Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Writing to the elders of the Ephesian Church the Apostle Paul declared, “I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Here Paul displays the pathos of the pastor. The pastor is called to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and exercise profound compassion towards the people of God. The call to be a faithful teacher with a compassionate heart can be agonizing for the pastor and congregation.
Continue reading “The Agony of Hermeneutics”
This is the text of a speech I offered on the floor of the General Council of the Church of God in response to a resolution in support of the State of Israel. The attempt here is not to make a political statement, but a theological statement.
The Apostle Paul referred to himself as a “Hebrews of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He insisted that Israel is not the children of Abraham by the flesh (Romans 9:6); but the children of Abraham by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:7). Not those who are circumcised in the flesh; but those whose hearts are circumcised by the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28-29). The promises of God to Abraham are not fulfilled in the nation state of Israel; but in the revelation of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16). God loves the world (John 3:16) and God’s promise is not limited to the land of Palestine, but that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Continue reading “Who is Israel?”
This morning, Sharon and I leave for the 75th International General Assembly of the Church of God in Orlando. As I prayed this morning I found most of my prayers dedicated to the state of the Church of God. I admit that what follows are the reflections of a single pastor. But I have more than three decades of service to the church as pastor, missionary evangelist, and service on regional and national denominational boards.
If fear that we are caught in a spiral of missional self-destruction for which we are all responsible.
Continue reading “A Pastor’s View of the State of the Church”
In Iraq ISIS warriors have marked Christian homes with the Arabic letter ن (n), which signifies Christians, or “Nazarenes.” Christians in social media have adopted #WeAreN to signify solidarity with Iraqi Christians.
Continue reading “#WeAreN – Praying for Iraqi Christians”
As the Church of God International Assembly convenes in Orlando on July 29, the agenda before the General Council demonstrates a disjointed biblical hermeneutic. It also demonstrates how the culture provokes the church to action, and inaction. I refer to agenda items 30 and 44. Item 30 concerns divorced and remarried applicants for ministry. Item 44 concerns homosexual marriage.
Continue reading “Why Stand Firm against Homosexuality, but Surrender to Divorce?”
“It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).
I must admit frustration. I often hear that my generation needs to move aside and make way for the millennials. I’m told that I’m a dreamer and the millennials are visionaries. I guess that means I’m tired and sleepy? Certainly not!
Continue reading “Visionaries and Dreamers”
Warning – this blog entry concerns an agenda item for the Church of God International General Assembly in Orlando. It most likely will be of little interest to many readers. (-:
As the presenter of the primary motion, I am disappointed with the report. The agenda recommendations from the committee are not germane to the primary motion. In fact, the report does not address the primary motion, but summarily dismisses it as a “mere prequalifier.” Think of that – ten years of pastoral experience is but a “mere prequalifier.”
Continue reading “More Reflections on “State Overseers Qualifications Report””