Some of the commands in Scripture sound oppressive sometimes. Take the first and greatest command for instance, "Love the LORD your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your strength." Really?! Don't I get a break? What about when I'm disappointed in life or worn down through constant struggle? … Continue reading Rejoice Not
A Strong Tower
One of my cousins is a Jehovah's Witness. One time, my mom invited me to have coffee with the two of them. I pitched a softball question at Cousin P, "By what name did Jesus teach us to call God?" "Jehovah!" she blurted. "Oh," I said, "can you tell me where in the Gospels Jesus … Continue reading A Strong Tower
Stop What You’re Doing
Not too long ago, an egotistical brute played on the basest elements of human nature to gain power. Since that time, he's stomped around recklessly advancing his agenda, authoring oppression and spreading division. But on the horizon, there is hope. Another is coming to dethrone that arrogant hate monger. He's a justice warrior. He calls … Continue reading Stop What You’re Doing
Blame On!
Watchman Nee, the Chinese house church leader, refused the newly ascended communist regime's invitation to head their efforts to assimilate Christianity. In retaliation, they published a full page editorial cartoon which depicted a cutaway view of a two story building. On the top story, hapless church members poured their money into a funnel on which … Continue reading Blame On!
Personal Jesus
Once after a particularly sacrilegious string of jokes, snarky comedian, Dennis Miller, gave voice to what some in the audience might be thinking, "How can you talk like that, Dennis, don't you believe in God?" To which he responded, "Yeah, I believe in God; it's just that my God thinks I'm funny as h__l." The … Continue reading Personal Jesus
You Only Have One Problem
I met a homeless man while doing outreach at the park one day. He had agreed to hear the gospel from me and so I began to share. He sat there distracted as I spoke, so I would stop every few minutes to ask for feedback. He didn't seem to have heard anything I was … Continue reading You Only Have One Problem
What’s Wrong with Right and Wrong
Let's have a little dialogue: Me: Are you a good person? You: Yes and no, I suppose. We're all sinners, but as a Christian God is making me the person I'm supposed to be. Me: How do you know that the "person you're supposed to be" is good? You: Because God is good and he's … Continue reading What’s Wrong with Right and Wrong
Pleasant Street is Gone 