Preservation and Perseverance
Where would T.U.L.I.P. be without the “P”?
Every Christian will persevere. But faith is a fighting grace. The writer of Hebrews explains this in the dynamic of a race (12:1-2). This illustration shows us that the Christian life demands fitness. We must persevere in holiness to reach the crown. But what kind of fitness is this? There is a continuous call... Continue Reading
Planned Parenthood Rakes in Record $542M in Taxpayer Support
Almost half their budget: government grants, contracts and Medicaid reimbursements
Planned Parenthood, which prefers to be described as a women’s health organization rather than the go-to abortion source it’s largely known as — is reporting a record year for both abortions and taxpayer funding. Last year about this time, Planned Parenthood was in the headlines after the Susan G. Komen foundation cut off funding... Continue Reading
The Life of Prayer: David Brainerd
Why must we pray?
I wrestled for absent friends, for the ingathering of souls, for multitudes of poor souls, and for many that I thought were the children of God, personally, in many distant places. I was in such agony from sun half an hour high till near dark that I was all over wet with sweat, but yet... Continue Reading
Newtown Family Recovery Fund
Information on how to help the families of Newtown, CT
We will be partnering with a pastor friend in Danbury, CT to make sure these funds go directly to the families of Newtown. We are also putting together a letter in brochure form that will include the first initial and last name of every person who has donated to this fund, so that these families... Continue Reading
New Research: Fewer Americans Believe Homosexuality Is a Sin
Only 37 percent believe that homosexual behavior is a sin
This is also an important moment as Americans consider a simple question: are people of faith no longer welcome as they continue to hold the beliefs they have always held? I believe the trajectory toward greater acceptance of homosexuality will continue. However, there will always be a sizable minority of people, often people of faith,... Continue Reading
If Real Life Were Like Social Media
What would happen if we treated people at a party like we do online?
I scanned the room, and noticed my friend Vito sitting on the couch by himself, talking to himself. I managed to overhear what he was saying: “Saw the new Batman movie – meh. This Jello is awful. I’m taking a drink of my Coke right now. Can’t wait for school to be over!” Apparently no... Continue Reading
How Can the Gospel Be Good News to Gays?
Following Jesus involves leaving behind a practicing gay lifestyle
It is simply not possible to argue for gay relationships from the Bible. Attempts by some church leaders to do so inevitably involve twisting some texts and ignoring others. God’s Word is, in fact, clear. The Bible consistently prohibits any sexual activity outside of marriage. As someone who experiences homosexual feelings this is not always... Continue Reading
The Sanctity of Human Life
Human dignity is derived from God
In biblical terms, the sanctity of human life is rooted and grounded in creation. Mankind is not viewed as a cosmic accident but as the product of a carefully executed creation by an eternal God. Human dignity is derived from God. Man as a finite, dependent, contingent creature is assigned a high value by his... Continue Reading
What Thieves Cannot Break Through and Steal
God's providential care during a home invasion and robbery
Last Wednesday, the third day of this year, I was working at my desk at school when Christie called me on my cell. She said a jumble of things [in my mind] but also something close to, “some men just came into our house…they put a gun to Karsten’s head….and put him in the closet.”... Continue Reading
An Essay on Cynicism
In Christ, even cynicism can be overcome
Some of us are cynical because we have felt the power of the insiders and been kept outside or put outside. Others of us may have had the determination to move several rings toward the center. But, at what cost? Has integrity been lost – what about health? Eventually, will non-negotiables like gender, age, body type... Continue Reading