Reading Time: 4 minutesOver the last week, we have been brought face to face with misogyny. Some have concluded that it was just “macho talk,” “locker room talk,” or “nothing more than words.” It was nothing more than misogynistic trash. Yet, some critics of the Bible say Christians should not judge because the biblical writers teach and endorse misogyny. Is this true? Does the Bible support misogynistic behavior?
Reading Time: 3 minutesEveryone, I mean everyone, goes through tough times. Someone has said we have either left a tough time, are presently in the middle of a trial, or headed toward a tough time. The issue is not determining the nature of the trial, but what should our response be to these moments. So, how should we respond to tough times?
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Trump-Clinton presidential race has brought out the absolute worst in people, especially Christians. With verbal claws and fangs out, under the cloak of love for God, Republicans prey on Democrats and Democrats prey on Republicans. It is quite embarrassing. So, how should we respond to followers of Jesus who support Trump and Clinton?
Reading Time: 4 minutesClose to 100 million people watched the Trump/Clinton debate last night. The presidential debate was a highly anticipated event. As I looked at the first presidential debate, I learned at least five lessons.
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe racial tension in our country is distressing and heart-numbing. I hesitated to speak to anyone about it for fear of my words sounding trite and appearing impotent. When I learned of the shootings of Keith Scott and Terence Crutcher, I offered a prayer to our Father. When my son called me asking me to help him make sense of the shootings, I offered a prayer to our good, good Father.
Reading Time: 3 minutesOn September 11, 2001, I walked through a haze of grief, shock, and solemnity as I entered Calvary Church. Some ministry partners wept. However, others huddled around a television, with horror painted on their faces. I thought someone on our ministry team had died. It was something far more sinister and dark.
Reading Time: 2 minutesWelcome to Theology Thursday. Each Thursday, I will attempt to define a theological concept and give practical implications for daily living. Today, I will look at God’s providence. What does it mean and what are the practical implications for believing in the God’s providence?
Reading Time: 4 minutesIt’s Labor Day! Today, we celebrate and honor the American labor movement and all the workers who have contributed to the prosperity and strength of this country. No doubt, many will have cookouts, spending time with family and simply relax. As we enjoy the unofficial end of summer, let’s remember the original Labor Day.
One of the highlights of my recent trip to Kenya was meeting Ruth. Ruth – the woman pictured – used to be the high priestess of Satan and a famous witch doctor in a small Kenyan village, outside of Tala. Her fame as a witch doctor was so pervasive that even one of the pastors I was training was one of her consistent customers. Several months ago, she surrendered her life to Jesus and burned all her paraphernalia. Praise the Lord!!!!
There is power in the cross of Jesus. This power breaks every chain and sets people free. When Jesus died on the cross, he won victories over sin, temptation, the world, death, and over the devil. Ruth’s conversion and transformation is an example of Jesus’ power to defeat the enemy.
As a result of her conversion, she is now an witnessing to people in her village. Watching her worship Jesus, made me realize the power of the gospel to transform darkness into light. Also, I understand more than ever that worship is a weapon to defeat Satan and his dark forces.
As a result of her conversion, Satan is angry and is attacking her through hurting her family. Her husband and one of her sons have died, another child is sick. Her granddaughter has sores, from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. I don’t tend to see the enemy behind every bad thing that happens to believers. However, I believe these are malicious, Satanic attacks, designed to discourage her and tempt her to go back to working for Satan. Consequently, she experiences discouragement, and the enemy tempts her to go back to her former lifestyle.
Though this conflict is personal, strenuous, and continual, I believe Ruth is victorious in Jesus. Let’s pray the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) over Ruth and stand and fight with her. As we pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion, Ruth will fight and stand in God’s strength against Satan and his dark forces.
Jesus has shared his victory with us:
As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:36-37
Reading Time: 5 minutesSan Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, is making headlines, and it is not for football reasons. During the last three preseason football games, Kaepernick decided to sit during the singing of the national anthem. Is Kaepernick right or wrong to refuse to stand during the national anthem?