Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
The propaganda war rages as December 25 grows near. How should we celebrate? What is the role of the civil religion? Should this seasonal holiday be secular, pagan, or Christian? No, I’m not writing about Christmas in the 21st century, but Christmas in the 4th century.
Continue reading “The Christmas Propaganda War”
Hating the church, and all things religious, has become a raging fad among Christians. Daily I read Facebook posts and blogs expressing resentment toward religious institutions of all shapes and sizes. With friends like this, who need enemies?
I recently read through Hosea again. This time I was overwhelmed by the depths of sin and grace expressed in this narrative.
Continue reading “Loving the Great Whore”
I’ve watched a few episodes of “Snake Salvation” on the National Geographic Channel. I’ve watched the first episode of “Preachers of LA.” I’ve read John MacArthur’s Charismatic Chaos, but not his latest book Strange Fire. However, I am very familiar with MacArthur’s views of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. As I have often said, I am an unapologetic Pentecostal. But that does not mean that I lack the ability to critically view my own tradition with eyes wide open.
Continue reading ““Snake Salvation,” “Real Preachers,” and Strange Fire”
Is tithing a biblical practice? Is tithing a practice of the apostolic church? Should we practice tithing today? Some teachers suggest that tithing is a practice that was limited to the Old Testament and was not a practice of the New Testament church. Others insist that the tithe is required.
Continue reading “Tithing is Child’s Play”
I recently read a blog that posed the question “What if Your Church Marketed Like Starbucks?”
Full disclosure demands that I confess that I am an avid and loyal customer of Starbucks. Even as I can appreciate their marketing strategy, and affirm the intent of the blog, I would like to offer a more discerning reflection (I hope).
Continue reading “Starbucks and the Gospel”
Regarding Paul’s writings about the role of women in the church, William Mounce has written, “If it could be proven that elsewhere Paul allows women to teach… authoritatively within the context of the household of God, then it would have to be concluded that Paul is inconsistent or [has] been misunderstood.”[1] L. T. Johnson has suggested that Paul was “nervous” about the role of women in the church. He offers a very helpful discussion on the various hermeneutical options that inform interpretation. He concludes that the only viable option “is to engage the words of Paul in a dialectical process of criticism within the public discourse of the church, both academic and liturgical.”[2]
Continue reading “Adam, Eve, and Paul: Discerning the Role of Women in the Mission of God”
I have served as a pastor for more than thirty years. The most difficult issues I have faced have been matters of love. Time after time I have talked with people who have been deeply hurt by the people they love and trust most. These issues of love, devotion, affection, attraction, and sexuality are the dirty secrets that have consumed a great deal of my time as a shepherd of God’s people. Love may be bliss, but it is fraught with difficulty and pain. Consider the many painful situations associated with love and sex:
