While it’s true that non-Christian elements have been widespread in Christianity, as evidenced in everything from Vatican artwork to Easter bunnies, we overshot the runway on the cross. Here, I’ll address the common arguments against the cross symbol and hopefully answer the questions: Are crosses pagan? Does the depiction of a Latin cross dishonor Christianity, Christ, or the commandments of God?
Read MoreWhen we “pray” does the act bear any similarity to the act that Christ, Moses, Paul, and countless others thought of when they spoke about praying? Biblically, prayer was thought to be a verbal act. Praying, like blessing, vowing, praising, and speaking in tongues, required audible speaking. The tradition of spoken prayer was virtually universal throughout the ancient world.
Read More1 Corinthians says the most about Tongue’s use and value. It also has the most descriptive language about it. Read in entirety and context, Tongues is not merely foreign languages. To meet the criteria of being what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, there are some key verses that cannot be dismissed.
Read MoreYour “higher self” and your “dark side” are atheistic, ego-centric alternatives to God and Satan. A central problem is that they both hinge on the exaltation of your ego and self, which inherently lack objectivity. Thus, Good becomes subjective to your preference. Then, when your “higher self” achieves its self-defined Good, pride is the inevitable outcome. And when your “dark side” inevitably prevails, it’s inseparable from you.
Read MoreFaith develops over time. In the development of our faith, we are tested and influenced by demonic spirits or the Holy Spirit. We then choose a response: sin or righteousness. In the waiting, the fruit of our faith is revealed. This talk explores the essential waiting period and teaches how the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit can empower us as we wait for the results of our beliefs and actions.
Read MoreExtramarital sex, pornography, and other forms of idolatry are the gateway to demonic control and oppression. This talk covers Scriptural statements and historic truths and shows how these demonic powers are still very much alive — and as destructive as ever — in the world today.
Read MoreHanukkah is almost upon us. Every year, the Hanukkah season brings a new wave of Christians who express interest in celebrating this holiday. For many, it’s a completely new occasion to celebrate. After three decades spent celebrating a Christian Hanukkah, I’m happy to share a few of the ways you can begin to incorporate this holiday into your winter season.
Read MoreBut God isn’t finite. There is no limit to His time, resources, influence, agency, energy, or attention. So maybe there’s no reason to assume that God prioritizes anything. Or perhaps, better asked: Is it plausible that God prioritizes everything equally? If the answer is yes, the consequences are enormous.
Read MoreWhy do I believe in the infallibility and authority of the Old Testament? After all, the Old Testament is a collection of documents written over a thousand years by dozens of people. So why should a reasonable Christian believe the Old Testament to be an accurate expression of truth and God’s will? The answer is actually simple…
Read MoreBeing “born this way” is a hot phrase for LGBT advocates, especially as they confront Christian objections to LGBT behavior. It seems like a perfect defense because it blames the Creator. The argument is simply: If God exists and created me, then it’s His will or fault that I am this way. It’s a catchy marketing slogan, but it’s a bullshit argument.
Read More“Love is love” is a cornerstone LGBT argument. It is said that we ought to encourage love regardless of the biological and social context. At best, it’s a pointless argument. At its worst, it reinforces a dangerous abandonment of responsibility and sexual morality.
Read MoreToday, President Donald Trump has finally conceded the end of his presidency. And while I’m sure that he and those in his family and administration are grieving a nightmare scenario, the lion’s share of the disappointment and pain will fall beyond the White House. It’s an inevitable part of any political failure, but this loss will be especially difficult on the candidate’s supporters.
Read MoreEve has become the icon for fallen humanity. She’s been demonized in art and theology for the fate of the world. Eve is blamed for everything from the “sin” of lust to the corruption of doctrine to the battle of the sexes. But what if Eve was innocent?
Read MoreThe true test of whether or not one is living up to fifth commandment is not the degree to which parental figures are happy. Nor is it inherently tied to even a desirable relationship. To keep the fifth commandment, we need to understand what it means to honor our fathers and mothers.
Read MoreLife hurts. We suffer. All of this causes logical minds to question how a loving God could forge or permit such a harsh world. This question is rational and healthy. Fortunately, there is an answer.
Read MoreAround the world, Evangelical leaders are routinely calling for and (seemingly falsely) prophesying when revivals will occur. But there’s one major problem: They’re not talking about a Biblical revival.
Read MoreI've found one thing to be almost universally true: People no longer know how to have conversations. Because this stuff isn't taught in schools, I've put together a few basic points to keep in mind next time you're talking with someone.
Read MoreEverything God desires from us is revealed by the life-giving relationship between a husband and wife, as first seen in the Garden of Eden. The structures of the Tabernacle, the cycle of the Feasts, and even the biology of human reproduction are all wrapped up together to reveal Yahweh's plan for our relationship with Him.
Read MoreGary Chapman failed to accurately define the love languages, but I believe he hit upon a truth: It is utterly important to understand that people express and receive love in different ways. And, like Chapman, I too believe that there is an underlying means through which we express love. I believe we can understand it, define it, speak it, and become fluent in it.
Read MoreAs you collect the pieces of your life, a question will haunt you: Why did this happen? It's the same question I've asked countless times. In our divinely complex and ordered world, it's impossible not to question why senseless, unmerited suffering occurs. The answer won't be simple, but don't fear the question. The question is for your good — not your torment.
Read More