In the book of Acts, Saul—after undergoing his Damascus Road conversion—is encouraged by Ananias to “get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Well, I was reminded today of an article I penned, some years ago, about the "Wash Away Your Sins" product line manufactured by Blue …
Less Grumbling. More Gratitude.
Gratitude. Thankfulness. Focusing on the positives in our lives, rather than—what we might think of as—the negatives. I have a couple of stories to share, but we begin first with Philippians, chapter 4, where we read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to …
Good Friday
Mark 15:16-32 When you see the nails piercing through Christ’s hands, believe surely that it is your work. When you see His crown of thorns, believe that it is your evil thoughts.—Martin Luther (1483-1546), leader of the Reformation in Germany The spectacle of the crucifixion of Jesus was hideous. No language can express how awful …
Falling Away from the Faith Once Received
I recently learned that a church I formerly pastored has issued a new policy statement wherein the body said its unity was not based on an "adherence to a particular set of doctrinal beliefs." They've chosen, instead, to embrace "a broad diversity" of opinions on scriptural interpretation and have expunged their Statement of Beliefs from …
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Against Liberal Theology
Delighted to wake this day to a request to review this book for the Africanus Journal. As must be clearly evident from many of my posts, Progressive Christianity is currently one of my greatest concerns; this topic is right up my alley as a former professor of apologetics!! How far can you wander from classic, …
Telling Bob About the Pastorate
Matthew 4:1-11 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5 When, at the end of 2021, I was nearing the end of a pastorate in New Hampshire, I wanted to prepare the congregation for the next chapter in their life together. On one Sunday, I stressed the need for the church to mobilize in ministries of compassion; the following …
“If I didn’t forgive them, I would never be free”
Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of the passing of Nelson Mandela. As remembrances came across my computer screen, I was reminded of a visit to Zimbabwe some years ago where I had the privilege of hearing him speak. Robert Mugabe was also on the platform that day and I remember being struck by the great …
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J. Christy Wilson, Jr. and Afghanistan
As much of the world has been focused on Afghanistan in these days, I've found my thoughts much occupied with memories of Christy and Betty Wilson. These faithful servants of the Lord ministered as missionaries—for 22 years—in what had been, prior to their arrival, the unreached nation of Afghanistan. Christy was my first professor at …
A Voice in the Wind: Another Route
A Voice in the Wind: Another Route Audio How does the Lord speak to us? How do we discern the voice of God? Some time ago, an acquaintance suggested I read, A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers. I located a copy and dug in. Now I’m not usually attracted to much Christian fiction, …
Are You Listening?
As we look out on a society deeply troubled by civil unrest, as we consider the appearance of and the after-effects of a global pandemic, as we ponder what it will mean as we emerge from our imposed cells of isolation, many are asking: “what does it all mean? Why is all of this happening? …
