Ever found yourself looking for a way to initiate a
conversation about God, but not sure exactly how to start? I’ve been in similar
situations with people I don’t know (i.e. on airplanes, while waiting for a
seat in a restaurant, or while watching a soccer game), and I’ve tried a number
of approaches. I continue to return to one simple, effective question, however,
to start the most important of all conversations. I’ve come to believe this is
the most essential evangelistic question we can ask: “What do you think happens
when we die?”
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
How Should You Explain the Same-Sex Marriage Debate to Your Children?
How Should You Explain the Same-Sex Marriage Debate to Your Children? Russell Moore gives a few thoughts on talking to children about tough topics. He writes, "...This doesn’t mean that we rattle our children with information they aren’t developmentally ready to process. But we know how to navigate that already. We talk, for instance, about marriage itself, and we give age-appropriate answers to the “Where do babies come from?” query. The same is true here..."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Russell Moore on the Supreme Court
Russell Moore on the Supreme Court Russell Moore gives leadership to the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The link contains audio of Dr. Moore speaking to the next several lines of battle in our cultural war over the issues of homosexuality. The implications of this decision, he argues, will in the fullness of time, apply to all 50 states. But does this decision have further implications for legal intimidations for dissenters who have conscientious objections? Mark Mellinger talks with Russell Moore about these further implications and how Christians should consider this decision.
“Waiting for the Other Shoe” — The Supreme Court Rules on Same-Sex Marriage
Today the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on two cases involving same-sex marriage issues. The rulings were not overly surprising in their outcome but certainly disappointing. The days ahead for churches and believers who hold to a biblical worldview will be challenging. I am reminded that the Supreme Court is not my ultimate authority nor my ultimate judge in what is right and wrong. We will all answer to a Holy and Righteous Judge one day. I was also reminded of the words of Jesus, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you
may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I
have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NASB).
This essay by Al Mohler is helpful in understanding what the Supreme Court said and what it means for our country and our lives. Mohler writes: "It is virtually impossible to exaggerate the future impact
of the DOMA decision, but it is not yet a new Roe v. Wade.
Instead, it sets up a future legal challenge from any citizen in any
state that does not have legal same-sex marriage. The Court’s decision in that
future case, surely not long in our future, will be the new Roe v. Wade
– a sweeping decision that would create a new “right” that would mean
the coast-to-coast legalization of same-sex marriage. Today’s decisions do not
take us there, but they take us to the precipice of that sweeping decision.
That is especially true of the DOMA case."How the Court Could Rule on Same-Sex Marriage — New York Times
Many are expecting a ruling today
from the Supreme Court. Here are several options before the court.
The Supreme Court is set to
release decisions in two cases about same-sex marriage. While hearings in March
on California's ban on gay marriage were murky, hearings on the Defense of
Marriage Act were more clear, as the justices seemed ready to strike down a
central part of the act that bans federal benefits to gay spouses.
The court will decide whether
Proposition 8, a California voter initiative that defined marriage as a union
between a man and a woman, violates the federal Constitution.
The court will also decide
whether a part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 that defines
marriage to be "only a legal union between one man and one woman as
husband and wife" in determining federal benefits violates the
Constitution's equal protection clause.
5 Things You Need to Know About the Supreme Court’s Marriage Cases
We should be hearing the
decisions from the Supreme Court on Prop 8 and DOMA today (see “Now We Wait for the Ruling” to review what’s being
decided). Regardless of what happens, you can expect to see and hear a lot of
discussion on this topic on social media and among family and friends.
To equip you for that
conversation, Ryan Anderson has a helpful, concise article titled “5 Things You Need to Know about the Supreme Court’s Marriage
Cases.” It is not the “end-all” for this complex discussion but it will
give you a place to start. Here are the five things he covers:
1. Courts Shouldn’t Redefine
Marriage
2. President Obama and the
Government of California Didn’t Do Their Duty [defending laws passed by
citizens and legislators]
3. Telling the Truth About
Marriage Matters for Policy
4. Redefining Marriage Would Have
Bad Consequences
5. What You Can Do to Prepare for
the Rulings
It’s a short, readable article with links to follow for more
information (you can view a summary of the article as an infographic here). Post it, pass it on, and take a few minutes
to learn from it so you can engage others today graciously and persuasively.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
A Quick Guide to Family Worship
A Quick Guide to Family Worship - “Every Christian family ought to be as it were a little
church.” –Jonathan Edwards
Evangelicals are beginning to rediscover the great blessing
of family worship. Family worship is simply coming together as a family and
worshiping God in the home. In the same way we come together for a time of
corporate worship in the church, we also come together in the home for a time
of family worship that involves prayer, reading Scripture, and singing songs.
You may be thinking your family is too busy, but in reality,
are you?
This article provides simple steps for times of family worship. It doesn't have to be complicated. You'll be blessed.
Five Ways the Holy Spirit Works in the Life of a Believer
The Holy Spirit is often the forgotten member of the Trinity. This is a simple list of reminders of the key roles the Holy Spirit carries out in the lives of Christ-followers.
The Thrilling “Now” of Christian Mission
This is a good article on God's plan for the nations and where today's believers fit into God's sweeping plan.
"Just think of it. The God of the universe focused his
special revelation and redeeming work on one small ethnic people, Israel, for
2,000 years — from the calling of Abram in Genesis 12 to the coming of Christ.
For all that time “he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways” (Acts
14:16).
Then at the entry of his Son into the world, all this
changed.
As Jesus was leaving to return to heaven he said,
“Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in [my] name to
all nations” (Luke 24:47). “Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations” (Matthew 28:19). This was a pivotal change in the history of the
world."
14 Tips for Time Management
14 Tips for Time Management There's always room to get better at managing our time - because our time is our life.
Nature Deficit Disorder — Is Your Child at Risk?
Al Mohler writes in this essay - "Author Richard Louv believes that America’s children are now
suffering from a syndrome he identifies as “nature-deficit disorder.” In his
2005 book, Last Child in the Woods, Louv suggests that the current
generation of American children knows the Discovery Channel better than their
own backyards–and that this loss of contact with nature leads to impoverished
lives and stunted imagination."
Monday, June 24, 2013
What Do Non-Christians Really Think of Us?
What Do Non-Christians Really Think of Us? This is a revealing article that shares the comments of a non-Christian regarding her interaction with Christians. Her views of Christians are probably more common than we want to believe.
Why You Can't See Your Biggest Flaws
Why You Can't See Your Biggest Flaws This is a good article from Tim Keller, one of my favorite authors and speakers.
How Will the World Look in 2045?
If you are not a subscriber to Jim Denison's daily "news in spiritual perspective" you should be. Here's today's offering from Denison:
"The Global Futures 2045 Congress concluded
recently in New York City. Geneticists, technology entrepreneurs,
inventors, and futurists gathered
to discuss how the world will change over the next three
decades. Here's some of what they predict":
Sunday, June 23, 2013
9 Things You Should Know About the Bible
9 Things You Should Know About the Bible The primary thing everyone should know about the Bible is that, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16). But here are an additional 9 things that you should know about the best-selling book of all time:
The Big Story of the Bible
The Big Story of the Bible - The Old Testament
has intimidated and discouraged many would-be students of the Bible by its
seemingly unapproachable presence. But there is a way to read the Old
Testament, even Numbers and Leviticus, that will bless you and not send you
away in despair...
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Loving Muslims, While Rejecting Islam
For 20 years, Zane Pratt lived
and ministered the Christian gospel among Muslims in Central Asia. He knows the
religion well and is one of the foremost evangelical teachers on Islam. And
perhaps the first thing he’d say to Christians about Muslims is, “Don’t be
afraid.”
In beginning the discussion ofdifferences between Christians and Muslims he says, “We fundamentally disagree
on essentially everything.” In less than 15 minutes, Pratt gives us a veritable
“Islam 101” in this episode of Theology Refresh. In some ways it’s a
straightforward and simple religion, he says, able to be summarized in six
doctrines and five practices. He not only warns of misconceptions but
highlights the importance of Christian intentionality and hospitality in
seeking to extend the gospel to Muslims — whether in the U.S., the U.K., the
Middle East, or elsewhere.
The End of Exodus International
The End of Exodus International - Last Wednesday, the Board of
Directors of Exodus International reached a decision after a
year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing
culture. Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian
ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality is closing its doors after
three-plus decades of ministry.
This article provides links to several responses to this decision by Exodus International.
God’s Gracious Path to Costly Obedience
Our God Has A Name
Our God Has a Name - Julian Freeman writes: “Our God is personal. He relates. Fundamental to his very existence is the reality that he exists as a person in community. From eternity past the Father has loved the Son (John 17:24). He is a personal, relational-covenant-keeping God. And because he is personal, he has a name. I think it might be time for us to familiarize ourselves with it again.”
Thursday, June 20, 2013
7 Marks of a False Teacher
Tim Challies writes: "No one enriches hell more than false teachers. No one finds
greater joy in drawing people away from truth and leading them into error.
False teachers have been present in every era of human history, they have
always been a plague and have always been in the business of providing
counterfeit truth. While their circumstances may change, their methods
remain consistent."
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
20 Things You Need To STOP Doing…Right Now!
Most of us could find some personal applications in the list provided here by ministry and business leader Scott Williams:
1.
Stop placing your job above your family.
2.
Stop doubting yourself.
3.
Stop believing the lies.
4.
Stop settling for second best.
5.
Stop procrastinating.
6.
Stop making excuses.
7.
Stop standing paralyzed in awe of the success of others.
8.
Stop tippy-toeing on that line of sin.
9.
Stop being consumed with what other people think.
10.
Stop waiting until tomorrow to do the things you can do today.
11.
Stop limiting your dreams. Dream BIG!
12.
Stop treating people how you don’t want to be treated.
13.
Stop worrying about what people think.
14.
Stop being quiet when you know your supposed to speak up.
15.
Stop trying to fit in, you were made to stand out.
16.
Stop focusing on others. Look in the mirror!
17.
Stop asking for permission.
18.
Stop giving the least to those that matter the most.
19.
Stop being scared of failure.
20.
Stop saying “I Can’t!” – Remember: Can’t never could!
We are a Kanye
Odd Thomas writes, "Yesterday,
Kanye West’s latest album Yeezus dropped with the third track titled, “I Am A
God (Feat. God).” The song has already sparked reaction and has been likened to
John Lennon’s remarks about the Beatles’ being “more popular than Jesus.” But
maybe Kanye’s song is something we identify with more than we’d like to admit?"
FactChecker: Does College Cause Young Adults to Lose Their Faith?
FactChecker: Does College Cause Young Adults to Lose Their Faith? "Dedicated Christian parents work hard and pray diligently that their children will develop a strong and growing faith in their years at home. It's one of the most rewarding parts of parenting to watch this happen, and we want to make sure that faith continues to flourish as they leave our homes and go out into the world. That is why one of our greatest fears is that the secular university and its aggressively atheistic professors will lead our kids like away from the faith. Many Christian parents avoid secular schools for this very concern.
But do the years and experiences of college actually contribute to our young people losing or walking away from their faith? The answer - and the reasons for it - might surprise you..."
Free E-book from Covenant Eyes
Coming
Clean - Coming Clean is a new, free e-book from
Covenant Eyes that may be helpful to those who are engaged in the battle
against pornography.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Top 16 Worship Music Typos
Top 16 Worship Music Typos Just for fun. Once you've finished Acuff's list, read on down through the examples people shared in the comments section.
Why Boldness Matters Now
Jonathan Parnell notes the boldness of Christ-followers in the book of Acts and then writes:
"This vision of Christian boldness — of speaking
clearly about the identity and significance of Jesus — is increasingly relevant
in the day in which we live. This is worth highlighting, and there are two
reasons why. First, the pluralism around us means inevitable indoctrination.
Second, the more we’re marginalized, the greater the risk is that what’s
important will muffle what’s the most important."
Does The Bible Contain Errors?
While this article is brief and barely scratches the surface of the issue raised by its title, it is helpful for Bible believers in framing the discussion.
The author writes: "If God is real, and if the Bible is “God’s word,”
there’s a lot at stake when it comes to its reliability. So is the Bible
riddled with errors or is it a reliable revelation of God?"
A Prayer for Good Stewardship of Our Words
A Prayer for Good Stewardship of Our Words Scotty Smith with a good word on praying for the good use of our words.
Is There a Key to Godliness?
"The point of this post is to remind us that “every Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness” so that we might be “complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Every verse is profitable. Thousands of them."
See the full article...
Monday, June 17, 2013
Vacation Season
I
have lost the original source of this article. When I came across it today in
my files, I decided to post it. What can we do to make summer vacation season
count for ourselves and the Lord?
“A
church leader once approached Vance Havner, a famous Baptist preacher,
concerned that Dr. Havner was taking two months off that summer. “Don't you
realize that the devil never takes a vacation?” The witty preacher replied,
“Yes, but who, dear sir, wants to be like the devil?”
Jesus
told His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some
rest” (Mk.
6:31). We, too, must have regular rest, refreshment, and reflection if we
hope to maximize our faithfulness and fruitfulness. I believe the right
vacation offers a custom-made opportunity to experience these things.
The
kind of vacation I'm talking about, however, is not one in which you spend a
week frantically sprinting from one tourist attraction to the next;
“Disneyland” vacations will not facilitate soul rest. But if you're willing to
escape to a place where you have freedom to relax, a low-key vacation can
accomplish these seven purposes.
1.
Rest. Most of us need to slow down. Chronic exhaustion shortens our
tempers, undermines our relationships, and increases the likelihood of bad
decisions. A vacation can recharge our batteries, providing the physical and
spiritual rest our bodies and souls crave.
2.
Gratitude. Vacations can also foster thankfulness. After each phase of
creation, God stopped and observed, “It is good” (Genesis
1). We can pause during vacation and recall the good things God has done.
On my vacations, I write a “thankfulness list” to help me see all of the ways
He has been at work.
3.
Reflection. Restful vacations help us evaluate our priorities and commitments.
Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds to be alone with God and to pray (Mk.
1:35, Lk.
5:16). We also need to retreat from our routines to reflect on where we've
been and where we're going.
4.
Relationships. Vacations can renew our primary relationships with family
and friends. Sometimes we need time away to get an objective perspective on how
we're relating to the people closest to us. Then we can return to everyday life
with our most important relationships in balance.
5.
Grace. Vacations remind us that we live by grace. We may know that
salvation comes from God's grace alone, but we often fall prey to the
temptation to live by works. Slowing down can be uncomfortable for those of us
who are works-oriented; we find it tough to receive God's love on days we don't
accomplish anything more than a snooze in the shade. But we need these times to
remember that our work is not the only thing that matters.
6.
Refocusing. A break from our normal way of life offers us a chance to
reacquaint ourselves with spiritual disciplines we've disregarded—or to
initiate new ones. For example, my vacations have reignited a desire to
journal. Perhaps yours will jump-start your Bible reading, intercessory prayer,
or Scripture memorization.
7.
Imitation. By taking a break, we follow God's example. He rested after
six days of creative labor and instructed us to imitate Him (Ex.
20:8–11). The Sabbath commandment teaches us to rest from our normal
routines before we return to the work God has given us.
A
Boston travel agency attracts customers with the clever slogan “Please—Go
Away.” If we want long-term spiritual health, I think this is sound advice.
Regular, restful vacations clear the haze from our heads, provide fresh
perspective on our priorities, and reenergize our passion for pursuing God.
9 Things You Should Know About Demography and Population Trends
9 Things You Should Know About Demography and Population Trends Former Florida governor Jeb Bush was recently criticized for claiming that immigrants are more "fertile" than native-born Americans (he's mostly right). Bush's statement, along with debates about immigration reform and the latest news from the Census Bureau, have brought an issue that many people are confused about -- demography -- into the national spotlight. Here are 9 thingsyou should know about demography and demographic trends.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Sanctifying Work of Parenthood
Christina Fox writes, "Many
people describe marriage as the laboratory where our spiritual growth is
fostered and developed. I find it to be equally true of parenting as well. God
has used parenting in my life to refine and change me in ways I had not
anticipated. He’s given me a child who requires more than I was trained to
handle so that I would depend on him and not my own strength. I’ve also learned
things about myself I never knew and have seen things in my heart I never
wanted to see. I’ve come face to face with sins I didn’t know were buried deep
inside, sins like impatience, selfishness, irritability, and discontent. While
uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful, the sanctifying work of
parenthood has been necessary and good."
God’s Mercy in Messed Up Families
Tomorrow is Sunday and I am sharing the story of Ruth. It's a story of a messed up family. In this article, Jon Bloom shares:
“Have
you ever noticed how hard it is to find an example of what we would call a
“healthy family” in the Bible? It’s a lot easier to find families with a lot of
sin and a lot of pain than to find families with a lot of harmony. For example…”
Friday, June 14, 2013
I Hate / Love Being Busy
I Hate / Love Being Busy This article is a good balanced thought for busy people.
Responding To Criticism
Responding To Criticism — Bob Russell shares
advice and biblical truth on dealing with criticism from the example of
Nehemiah 4-6.
Seven Ways Fathers Provoke Their Children
7 Ways Fathers Provoke Their Children - Mark Driscoll shares, “The Bible
tells fathers to do two things: bring children up in the ways of the Lord and
do not provoke them. How can a father avoid provoking his child?” Here are 7
ways dads may provoke their children.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Answer to Every Christian’s Identity Struggle
The author of this article shares 42 truths from the first half of Ephesians. Introducing his list, Paul Tautges writes:
"As
believers in Jesus Christ it is easy to lose our bearings when we forget who we
are. This is every Christian’s identity crisis. The answer is for us to
recognize the false identities that have robbed us of our joy, peace,
contentment, and security and replace them with what is already true of us
because of being united with Christ by faith."
Praying Terrifying Prayers
Praying Terrifying Prayers - Erik Raymond writes about those times when we need to pray terrifying prayers...as well as some of the things that keep us from it.
Breaking Ties With Boy Scouts
Breaking Ties with the Boy Scouts – This article
shares R.C. Sproul Jr’s answer to this question: “Should my family, or my
church break ties with the Boy Scouts of America, given their decision to
welcome openly homosexual scouts?”
Monday, June 10, 2013
Fatherhood
With Father's Day coming up this week, I wanted to share an excellent video from The Skit Guys.
A Prayer for Our Friends in Hard Places and Crises
A Prayer for Our Friends in Hard Places and Crises Scotty Smith shares a prayer for those we love who are in difficult circumstances...hard places.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Twenty Urban Legends in Theology
Twenty Urban Legends in Theology — C. Michael Patton
If you have spent any time at all in church, you have likely been confronted with one of items on the list. They are not all black and white. His presentation is not without challenges and the comments section below the article is interesting as well.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The 7 Marks of Discipleship
The 7 Marks of Discipleship - This article by Lavern Brown asks the question, "Can you give a clear, concise and
biblically accurate description of a disciple of Jesus?" It's not easy and his list is not the end-all for this question but we need to have a working definition.
Monday, June 3, 2013
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, "Judge Not?"
Judge Not - What did Jesus mean when he said “Judge
Not?” I preached on this topic a few weeks ago and yet have heard the verse misquoted and misapplied several times since. I'm posting Sam Storms' answers to say it again. His comments include this key statement:
"Jesus is not forbidding us from expressing our opinion on right and
wrong, good and evil, truth and falsity, can be demonstrated by noting two
factors: the immediate context and the rest of the New Testament teaching on
judging."
Persecution of Christians in Afghanistan
Persecution
Update - Frontline Ministries has a persecution update from
Afghanistan. Here’s how it begins: “Afghanistan ranks third among nations most
severely opposed to the Cross. There are 48,000 mosques in the country—but not
a single church building.”
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Hymn Stories: Take My Life and Let It Be
Tim Challies shares a particularly meaningful story behind one of our much-loved hymns. It is a hymn expressing an "all in" commitment to Christ. It builds to the last powerful line, "Ever,
only, all for Thee."
See the story...
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