“If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means he does not understand Christianity very well at … Read More
What It Means to Be Adopted by God, Part 2 of 2
Last week, we concluded with Jerry Bridges’ three precious things adoption means for the Christian:[1] We have been brought into close personal relationship with Him. We have confident and ready access to Him. We receive the full rights of sons. Let’s now illustrate these three meanings in various ways by taking a deep dive into the infamous story of the … Read More
What It Means to Be Adopted by God, Part 1 of 2
Long before ABBA was associated with a Swedish pop group, songs like Dancing Queen, and movies like Mama Mia, it was a Greek term akin to “Papa” or “Dad,” connoting “affectionate respect.”[1] Many of us know something of these intimate terms in that when we’ve called our father to share our heart, we begin by saying, “Dad…” Or when our … Read More
The Proverbs 31 Woman: An Important Corrective for Our Times
I tend to love strong, capable female characters in books and movies, especially spy thrillers. As a pastor, however, I fully acknowledge that—in real life—degrading and oppressive attitudes and actions toward women have been rampant throughout history. And that, sadly, many of these attitudes and actions have been vehemently defended by various religions, including Christianity. But, honestly, even our irreligious … Read More
Rethinking Harmful Stereotypes in John Eldredge’s Teaching
Although there are others who do not share my experience, on the whole, John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart had a positive impact on my life. Among other things, his insights on Satan’s strategy are worth the price of the book and are probably the most helpful thing I’ve read on that subject. Eldredge’s influence was so profound in my ministry … Read More
Stealing Back Proverbs 31:10-31
I’ve used this illustration before but on November 19, 2017, one of the most notorious murderers of the 20th century died: Charles Manson. After the second set of murders associated with his name on August 10, 1969, one of the Manson cult-killers wrote “Helter Skelter” on the refrigerator of the house in which the murders took place. The phrase was … Read More
New Booklet on Baptism & Its Significance Available on Amazon!
Hey Friends, I just finished a ministry resource I’ll be using for church planting called Baptism & Its Significance. I hope you’ll find it useful for you and yours too. Would you kindly help me in getting these wonderful gospel-truths out to others? Here’s how: Pick up a copy here. Read it and send me any feedback Share it with … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update- 031321
Hi Friends, It’s been a cold winter here but Spring is coming! Here’s the latest: Personal: Pam is now fully vaccinated, and I get my second shot on March 22nd. We are so grateful for this blessing and now look forward to seeing my mom and her husband (who also just got their shots) next month in Florida. It’s been … Read More
Brand New Updated & Expanded 2021 Edition!
Hi Friends, I just released the Updated & Expanded 2021 Edition of my book How I Became a Christian Despite the Church! Would you kindly consider sharing a copy with a friend or loved one, and/or helping me get the word out on social media? Indeed, healing and better answers can be found on the other side of toxic faith … Read More
Dads and Daughters
We noted last week and here that, although the later part of Psalm 127 focuses more on sons, the first part of the psalm includes all children, male and female alike: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” In thinking about daughters specifically, I’ve found Job 42:10-17—another section in the wisdom literature … Read More