Reading Time: 4 minutesAfter I had become a believer in Jesus, I wrestled with many questions. However, the one issue I dealt with more than any was: Can I lose my salvation? This question haunted me and dealt a severe and vicious blow to my spiritual confidence. Why did I think this way? Were my fears justified?
Reading Time: 7 minutesAs I ambled into the house Tuesday night, I was met with: “Dad, it happened again.” Out of curiosity, I queried: “What happened again, son.” With a tinge of anger, shock and sadness, Marvin Jr. said: “Two white police officers shot another black man.” Inherent in his relaying this information was a cry for a village talk – wisdom in the midst of confusion and questions. What should and could I say to my 19-year-old black son?
Reading Time: 3 minutesI am an imperfect pastor. I make mistakes. I hurt people with my words and actions. And my parents, pastors, and mentors taught me that if you hurt someone or offend someone, you say: “I’m sorry” and ask the person to forgive you. The other morning I was impressed with the thought of how I have hurt and offended my Heavenly Father, and how I needed to tell him, “I’m sorry.”
Reading Time: 3 minutesWe tend to be more sympathetic and willing to help people who are innocent victims, people who have fallen into trouble through no fault of their own. What about the stupid people? Do stupid people deserve our compassion and help? Most of us would be less sympathetic and not willing to help. “They made their bed; let them lie in it.” But, Jesus tells a surprising story to help us understand how the way we think about and treat stupid people might be all wrong.
Reading Time: 3 minutesI hate pain. Though it is useful and an indicator that something is wrong, I don’t like it. This is not shocking news, right? I don’t know anyone who likes or enjoys pain. Yet, our pain can be purposeful. God uses it as a platform to compose his greatest work in our lives.
Reading Time: 5 minutesLove the sinner, hate the sin. I believe these six words cause unquantifiable pain and erode the public perception of followers of Jesus. “Love the sinner, hate the sin” seems innocent and even spiritual, but I believe can be a dangerous Christian cliche. Here are at least several reasons why it is and why we should stop using it.
Reading Time: 4 minutesHearing about the disgusting and outrageous tragedy this morning at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, my heart sank, and I began to weep – 50 dead and 53 injured. This mass shooting is the deadliest in United States history. The shooter has been identified as Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, and officials have identified it as a terrorist attack. Sitting here with my family, listening and watching the reports, I ask: How should Christians respond to this tragedy?
Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen we tweet or post something on social media, it can be a great avenue to help people stay connected and spark healthy conversation. Unfortunately, it a place where people think they can use their words to display their ignorance, the depth of their depravity, and vulgarity, without any significant consequences. Well, on the internet, “words create worlds,” and one Cleveland Cavaliers fan found out that his words created a world of unemployment for him.
Reading Time: 4 minutesWe all woke up to some very sad news today. After battling Parkinson’s Disease for the last three decades, Muhammad Ali, an American sports icon, died from respiratory complications in a Phoenix hospital last night. He was 74-years old. Another legend spoke his lines, exited stage right, and now the curtains are now drawn on his life. What lessons can we learn from this legend?
Reading Time: 4 minutesOn Tuesday, Trey Pearson, lead singer of the popular Christian rock band, Everyday Sunday, shocked the Christian community by coming out as gay. This is no small story in the evangelical Christian community. Whether you listen to Trey Pearson’s music or not, this news is important for the Christian community and deserves a response.