Re-visioning the Faith?
There are many ways in which Christianity has been, and is being, revisioned. The Protestant reformers revisioned medieval Catholicism; and Pentecostals have revisioned rational Protestantism. Deconstructionist liberals and conservative nationalists seek to revision the Christian faith after their respective (and defective) political visions. In truth, the Christian faith has always embraced diverse cultural and theological tongues.
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Praying the Lord’s Prayer – Lent 2015
I have practiced praying the Scriptures for many years. Following is a compilation that I have been praying morning and evening during Lent 2015.
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
- “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
- “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3).
- “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing… To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 5:12-13).
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The President’s Islam Speech
No, I’m not talking about President Obama, who has been insisting that Islam is a religion of peace (like President Bush before him). I’m talking about Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who has called for a “religious revolution” within Islam.
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Ash Wednesday is Not about Smoking
As a child I thought Ash Wednesday was part of the anti-smoking campaign of the government. Pentecostals didn’t observe Lent, but every year I noticed “Ash Wednesday” on the calendar. It was during this time that the government began to encourage people to quit smoking. So, in my childlike mind ash corresponded to cigarettes.
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I Still Believe in Speaking in Tongues
I often read stories of believers who “flirted” with Pentecostalism only to “marry” a different Christian tradition. Some of these people were reared in Pentecostalism, only to defect later in life. To be fair, I understand their stories. But, I am disappointed. After a lifetime of ministry in the Pentecostal movement I have many criticisms. But I remain an unrehabilitated Pentecostal.
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Friend of God, Friend of Sinners
I want to be a friend of God. “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God (James 2:23; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8). I want to be a person after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). I want to follow after God’s word with integrity of heart and mind (Joshua 1:8). I want to live a blessed life.
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