Monthly Archives: August 2018

There are those who would say I am the last person who should write anything about sexual immorality.  I, like many men before me, have struggled to keep my thoughts and actions pure.  In recent years I have made improvements … Continue reading →

To be a Christian, in North America, is often to have said a certain prayer.  This prayer is sometimes called The Prayer of Salvation, The Prayer of Repentance, The Prayer of Acceptance.  One example of it is given in the … Continue reading →

As the new semester starts, people will be entering new schools for the first time.  In a new school, or a new job, or a new town, it is important to find a mentor.  As we advance in years it … Continue reading →

A. W. Tozer first made me question how we use the term ‘accept Christ.’  He wasn’t a fan.  In evangelistic campaigns many preachers plead with the congregation to ‘accept Christ.’  They might ask people to raise their hands and come … Continue reading →

In ancient times, Aristotle taught pathos, ethos, and logos as essential components in persuasive communication.  Pathos describes a person’s ability to move the emotions of their listener.  It usually requires authentic emotion on the part of the communicator.  Ethos describes the communicator’s … Continue reading →

I have been reading Michael W. Holmes on Thessalonians and have been enjoying it.  He lists six characteristics of the Thessalonian church we should look for today. It was a community rooted in God’s grace, love, and election. It was … Continue reading →

J. P. Moreland in his book Love Your God with All Your Mind makes a case against the North American Senior Pastor model of leadership.  He argues that it is more in line with the corporate model of a CEO … Continue reading →

How did you become who you are?  Why do you make the choices you make?  Why do you do what you do?  In large part, we answer these questions using the term ‘socialization.’  Socialization is the conditioning of people by … Continue reading →

Christians should stand out because of their values and actions, but they do not.  Os Guinness has pointed out that the ‘progressive’ wings of the church often adopt the values of the majority culture.   He says you can predict what … Continue reading →

In the Middle Ages, the gospel became overshadowed by rote following of traditions and rules.  It has been argued by many that the church often degenerates into a tool for control.  So, the result of ‘the gospel’ is conformity to … Continue reading →