Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
I have been a fan of Star Trek since childhood. I love the crew of the Enterprise. The bridge crew represents the best of humanity and the diversity of humanity. As a child, I dreamed of graduating from Starfleet Academy. Captain Kirk was my hero. Dr. “Bones” McCoy reminded me of our family doctor. But the character with whom I most identified was Mr. Spock. In fact, I have recently referred to myself as a Vulcan Pentecostal.
Continue reading “I am “Vulcan” Pentecostal”
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. – Psalm 27:4 ESV
I heard these words read last night as a call to worship in a Pentecostal campmeeting service. I responded, “Amen.” We often speak of the temple, that is, the church, as a place of prayer and worship. But rarely do we speak of the temple as a place of inquiry. Most of the conversations in church are monologues, one sided conversations in which the preacher is the only voice to be heard. This is not always a necessarily bad thing, if the preacher wisely anticipates our questions and offers sound theological answers.
Continue reading “Why are we Afraid of Questions?”
Recently (June 6, 2018), I had the privilege to spend the day with a wonderful group of theologians and scholars representing the Churches of Christ. My friend, Tony Richie, and I were invited to attend the Christian Scholars Conference hosted by Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. We were participants in an ecumenical dialogue. So, does the Church of God have anything in common with the Churches of Christ?
Continue reading “What does the Church of God have in common with the Churches of Christ?”
The Apostle Peter is notorious for his threefold denial of Jesus (Mark 14:66ff). But did Peter also deny that God is Holy Trinity? Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost is a model of apostolic preaching and doctrine. In that sermon, Peter declared,
Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Continue reading “Did Peter Deny the Trinity?”
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering (Matthew 5:23-24).
Continue reading “Smiles of Reconciliation”
Ulysses Grant lived during the most difficult age of the United States – the decades prior to and after the Civil War. He is remembered as the General who defeated Lee and a postwar President with a questionable legacy. Ron Chernow’s new biography of the eighteenth President of the United States tells the story of a remarkable man.
Continue reading “GRANT by Ron Chernow – A Review”
