Advent 2025, Week 2: Isaiah 9, Part 4 We just had a new baby in our family. Our second son and his wife had their first, a son, a month ago. I was holding my new baby grandson recently, as he was sleeping, and I noticed his blond eyelashes. Not typical for my family, but soContinue reading “The government is on the shoulders of a baby?”
Tag Archives: politics
Christians have been discipled by outrage culture – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 4
It is simply human nature that the people in a church family will not always agree with one another. Hear what Paul has to say about that in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 14–15, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient withContinue reading “Christians have been discipled by outrage culture – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 4”
The active life choices of a heart like God’s – David’s heart after God, Part 2
David’s psalms are like his personal prayer journal. When you put them together, we can learn a lot about what David thought. In the rest of the posts this week, we’re going to look at how David writes about the heart in his psalms. Through David’s comments on the heart, we will learn more aboutContinue reading “The active life choices of a heart like God’s – David’s heart after God, Part 2”
Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5
Recent legislation in Oklahoma requires the teaching of the Bible in all public schools. What should Christians think about this? What are the specifics of the Oklahoma mandate? Starting fall 2024, all Oklahoma public school classrooms, grades 5–12, must have a physical copy of the Bible, and the teachers must teach it. The Oklahoma StateContinue reading “Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5”
There is no one obvious biblical way to vote – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 4
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”
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”
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”
Human approaches to justice are often convoluted, but what about God’s approach? – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Preview
I am an adjunct professor, and in class recently I did something that the students were not prepared for. I raised my hand. Let me explain. I am teaching the Gospels, and one of the projects the students do is a group presentation on a section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each week aContinue reading “Human approaches to justice are often convoluted, but what about God’s approach? – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Preview”
My TV show idea that should replace election debates – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 5
I have a TV show idea that I think would be a hit. I would call it The Padded Room. Here’s how it would work. The set would be a padded room filled with hidden cameras. Real people will volunteer to enter the room. Once inside, they cannot leave. They can’t get hurt because theContinue reading “My TV show idea that should replace election debates – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 5”
How to honor leaders who are dishonorable – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 4
During the devastating war between Philistia and Israel (1 Samuel 31), King Saul and three of his sons were killed. There is now a vacuum of leadership in Israel. What happens to fill that vacuum? In 2 Samuel chapter 2, verses 1-7, we learn that David finally becomes king! Well…kind of. David inquires of God,Continue reading “How to honor leaders who are dishonorable – 1 Samuel 31—2 Samuel 2:7, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 