Snake-handling, the Coronavirus, and the Prayer of Faith
In a recent worship service, the pastor invited worshippers to come forward to the altar for prayer. He then explained the precautions involved in the laying on of hands and anointing with oil in the season of the coronavirus pandemic. As we were driving home after the service my daughter-in-law asked, “If we are to have faith to believe God for healing, why can’t we have faith to trust God to keep us safe from the coronavirus?”
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It’s a Conspiracy!
Conspiracy theories abound, especially in times of crisis. In the church, conspiracy theories are given additional credence when combined with wild eschatological themes. For example, the recent claim that a forthcoming Covid vaccine is the mark of the beast. False-prophets have enriched themselves by peddling fear and lies among the people of God.
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Struggling with Sanctification
False Prophets and Bumbling Fools
I fear that we are living in a land of hypocrites. Everyone is passing judgement, but no one is seeing clearly. Jesus warned of those who can readily discern the sins of others, but fail to discern their own sins.
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Reflecting on Black Lives Matter
I believe that all lives matter, therefore Black Lives Matter. Like many of my friends, white and black, I support the slogan “Black Lives Matter.” Also, like many of my friends, white and black, I cannot support the agenda of the Black Lives Matter organization which is Marxist, anti-family, and pro LGBT (LGBT civil rights should be affirmed, but their agenda to normalize sexual immorality should be resisted). I have noticed that many friends have sought to make a distinction between local BLM chapters and the national organization.
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A Change of Heart – Tom Oden’s Powerful Testimony
On the Sunday before Pentecost 2019, I was preaching at a United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia. This church has two morning services so I spent the time between services in the pastor’s office. I noticed a copy of A Change of Heart by Thomas C. Oden on his desk. Oden wrote my favorite systematic theology, so I picked it up and began reading through it. Several months later someone gifted me a copy and I just recently read the entire book. It was fascinating!
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