Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2”
When it comes to Mary, Protestants and Catholics agree on a lot – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 1
What does the Bible teach about Mary as intercessor? Let me give me you a one word answer: nothing. The Bible teaches nothing about Mary as intercessor. So why do Catholics believe that people can pray to Mary and Mary will intercede for them? Have you ever heard the phrase “Hail Mary?” In our cultureContinue reading “When it comes to Mary, Protestants and Catholics agree on a lot – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 1”
Praying to Mary, Separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Preview
This coming week on the blog is another Q & A week. The way it works is that I receive questions from my congregation, Faith Church in Lancaster, PA, and then I not only attempt to answer those questions in my sermon, but I also blog them here. First, we’re going to talk about whyContinue reading “Praying to Mary, Separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Preview”
Do not give up on your dreams – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 5
Kim Hale is a dancer whose dream is to dance on Broadway. But in her 20s and 30s, it didn’t happen for her. So she moved to California, and eventually became a dance teacher. A one point she stop dancing, and her dream faded away. Before I tell you what happened to her and howContinue reading “Do not give up on your dreams – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 5”
A shocking reason for famine in Israel (and an equally shocking solution) – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 4
Famine is awful. I’m from the northeastern USA, so I know nothing of famine. In fact, weather reporters in my region regularly report on how much rain we’ve gotten in a given month or year, and many times they will say we are in a drought when our rainfall total is simply below average. InContinue reading “A shocking reason for famine in Israel (and an equally shocking solution) – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 4”
What happened when David’s peace delegation was shamed by the Ammonites – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 3
Could you imagine if a peace delegation from the USA went to North Korea, and the North Koreans forcibly shaved the heads of the men and women in our delegation, and then cut off their garments at the waist and kicked them out of the country? What kind of response do you think the USContinue reading “What happened when David’s peace delegation was shamed by the Ammonites – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 3”
Leadership that does what is just and right – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 2
Ancient Israel was a theocracy. A theocracy is a nation that is organized around a religious system. For Israel, God was their true king, and his law was the law of the land. God was the true Shepherd of the people. David was only an undershepherd. Great Britain had some similarities to theocracy. The KingContinue reading “Leadership that does what is just and right – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 2”
How abandoned buildings help us understand the Conquest of Canaan – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 1
When you go on vacation, you lock up your house, and you expect to return after a week or two to a house that is just as you left it. But what would happen if you were gone for a lot longer than that? At what point does property get condemned and given or soldContinue reading “How abandoned buildings help us understand the Conquest of Canaan – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 