As cultural debates continue to roll regarding the sanctity of human life, validity of same-sex marriage, the acceptance of infanticide, genetic modification and–coming to a theater near you–whatever is next, it is crystal clear that many self-identified Christians are ill equipped for public debate. This is not to say they should be forbidden from the... Continue Reading

Motherhood is the big-leagues of self-sacrifice. Millions of women kill to avoid it. In our culture of self-gratification, to embrace selfless motherhood is a revolutionary act. To see the sacrifice and rejoice in it. To recognize that the cost is your own life, and to willingly lay yourself down. The world hates the smell of... Continue Reading

Sadly, many in the pastorate often neglect this all-important aspect of ministry. It is far too easy for a minister to slide into a mode of fleshly dependence and self-interest. This becomes the modus operandi when love for God is forsaken. When we are motivated by self-interest, then pride, worldly pursuits, discontentment, complacency, or discouragement... Continue Reading

Today’s justices have a chance to do not only what’s right but what’s logical: If the Supreme Court affirms states rights on marriage, why not on abortion? Why not let today’s North Dakotans have their new law protecting an unborn child from abortion once his or her heartbeat is detectable? (That can be as early... Continue Reading

Calvin has apparently joined the so-called Protestant movement begun about 13 years ago at Worms by the German monk Luther. Most of the theology faculty in the University reckon that this movement will be short-lived. Said one of the theologians, “We’ll crush these people just as we did the Cathars. Why do you think we... Continue Reading

You spend your week filing papers, printing reports, chasing up bad debts, putting stamps on envelopes. Then you go to church on Sunday and you see a man leading hundreds in worship and prayer, and preaching inspiring sermons. It’s pretty obvious who’s pleasing God most isn’t it? Is it? Not so fast. God looks on... Continue Reading

God’s Word is the main instruction manual for fulfilling any calling. There are not many specifics about a woman married to a pastor. However, the Bible is filled with ways to please God. For example, Christians are to practice hospitality, which has a specific application for an elder and, by inference, his wife. In I... Continue Reading

Burroughs begins by making the point that contentment is in many ways more difficult for the rich than it is for the poor. We trust in our riches, rather than trusting in God. Riches become idols for us, so that we are unwilling to let them go. We abuse our riches by using them to... Continue Reading

Do you pray for the people of your church? Do you know what to pray for? In order to pray rightly for your brothers and sisters, we actually need to know what their needs are. And to receive intercessory prayer, we need to be a bit vulnerable and share our own needs with others. Every... Continue Reading

When he asked that glorious question, God already knew where Adam and Eve were. He also knew where he was going to take them. As they fearfully hid from God, Adam and Eve knew God was holy. But after he pursued them, they learned of his grace and of his justice. They never could have... Continue Reading