Houston: A Semisweet Land of Liberty
The U.S. economy is bogged down, but Houston is growing rapidly, looking past problems, and proclaiming, ‘You CAN make it here.’
Joel Kotkin, America’s leading urbanologist, predicted last year that by 2023 Houston “will be widely acknowledged as America’s next great global city.” Kotkin noted that Houston, “the country’s most racially and ethnically diverse metro area … is home to the world’s largest medical center and has dethroned New York City as the nation’s leading exporter.” ... Continue Reading
Kansas, Arizona Bills Reflect National Fight Over Gay Rights vs. Religious Liberty
A developing fight over the dividing line between religious liberty and anti-gay discrimination
The Arizona bill, which is headed to Gov. Jan Brewer’s desk for her signature, would allow people who object to same-sex marriage to use their religious beliefs as a defense in a discrimination lawsuit. Similar legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma, according to The Associated Press, while other... Continue Reading
On Banning ‘Make A Difference’
Do the phrases “go change the world” or “go make a difference" really mean anything?
Ok, great. I get that. In fact, these are all part of the human condition that keeps us from doing all the regular things Jesus commands, like loving God and loving neighbor. My suspicion, however, is that the main “thing” holding young people back from “making a difference” is that they are being sent out... Continue Reading
Ministering to Women Who’ve Lost Children
Practical ways to help those who are grieving
While I hope you never have to walk this road with a member of your community, the reality is, in our broken world, it’s likely that you will. I encourage you to pursue these women and rally the troops to care for them as much as possible. This is a prime opportunity for the Body... Continue Reading
Presbyterian Proverbs
If there were proverbs about Presbyterian church life, they might sound like this.
Those who major in the minors will not be silent: Call them hobby horses, obsessions, or whatever you wish, but people thus imbalanced will leave if they aren’t put in office, allowed to teach, or given some outlet to spread their virus. In this regard the Session is an anti-virus program. (To provide balance to gender statements above, we’re looking... Continue Reading
PCA Minister Jim Belcher Appointed President of Providence Christian College in Pasadena
Belcher is presently on the faculty of Knox Seminary in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Belcher received a B.A. in political science from Gordon College, a M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a PhD in political philosophy from Georgetown University. He is the author of Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional; and In Search of Deep Faith: A Pilgrimage into the Beauty, Goodness, and Heart of Christianity.... Continue Reading
What a Worship Experience!
God prescribes the elements or ceremonies for worship which are acceptable to him
Enjoy Spirit-led, elder-led, regulated worship. The worship service is much less ceremonial in the New Covenant, but God has still presented his desire. Carefully obey, but comfortably enjoy praying, singing, learning, giving, eating, and washing in his presence. Glorify God and enjoy him in your public worship this weekend. There is not a God-given... Continue Reading
The Preeminence of Scripture in George Whitefield’s Life
Whitefield’s spiritual devotion was established upon his immovable commitment to the Bible
As Whitefield lived for Christ, the Word of God became the ruling authority over his life. It marked the trail upon which he constantly discovered beautiful vistas of redemption, sacrifice, love, and joy. The Scripture caused him to love God yet more. “Study to know Him more and more, for the more you know, the... Continue Reading
PCUSA GA Overture Calls for Church Councils to Be Obedient to Scripture
Overture: change the denomination’s constitution to require church councils to be “obedient to Scripture and guided by the confessions
The reason behind the overture is that the current paragraph in the Book of Order “implies that Scripture is merely equal to the confessions and has no binding authority in the life of an ordained person or in a council of the church. The new language clearly recognizes the authority of Scripture and conforms to the language... Continue Reading
Pastor ‘PECO’
The ice storm’s impact served as a parable of power
As PECO sent crews to repair the various disconnects of the power flow, so God gives pastors the responsibility to build, maintain, inspect and repair the power grid for the vitality and effectiveness of His house of prayer. There is no more significant shepherding goal than making sure our people are well connected to Christ.... Continue Reading