There are no words more significant in any human language than the words spoken by the angel on that first Easter morning. On Good Friday, it seemed that death had claimed one more victim. For fear of their own lives, those closest to Jesus went into hiding. It was just a matter of time before the Roman soldiers would come to arrest them, and possibly each of them would be nailed to a cross of their own. It seemed that with the death of Jesus on the cross, all the hopes of his followers were banished forever.
The Agony and the Glory
One of the greatest temptations for Christians is the sterilization of the faith. We are embarrassed, sometimes even offended, by the brutal portrayals in Scripture. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ has been roundly criticized for its graphic portrayal of the crucifixion. Some Christian theologians are so scandalized by the brutality of the cross that they postulate a non-violent atonement in which the blood of Christ is not the agent of atonement.
I was Young, Now I am Older
I was young; now I am older… (Psalm 37:25)
As a young preacher I had answers; now I have questions.
How Your Church Family Works – A Review
This is probably the most significant leadership book I have read. Peter Steinke presents pastoral leadership in terms of promoting healing in the congregation. The primary dis-ease of congregations is anxiety. Most pastors treat only the symptoms.
Dancing with the Great Whore
During the presidential primaries of 2016, I often suggested that Evangelical Christians who were supporting Donald Trump were dancing with a whore. Since the election, many voices on the right and left have lamented the continuing and uncritical support of President Trump’s agenda. I write this as a life-long Republican voter and I support some of the president’s agenda. Even so, I don’t want to be viewed as a defender of the President. My mind has not changed – he is a toxic leader. But this blog is not about Trump. I want to address his supporters and opponents in the church.
Embracing my Mortality, Celebrating Life
I often joke with my wife, Sharon, about planning my funeral. Although it is done in jest, I think it is good to be reminded of our mortality. Since the premature death of my brother, Randy, who died of a heart attack at 49, I find myself more grateful for each day. With the birth of my grandsons I have much to live for. I want to get to know them as they grow older, I want them to love me, and hope to pass our glorious faith in Jesus Christ to them. I am hopeful to live long and die strong. By that I mean that I leave a legacy that my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews can celebrate.
My Theological Conservatism
What is a conservative? I tend to be conservative politically and theologically. But even as I make that statement I am aware that the term conservative has different levels of meaning. So, allow me to explain what I mean by conservative.
