I am Barabbas
I am many unflattering things. Sinful. Unrighteous. Guilty. Rebellious. Unloving.
I am Barabbas.
For it was necessary for [Pilate] to release one to them at the feast. And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in . . .
preaching that kills the soul
Yesterday, I listened to sermon that was almost a Christ-centered, grace-filled, hope-full encouragement to pray and consider the fathomless beauty that Christ our Lord intercedes on our behalf to the Father. Almost. At the end, it fell painfully short and ended up being little more than a veiled exhortation to try harder to be godly. A . . .
Posted in: theology
American Christians, why are we so afraid?
Of what are American Christians so afraid? I ask that question intentionally because it seems that our most important political decisions are made, not out of a theologically-informed world-view but out of a world-view that is permeated by fear.
Two examples...
Refugees from the Middle East: One of the most polarizing issues . . .
the children still suffer
thoughts on Holy Innocents' Day
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod. Receive, we beseech thee, into the arms of thy mercy all innocent victims; and by thy great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish thy rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and . . .
"this is not a day care..."
an indictment of American Christianity's self-centeredness
Until this morning, I had never heard of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, nor could I point out Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on a map. Then I read this brilliantly-written piece from the University President, Dr. Everett Piper. What is remarkable is not Dr. Piper's prose but the very fact that he had occasion to write it. As a conservative . . .
9 signs your theology is driven more by politics than historic Christianity
This post offers something to offend almost every American Christian. Do you know why? Contemporary American Christianity–both on the right and the left–is powerfully influenced by politics. The stereotype, of course, is that Republicans are in bed with conservative Evangelicals; however, it would be extremely misleading to suggest that . . .
refugees: when theology and patriotism conflict
Since the horrendous terrorist attacks in Paris last weekend, calls for stopping the proposed admission of Syrian refugees to the United States have reached a deafening roar. Over half of all state governors have released statements defending their right to refuse entry to any refugees the United States admits into its borders. Numerous . . .
