No life is worth more than another. God sent Jesus to die for all because all lives matter to God. If all lives matter to God then all lives should matter to us. However, we also know that some lives are more broken than others. Brokenness is the root of racial tension wherever it may … Continue reading Broken Lives Matter
Comparing the church to a ‘big tent’ has become an interesting conversation piece. Big tent theology teaches that God is calling the church to open her arms wider than ever before. Expanding the tent calls for a diversity of thought, the inclusion of varying stances on nonessential issues, and erasing lines that could potentially divide. … Continue reading Big Tents & Centered Sets
Christian fads have produced many factions over the years: Seeker Sensitive, Word of Faith, Purpose-Driven, Emerging Church and the list goes on. Special emphasis groups have surfaced highlighting everything from mega-churches to storefronts, church growth to social justice, and small groups to soup kitchens. Some enjoy running the aisles shouting ‘hallelujah’ while others appreciate reciting … Continue reading Fads, Factions, & Fundamentalists
United Methodist Pastor, Rev. Rob Renfroe, wrote an article some time ago called, “Three Requests of My Centrist Friends: An Open Letter.” Rob is the Pastor of Discipleship at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Texas and a leading voice in the Wesleyan Covenant Association. His article resonated deeply with me, as I believe the … Continue reading Progressive Theology
Faith believes in the possibility of a better tomorrow. God always uses faith. Faith moves the heart of God. Not only does it change your circumstances, but it also changes the circumstances of the people around you. I’d like to share one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. In 2 Kings chapter 7 … Continue reading Why Sit Here?
“Peoples Talkin, Preacher!” Those were the first words out of Earl’s mouth when he walked into my office that afternoon. “Really? What are they talking about?” I asked. He responded, “I don’t recall.” “Well, who’s doing the talking?” I asked. He said, “I can’t remember, but they’re upset.” “Why are they upset?” I asked. To … Continue reading Peoples Talkin’
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to … Continue reading If You Don’t Quit You Can’t Lose
Our culture demands privilege. People fight for rights and are easily offended when they don’t get what they believe they deserve. Entitlement is so entrenched in our society that it shows up in the least expected places. I’ve seen the attitude of offense rear it’s ugly head in religious circles enough over the years to … Continue reading Religious Ego
Many years ago there was a great prizefighter by the name of John L. Sullivan. In his day he was the greatest heavyweight champion the world had ever known. There is a story told about one particular fight where Sullivan went up against a guy who was really just a skinny little pip-squeak. The odds … Continue reading One More Round
When my wife and I were dating as teenagers, one summer we visited Charleston, SC with her family. While there we decided to go to the beach for a day. Our quest for sand and sun landed us at the beautiful Folly Beach. As we walked along the shore looking for the perfect spot to … Continue reading Folly Beach
