In Jesus’ time, women were considered the legal property of their fathers or husbands. They lacked education and typically couldn’t read. They lacked legal rights and were not considered valid witnesses in a court of law. On top of all this, women were held in suspicion by religious men fussing and preening over their own personal moral reputations It was not a great time to be a woman—but Jesus changed everything. He consistently broke social barriers for women, restored their God-given human dignity, and radically included them in his kingdom. A Brave, Desperate, Faith-filled Continue Reading
How to Bring the Kingdom of God to Earth
Lately, I’ve been reading and watching the renowned theologian N.T. Wright as much as my brain will let me without exploding. I’m pondering the implications of what Jesus meant when he told us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Some would have us believe God’s kingdom comes when Christians gain positions of political power, take over cultural spheres of influence, Christianize entire nations, and rule society for Jesus. But consider what Jesus says in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus said. “If my kingdom were of this Continue Reading
How the Love of Power, Prestige, and Special Privilege Oppose the Way of Jesus
Certain popular teachings today present a twisted version of what it means to follow Jesus and bring his kingdom to earth. They include: God wants Christians to take over seven “mountains” (areas of influence) in society and rule them for him Today’s apostles and prophets have spiritual authority to remove territorial spirits in geographic regions and rule those regions in their place “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20) means ensuring governments of countries all over the world become officially Christian God’s kingdom will ultimately come to earth by means Continue Reading
6 Reasons Charismatics Get Played by False Leaders
Countless faithful servants of Jesus labor in ministry, nurturing the people in their care, shepherding them with love and integrity, selflessly sacrificing, and setting a great example for the flock. These trustworthy ministers will be rewarded. They won’t be swept away with the stiff broom God is using to sweep the filth from his house—but plenty of leaders will be. Recent exposures of sins and crimes committed by spiritual leaders in the evangelical world leave many people uncomfortable. We don’t want to think these things are true. We want to think the best of our shepherds. Continue Reading