How Same-Sex Marriage Threatens Christian Schools – This
is a key application that flows from the pending decision.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Top 10 Questions the Supreme Court Justices Asked on the Constitutional Right to Same-Sex Marriage
Top 10 Questions the Supreme Court Justices Asked on the
Constitutional Right to Same-Sex Marriage – This is a short, helpful
summary of key questions from the Supreme Court on this issue.
Why God’s Will Isn’t Always Clear
Why God’s Will Isn’t Always Clear – “The wonderful
thing to remember in all of our decisions is that Jesus is our Good Shepherd.”
God Owes Me Nothing
God Owes Me Nothing – It is often forgotten and
absolutely true. “I owe him everything; he owes me nothing.”
What Should the Church Expect as Same-Sex Marriage Moves Forward?
What
Should the Church Expect as Same-Sex Marriage Moves Forward? – Aaron
Armstrong looks at same-sex marriage from a Canadian perspective (where it has
been legal since 2005). “This probably is no shock to the Americans reading
this, but Canadians don’t really get you.”
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Making Disciples in the Everyday Stuff of Life
Making Disciples in the Everyday Stuff of Life – We make disciples “as we go”.
I Can Do All Things
I Can Do All Things – “In context this
verse has a very specific, defined meaning—one that most Americans don’t want
to hear about, but one that is very important for us to remember as believers.”
Supreme Court Argument on Same-Sex Marriage Puts Religious Liberty in the Crosshairs
Supreme Court Argument on Same-Sex Marriage Puts Religious Liberty in the Crosshairs – “The
legalization of same-sex marriage would represent the triumph of an
egalitarian-based ethic over a faith-based one, and not just legally. The
remaining question is whether champions of tolerance are prepared to tolerate
proponents of a different ethical vision. I think the answer will be no.”
What to Preach This Sunday In Light of the End of the World
What to Preach This Sunday In Light of the End of the World – This hit me just right today.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
6 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed
6 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed - God intended for us to have lives filled with peace, not chaos.
Reflections from the Supreme Court Sidewalk
Reflections from the Supreme Court Sidewalk – Russell
Moore has a good, sane word on truth, love, and the Gospel outside the Supreme
Court building today.
9 Things You Should Know About Same-Sex Marriage
9 Things You Should Know About Same-Sex Marriage – This
series is always interesting and helpful. This list contains multiple links to
studies and research.
Why Not Gay Marriage?
Why Not Gay Marriage? - “The establishment of gay “marriage”
enshrines in law a faulty view of marriage, one that says marriage is
essentially a demonstration of commitment sexually expressed. In the
traditional view, marriage was ordered to the child, which is why the state had
a vested interest in regulating and supporting it.”
In Defense of Marriage, the Rule of Law, and Ordered Liberty
In Defense of
Marriage, the Rule of Law, and Ordered Liberty – Here is a breakdown of
the ruling, expressed by Sixth Circuit Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, that the
Supreme Court begins hearing today. It is well expressed.
Gay Marriage and the Supreme Court: A Critical Fact
Gay Marriage and the Supreme Court: A Critical Fact - Jim Denison makes a key observation a key argument we often hear.
Monday, April 27, 2015
What Baltimore Needs
What Baltimore Needs - Our television screens glow
with images of criminal rioting and assault on police officers in the streets
of Baltimore. Russell Moore speaks to what the city needs.
How to Build a Faithful Witness in Your Workplace
How to Build a Faithful Witness in Your Workplace - Here
are three tips for building a faithful witness to Jesus in your workplace.
Praying for Nepal
Praying for Nepal - Here's a good place to start in praying for the overwhelming needs in Nepal.
No, Hanging Out With Your Friends is Not the Church
No, Hanging Out With Your Friends is Not the Church - Don't settle for a lesser definition of church.
Why These 66 Books?
Why These 66 Books? -
Have you ever looked at your Bible and wondered, “How do we know that
these 66 books, and no others, comprise the inspired Word
of God?”
10 Resources To Help You Talk About Transgender/Homosexuality, Biblically
10 Resources To Help You Talk About Transgender/Homosexuality, Biblically – Watermark Church in
Dallas has assembled some resources that will be helpful for Bible-believers
when talking about these issues.
Barronelle Stutzman (Washington State Florist)
Barronelle
Stutzman (Washington State Florist) – I shared in the message Sunday
about Barronelle Stutzman’s case and what it shows about the loss of religious freedom
in our country. Here
is a link to her story.
Bakers Face $135,000 Fine for Refusing to Make Cake for Gay Wedding
Bakers
Face $135,000 Fine for Refusing to Make Cake for Gay Wedding – I
referenced this story in the sermon Sunday. Here
is a link to learn more.
Cure for the Common Prayer Life
Cure for the Common Prayer Life - This piece was written for pastors but is a good word for all of us.
Friday, April 24, 2015
What Should the Church Say to Bruce Jenner?
What Should the Church Say to Bruce Jenner? – “…all
of us are born alienated from what we were created to be. We don’t need to fix
what happened in our first birth; we need a new birth altogether.”
How Do You Know You’re Repentant?
How Do You Know You’re Repentant? - Jared Wilson
offers 12 signs we have a genuinely repentant heart.
5 Wise Principles
5 Wise Principles - Here are 5 wise
principles gleaned from a too-short life of excellence. This is very good.
Making the Most of Sunday
Making the Most of Sunday - “There are three
ways to get the most out of your Sundays with the church: prepare, participate,
and reflect.”
Thursday, April 23, 2015
The Worship Wars Are Hurting the Church
The Worship Wars Are Hurting the Church - Focusing on how we worship can make us lose sight of who we worship.
Ask often, “What does the Bible say?”
Ask
often, “What does the Bible say?” - It is simple but
sound counsel.
The Empty Tomb and the Risen Christ
The Empty Tomb and
the Risen Christ — The Centrality of the Resurrection to the Christian Faith
- The empty tomb is full of power.
This is How Religious Liberty Dies
This is How Religious Liberty Dies – This essay by Al Mohler is a clear word on the attacks
on religious liberty.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
8 Lies Christians Believe About Success
8 Lies Christians
Believe About Success – “At some point in my life, Christianity had
become a magic wand instead of a humble posture.”
When Fear Seizes You
When Fear Seizes You – “When
fear seizes you, all our ability to think rationally evaporates. Life becomes
overwhelming and the promises of God are thrown out the window.”
3 Reasons Why You Aren’t Allowed to Be Theologically Dumb
3 Reasons Why You Aren’t Allowed to Be Theologically Dumb - “When you love God with your heart but not your mind, you
end up loving the god of your imagination, not the God of the universe.”
end up loving the god of your imagination, not the God of the universe.”
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
America Is Not the Future of the Church
America Is Not the Future of the Church – Statistics show that church actually isn’t dying.
But it is changing.
Religious Liberty Is Not Freedom from Ridicule
Religious Liberty Is Not Freedom from Ridicule – “We
must learn to differentiate between persecution and insult, between religious
liberty and freedom from ridicule. They are not the same thing.”
9 Things You Should Know About Genocide
9 Things You Should Know About Genocide - April has
been designated to be a month of genocide awareness and action against
genocide. Here are nine things you should know about genocide in the twentieth-
and twenty-first centuries.
The Failure of Gay Marriage
The Failure of Gay Marriage – In this article, the author argues well that “They are
replicating what we might call the ‘romantic marriage,' a kind of marriage that
is chosen, determined, and defined by the couple that enters into it.” It is
the worst and weakest element of failed heterosexual marriage in modern culture.
I Pray This for my Children
I Pray This for my Children - Gregory Harris
offers help on how to pray for your children.
Where Are We in the Movie?
Where Are We in the Movie? - Human history is like one great big giant movie. It really is. If
you could watch it all in one sitting, you'd see that it has four epic scenes. Where
are we in the movie?
How to Stop Praying and Start Doing What God Wants You to Do
How to Stop Praying and Start Doing What God Wants You to Do – “Even prayer can be misused. How?
By praying about something you already know God wants you to do.”
Monday, April 20, 2015
A Holy People
A Holy People - What will the living and breathing church,
not the commodities we produce, but the people that fill the pews, what will we
be know for?
God’s Grace Will Find You
God’s Grace Will
Find You – The grace of God will find you. No matter where
you’ve gone or how far you’ve drifted, nowhere is out of the reach of God’s
grace.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Smartphone Addiction and Our Spiritual ADD
Smartphone Addiction
and Our Spiritual ADD - This thoughtful perspective brings wisdom and
balance to the mobile milieu.
2 Real Reasons People Don’t Go to Church
2 Real Reasons People Don’t Go to Church - “People give all types of reasons for why they no longer
attend church. Most of those given mask the real reasons someone becomes a former church
member. It’s the same motivations for virtually every other human decision:
pain and pleasure.”
attend church. Most of those given mask the real reasons someone becomes a former church
member. It’s the same motivations for virtually every other human decision:
pain and pleasure.”
Friday, April 17, 2015
4 Things the ‘Hate Psalms’ Teach Us
4 Things the ‘Hate Psalms’ Teach Us - Why these
imprecatory psalms? Why Psalm 137? What do these psalms tell us?
Steward the Gifts God Has Assigned to You
Steward the Gifts God Has Assigned to You - So
live your assignment.
5 Ways the Gospel Transforms Your Work
5 Ways the Gospel Transforms Your Work - Here’s a
summary of what Tim Keller teaches about the gospel and work.
Who Can You “One Another” Today?
Who
Can You “One Another” Today? - How are you living out the Bible’s
“one anothers?”
Preaching the Ten Commandments
Preaching the Ten Commandments - Ray Ortlund shows
how each of the Ten Commandments does 4 things.
Website Claims Affairs Help Marriages
Website Claims Affairs Help Marriages - Consider three claims
regarding adultery, and see if they are Satanic lies intended to destroy your
marriage, home, and witness.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
What's Really Holding Us Back from Giving
What's Really Holding Us Back from Giving - 3 wrong ideas that prevent us from be generous with our money.
The Socially Acceptable Sin
The Socially Acceptable Sin - It’s everywhere in our society and churches, yet almost never talked about.
Pediatricians Warn Against Cohabitation
Pediatricians
Warn Against Cohabitation – The American College of Pediatricians warns
that “Research shows that, rather than serving as a stepping stone to a healthy
marriage, living together before marriage (cohabitation) makes couples more
likely to break up and more likely to divorce if they do marry.”
Jesus Wept
Jesus Wept
- Here we find a remarkable glimpse into the glory of the Lord of the universe.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
10 Ways to Simplify Your Life
10 Ways to Simplify Your Life – A few practical suggestions for cutting out the things you don't
need.
Why Following Your Heart Is a Really Bad Idea
Why Following Your Heart Is a Really Bad Idea – There’s a difference between following your
heart and being led by God.
Check Your Investments
Check Your Investments - Here’s a challenge to
invest in your children’s spiritual development.
Does Jesus Really Love Me?
Does
Jesus Really Love Me? – It’s familiar, simple and great to be
reminded of again today.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
7 Ways to Create Time to Think
7 Ways to Create Time to Think - This is a good reminder of the value of planned thinking time and how to apply it.
You Will Change the World
You Will Change the World – “Have you ever wished
you could do something that would change the world? Your wish has been granted.
Are you tempted to think that your obscure, little life will leave no mark on
the world? You have no idea how wrong you are.”
Are You Weak Enough for God to Use?
Are You Weak Enough for God to Use? - “God is so
single-minded in his preference for weakness, that when he wants to use us, he
often begins by weakening us.”
The Death of President Lincoln: Where was God?
The Death of President Lincoln: Where was God? - Today is the 150th anniversary of his death. Jim Denison uses this story to discuss the issue, "Where is God when bad things happen?"
Monday, April 13, 2015
A Prayer for Those Days When We’re Feeling a Bit Scattered
A Prayer for Those Days When We’re Feeling a Bit Scattered
– Here’s a good prayer thought for
a rainy Monday morning in North Texas.
It Takes a Church to Educate a Christian
It Takes a Church to Educate a Christian – Scot
McKnight writes, “The verses in Colossians 3:12-17 above are the kind of Christian
life one lived in fellowship with others (alike and different) rather than one
simply concerned with how “I” am growing in “my” relation with God.”
The Church Is Not Your Frat House
The Church Is Not Your Frat House – “Sometimes we
can treat Christian worship like an insider’s club. And who doesn’t want to be
included in a family-like brotherhood and sisterhood? But the New Testament
blueprint for worship gatherings has little room for secrecy. Rather,
hospitality rises to the top of the values we want to characterize our Sunday
morning services.”
The Transgender Agenda
The Transgender Agenda - This is true and
alarming: “It might be sensible to recognize that the transgender agenda is causing
us, among other things, to…experiment on our children in the most
damaging way.”
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Why You Need to Sing Loudly in Church
Why You Need to Sing Loudly in Church – Here’s good reminder of the importance and the gift of
worship through song.
Friday, April 10, 2015
What the World's Religious Landscape Will Look Like in 2050
What the World's Religious Landscape Will Look Like in 2050 – This is an interesting interactive world
map of countries and where religion will have gone by 2050.
Naive Young Evangelicals and the Illiberal DNA of the Gay Rights Movement
Naive Young Evangelicals and the Illiberal DNA of the Gay Rights Movement – Settle in for
the long haul with this article. It does have multiple links to other articles
on the topics that might also be of interest.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
4 Questions to Ask When Making a Big Decision
4 Questions to Ask When Making a Big Decision – How do you know if your next big life
transition is part of God's plan?
The Writing’s on the Wall for Christians
The Writing’s on the Wall for Christians – Be sure to
read this article in TIME about
Christians as dissenters in the culture.
On My Wedding Day
On My Wedding Day – Here are
some good, biblical goals for marriage, many of which are appropriate for any
stage of marriage.
The Most Important Thing My Parents Did
The Most Important
Thing My Parents Did – Here’s a good word for parents.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Not-So-Holy Week: Indiana, Religious Freedom, and You
Not-So-Holy Week: Indiana, Religious Freedom, and You - The article is helpful in that it also includes links to a variety of good resources on the topics.
3 Reasons to Preach on Religious Liberty
3 Reasons to Preach on Religious Liberty - This is about more than sermons. It's about living as a Christian citizen in this world.
Craving Spiritual Milk and Spiritual Growth
Craving Spiritual Milk and Spiritual Growth – Here are some toxins to be eliminated for the
sake of our growth.
Marriage and the Supreme Court: A Call to Prayer
Marriage and the Supreme Court: A Call to Prayer - Russell Moore speaks to praying for the upcoming Supreme Court decision.
Why is a Wedding Any Different?
Why is a Wedding Any Different? – This article
seeks to address some of the challenges in the national discussion.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
7 Unbiblical Statements Christians Believe
7 Unbiblical Statements Christians Believe – The common misconceptions about what the
Bible actually says.
Millennials Are the ‘Don’t Judge Generation’
Millennials Are the ‘Don’t Judge Generation’ – “For
most millennials — including one in three who don’t identify with any
particular religion — it’s all about personal circumstances.”
Love and Hate in a Foreign Country
Love and Hate in a Foreign Country - “When the advocates of peace and tolerance
call for the burning down of a Christian-owned pizza parlor, Rod Dreher asks
the obvious question: Who are the ones who are really full of hate?”
Monday, April 6, 2015
Don’t Be Defined By What You’re Against
Don’t Be Defined By What You’re Against – The point of Christianity isn't avoiding sin. It's
embracing Jesus.
Keeping the Baby vs. Abortion: Americans Muddled Morality About the Unborn
Keeping the Baby vs. Abortion: Americans Muddled Morality About the Unborn – Trevin Wax writes, “The
debate over fetal homicide reveals our society’s inconsistency in the ongoing
debate over abortion: We only affirm the humanity of the unborn if the child is
‘wanted.’”
The Dead End of Sexual Sin
The Dead End of
Sexual Sin - How should we to think about sin that has become a daily
part of our identity? John Owen explained with four responses.
Same-Sex 'Marriage' is Becoming the Established Religion | The Stream
Same-Sex 'Marriage' is Becoming the Established Religion - Frank Turek argues that same-sex marriage has become the
established religion. “The new established religion chooses the sword of
government compulsion over the freedom of religion and conscience.”
established religion. “The new established religion chooses the sword of
government compulsion over the freedom of religion and conscience.”
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Do You Think It Happened or Not?
Do You Think It Happened or Not? – “When Christians assert that Jesus rose from the dead, they are making an historical claim, not a religious one.”
Saturday, April 4, 2015
5 Reasons “Inactive Church Member” is an Oxymoron
5 Reasons “Inactive Church Member” is an Oxymoron - Some things just can't be.
He Descended into Hell?
He Descended into Hell? – “But what happened after
he died? We know that his body was laid in Joseph’s tomb, but what about his
human soul?”
The Post-Indiana Future for Christians?
The Post-Indiana Future for Christians? – “Our
culture has lost the ability to reason together, because too many of us want
and believe radically incompatible things.”
Friday, April 3, 2015
The Deeper Message of Holy Week
The Deeper Message of Holy Week – Why we must embrace all three days of Easter weekend in order
to get the full story of Holy Week.
A Prayer for Good Friday
A Prayer for Good Friday – “Dear Lord Jesus, for
years I struggled calling the day of your crucifixion good”…
Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Why Have You Forsaken Me? – “The crowds have
jeered, darkness has covered the land, and now, suddenly, after a long silence,
comes this anguished cry from the depths of the Savior’s soul.”
Why Did God Kill Jesus?
Why Did God Kill Jesus? – “God was pleased with
the obedience of Jesus and the price He willingly paid for the guilt of our
sin.”
What Happened in Kenya?
What Happened in Kenya? - Joe Carter has an FAQ on
the attacks on Christians in Kenya.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
11 Reasons Pastors Struggle on Easter
11 Reasons Pastors Struggle on Easter – Each week
in my Pastor’s Prayer Partners email I ask folks to pray for several area
pastor friends of mine. This article is helpful in praying for other ministries
this Easter.
Say Goodbye to Lifeboat Theology
Say Goodbye to Lifeboat Theology – One of these
days, this article will become a sermon.
Tale of Two Friends
Tale of Two Friends – Both men disappointed,
betrayed, and deserted Jesus. Only one finished well. There are plenty of
applications for all of us in their stories.
4 Reasons to Believe in the Empty Tomb
4 Reasons to Believe in the Empty Tomb - While the
historicity of the empty tomb does not by itself prove the resurrection, it
plays an important role. Where does the evidence point?
Why 'RFRA' Is America's Latest Four-Letter Word
Why 'RFRA' Is America's Latest Four-Letter Word—Bob
Smietana explains some of the complexities of this RFRA issue.
A Fixation with a Sky Pixie
A Fixation with a Sky Pixie – Here is an
interesting article on how evangelical Christians are perceived in Great
Britain. More is coming our way. “In a culture that prizes sophistication,
non-judgmentalism, irony and detachment, [Christianity] is to declare yourself
intolerant, naive, superstitious and backward.”
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Cancer Is a Parable About Sin
Cancer Is a Parable
About Sin – “All human suffering, especially the suffering of the Son
of God, is meant to portray to dull souls the unimaginable moral ugliness of
sin and the unimaginable offensiveness of sin to God.”
Should Evangelicals Stand With Israel?
Should Evangelicals
Stand With Israel? – Perry Noble makes some insightful observations
about issues relating to Israel.
Mutiny Against the Messiah
Mutiny Against the
Messiah – “Judas could see the value of the ointment rolling down
Jesus’s head, but he couldn’t see the value of Jesus.”