So, embarrassing story ... I'm at Bible study, and the leader is explaining that when we share our prayer requests at the end of the evening, it's not a time to give advice. "Women love to jump in and try to help each other," she explains, "but let's just pray for each other." Right, I'm thinking. Got it. Yet an hour later, after we've prayed, I lean over to the woman who had shared a health concern and ask if she's heard of this one nutritional supplement I've had some success with. Oops! Apparently, I couldn't just leave it at prayer. Timing isn't my only issue when it Continue Reading
Why a Pastor’s Failure Doesn’t Undo the Truth He Spoke
I'd been wondering how things are going with the churches that were once called Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Lo and behold, Relevant covered the topic this month: relevantmagazine.com. I'm heartened by the news of what is happening with these churches since the time of Mark Driscoll's resignation. I'm also reminded of a principle: When a spiritual leader speaks truth into our lives, and later his/her flawed and sinful human nature is revealed, the truth he/she taught does not change one iota. I've been around the church block enough times to witness moral failures, control, Continue Reading
7 Other Abominations You Need to Know About
What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "abomination?" I'll give you a hint ... it has to do with a topic that's super controversial in the Christian community right now. Among other references, you may have heard this verse quoted a time or two on the topic I am referring to: "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. -- Leviticus 20:13 There it is. The biggie. The issue of the day. At this point, your pulse may be quickening for one of two reasons. Perhaps you consider yourself a gay Christian, and you're Continue Reading
3 Important Differences Between Amusement and Joy
Want to be happy? Me, too. And having that desire doesn't make us shallow people. I've heard some Christian teaching to the effect that "joy" is different than "happiness," that joy is deep whereas happiness is shallow. You know -- happiness depends on circumstances, but joy can be had regardless of the externals -- you've heard the drill. There's some truth there, but it's possible to get a bit religious with this. We can end up squelching joy if we insist it's not even an emotion. Truth is, it's pretty difficult to separate joy from happiness. According to Webster's, happiness Continue Reading