Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Racism is woven into the constitutional fabric of the United States of America. The original text of the US Constitution defined slaves of African descent as 3/5 human. Even though that injustice has been corrected – at the expense of much blood and treasure – vestiges of the original constitution remain as a stain on the fabric of American society.
Continue reading “Moving from Racial Distrust to Reconciliation”
The first candle of Advent signifies HOPE. As we light the candle of hope we are reminded of the faith of our ancestral fathers and mothers of the faith – the ancient patriarchs. About 4000 years ago God called Abram from the land of Iraq and said, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).
Continue reading “Advent Devotion – HOPE”
President Richard Nixon explained his view of presidential authority in an interview with David Frost. As Frost pressed the former president about his questionable actions President Nixon responded, “When the President does it that means it’s not illegal.” A collective gasp of unbelief could be heard throughout the nation. Nixon appeared to suggest that the President of the United States is above the law.
Continue reading “Nixon, Obama, and Immigration”
The ancient people of Israel cried out, “Give us a king.” The desire for a king displeased Samuel, but Yahweh allowed Samuel to appoint a king over Israel. The desire for a king was an expression of idolatry. “The LORD said to Samuel, ‘they have rejected Me from being king over them… they have forsaken Me and served other gods'” (1 Samuel 8:5-8). The perennial temptation of humanity is to exalt human leaders to divine status. Admiration easily becomes adoration.
Continue reading “The Idolatry of Politics”
Paul described the Philippian believers as being filled with an abundance of joy in spite of suffering from a “great ordeal of affliction” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). Christian joy transcends the sorrows of this present age.
Continue reading “Joy is God’s Remedy for Anxiety”
The Roman Catholic Church has historically championed the sanctity and indissolubility of Christian marriage. Divorced and remarried Catholics are forbidden to receive the Eucharist, which is the heart of Catholic worship. Pope Francis has called the bishops to a Synod on the Family to rethink the Catholic tradition on marriage. The Synod has proved to be quite controversial and messy (see here and here). The Anglican Church has its own difficulties with this issue (here).
Continue reading “The Marriage Mess”