Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Jesus was notorious for dining with sinners. I find his practice to be an act of grace because he has reserved a seat for me (and you). If Jesus is willing to sit at the table with us, then maybe we should consider sitting at the table of fellowship with each other, and with sinners, heretics, and everyone else with whom we disagree.
Continue reading “Come, Let us Reason Together”
A review and reflection of The Rise of Theological Liberalism and the Decline of American Methodism by James V. Heidinger II (Franklin, TN: Seedbed Publishing, 2017).
Every Pentecostal has heard the warning that formal theological education leads to liberalism and the decline of the church. James Heidinger has presented a compelling case that the decline of Methodism is a direct result of liberal theology that has been espoused in Methodist seminaries. So, we must ask, “What does Aldersgate have to do with Asuza St.?” In other words, is Pentecostalism endangered by encroaching liberalism in higher education? The short answer is “Maybe.”
Continue reading “Will Pentecostalism go the way of Methodism?”
David and Jonathan were natural rivals – they should have been enemies. They both aspired to be king and Jonathan was the legal heir to the throne. Instead, they were like brothers. They loved each other with a self-giving, self-sacrificing love. We are told that Jonathan loved David “as himself” and stripped himself of his princely robes, armor, and weapons and gave them to David. Essentially, Jonathan was surrendering his claim to the throne of Israel in favor of David.
Continue reading “Can Political Opponents be Friends?”
Most local churches have a mixed history success and dysfunction. Sometimes, the dysfunction is the result of toxic pastoral leadership.
Continue reading “Thoughts on Congregational Restoration”
In our most recent presidential campaign the motto “America First” won the day. However, Jesus said that we should seek first the kingdom of God. Although I have some sympathy with the concept of the USA as an exceptional nation, I am uncomfortable with the concept of the United States as a “Christian nation.” Why?
Continue reading “America First or God’s Kingdom First?”
A young pastor recently told me of his difficulties in leading an established Pentecostal congregation. In his teaching he is encountering relentless resistance. He is teaching the truths of the Bible, but he is challenging some long held traditional beliefs – incorrect beliefs. So what’s a young pastor to do?
Continue reading “When our Theological World is Shaken”
On this Pentecost Sunday, I am thinking about terrorism. The news of the morning was about another Islamist terror attack in London. I am reminded that God has not given us “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV). Just as the earliest Christians boldly proclaimed the gospel in the midst of persecution, so too must we be bold in our gospel witness in the midst of terrorism.
Continue reading “On this Pentecost Sunday…”