She states: “It is essential for the true believer [in radical politics] to have someone or something to hate.” This may explain the accusations of “hate speech” against those who defend the traditional view of marriage. Where there is no God to bring about ultimate justice, the purifiers must execute judgment themselves, here and now. The... Continue Reading

Martin Luther’s rediscovery of this truth led to a whole host of other church and societal reforms and much of what we take for granted in the West would have likely been impossible had he never graced the scene. Luther’s translation of the Bible into German put the Word of God in the hands of... Continue Reading

“It’s striking that Paul regards ‘divisiveness’ as those who depart from sound doctrine.” While we might define “divisiveness” as taking a strict stance on doctrines, Paul’s definition was the opposite. Divisiveness, for Paul, was anything that went loosey-goosey with the given gospel.   This weekend I had the fantastic opportunity to listen to and lunch... Continue Reading

So in all this talk of “real” men, let’s remember that a “real” man is not defined by his physical prowess or a set of cultural expectations. A “real” man is a man who sacrifices to serve those around him. Whether that means as a husband or father or uncle or brother. Whether that happens... Continue Reading

I never intended to walk away from the faith. There is so much about Jesus that I like: his personality, his teaching, his example. I never wanted to walk away from Jesus or his followers, but I feel like I’m left with no choice. Based on the testimony of others my age, I know I’m... Continue Reading

Maybe you’ve had a bad experience in the church. Maybe you see the deficiencies of Christians. Yet David looked at his fellow believers as “the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.” Your fellow believers aren’t perfected yet, but they are God’s excellent ones. Christ is in them and wants to bless you through... Continue Reading

Let’s say there is a position open in your church for an elder or deacon. How often does that position go unfulfilled when you know of individuals in the church who could be elected or appointed to such a position? In my memory, I cannot remember a time in any church I have attended when... Continue Reading

One historian said of dear Katie and Doctor Martin’s marriage, “It is likely that no marriage has done more for establishing and demonstrating to the world the power and beauty of the gospel in a time when so many desperately needed to be rescued from the torments and prison of monasticism, depression, and guilt—all products of... Continue Reading

While I’m aware of the arguments for the Pagan, as well as the Christian, origins for Halloween, I’m less interested in determining which origin story is the more important to today’s culture, and more interested in how Halloween is actually celebrated today. Halloween in today’s culture is a dark and disturbing celebration. From risque costumes... Continue Reading

Most people who celebrate Halloween today do not worship the dead or even use Halloween to prepare to honor the saints on November 1. The purpose of Halloween today is largely to have fun as people pretend, eat candy, and attend festivals and haunted houses. I don’t understand why Christians would not be able to participate... Continue Reading