In the nine months before October 2002, the date I began ministry at Faith Church, I worked at my denomination’s then seminary, Evangelical School of Theology, as the Director of the Annual Fund.* I had heard of the denomination, the Evangelical Congregational Church, and I had heard of the seminary, but this was the firstContinue reading “The bread that almost got me fired – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Preview”
Tag Archives: Evangelical
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”
How Christians can avoid getting sucked into outrage culture – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 5
We Christians are known for practicing the ethics of the Kingdom of Jesus: truth-telling, humility, selfless sacrifice, generosity, hope, peacemaking, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Or are we? Sadly, across our country some Christians have chosen anger, meanness, spite, bitterness, and attack. We American Christians far too often in recent years, haveContinue reading “How Christians can avoid getting sucked into outrage culture – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 5”
Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4
A few weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit, and I already discussed verses 26-27. I think it would be good to read it again, now that we are reading it in context. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from theContinue reading “Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4”
Some important definitions and cautions about… – Creating Culture, Part 2
In his book Culture Making, Andy Crouch suggests that “the only way to change culture is to create more of it.”[1] If he is right, the Christian approach to changing culture is to create new culture. So in this post, let’s take a look at some definitions and cautions to help us think Christianly about creatingContinue reading “Some important definitions and cautions about… – Creating Culture, Part 2”
How to shatter your Jesus box (and why you need to) – John 7:1-52, Part 5
What happened when the religious leaders sent the temple police to arrest Jesus? Jesus was out in the open there in the temple courts. The police should have no problem arresting him. But in the previous post, there is no mention of the police. You’d think they would have shown up and put Jesus inContinue reading “How to shatter your Jesus box (and why you need to) – John 7:1-52, Part 5”
When you disagree with your church, you should stay? – Current Events Q3 2021, Part 5
What should you do when you disagree with your church, or with the people in your church? In the previous post, I referred to a podcast that lists three options. 1. Stay, but don’t speak up. 2. Stay and work for change. 3. Leave. If you haven’t read it already, check out the previous post,Continue reading “When you disagree with your church, you should stay? – Current Events Q3 2021, Part 5”
“Words that bring smiles” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 4
Want some news to bring a smile to your face? As we continue studying Colossians 1:1-8, look at verse 4. Paul says that he has heard good things about the Christians, news he is thankful for, and as a result he wants to keep encouraging them. Word has spread through the Christian network, which reliedContinue reading ““Words that bring smiles” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 4″
How “majority rules” can be so good and so bad
Do you believe that “majority rules?” I am reminded of the game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, and their “Ask The Audience” tool. If a contestant doesn’t know the answer to a trivia question, they have the option, one-time only, to ask the audience which answer the audience would choose. Audience members thenContinue reading “How “majority rules” can be so good and so bad”
Engaging Scripture 