While Christians are often categorized as being "American Evangelicals," American Evangelicalism is not synonymous with biblical Christianity. One reason: included in a large swath of American Evangelicals is the unbiblical belief that dead people can help themselves--the synergistic belief that man cooperates with God in his salvation. You've Seen the Image I often see … [Read more...]
Open-Air Preaching: God Has Not Commanded You To Do It
Open-air preaching is not the power of God for salvation. It is merely a method for communicating the gospel--one of many. God Has Not Commanded Your Preferred Method EVERY Christian is commanded by God in His Word to engage in evangelism and make disciples. That being understood, God does not command our favorite evangelistic methodologies. Nowhere in God's Word has He … [Read more...]
Still True: Overcoming Anxiety and Knowing Peace Through Prayer
Mahria took a day off work this week to sort through, purge, and organize years of family documents. During the several-hours-long effort, she came across some papers I had written during my time as a student at The Master's Seminary. The stack of papers she handed me included my Letter of Acceptance from the seminary and a paper titled "Philippians 4:6-7 -- Overcoming Anxiety … [Read more...]
Street Evangelism: Why Consistency Matters
In this article, I'm going to bang a particular drum--the drum of consistency. Consistency is vitally important when it comes to street evangelism. Crosswalking at Harrison and Locust I was crosswalking at my usual spot (Harrison/Locust, Davenport, IA) today. It was cold and damp. I'm usually at the corner in the afternoon, but other obligations today had me out there during … [Read more...]
Dr. James White, Empathy, Sympathy, and Cage Stages
I agree with Dr. James White. Some readers might be disappointed to read that, so let me say it again. I agree with Dr. James White. His position regarding the distinction between sympathy and empathy is biblical. While I have little to add to the "Is empathy sin?" conversation, I would like to provide a word of caution regarding the "cage stage" into which some may enter when … [Read more...]
Update: Bethelites at a Benny Hinn Show (James Bynum is Now with the Lord)
UPDATE: February 7, 2021 This morning I learned that James Bynum entered into the presence of Jesus yesterday. You can read the details of his passing, HERE. I posted the following on James' Facebook wall: "Diane: Mahria and I just learned of James' passing on to glory. While time and distance have kept us apart for some time, Mahria and I have nothing but fond memories … [Read more...]
It Came Down to a Polaroid: And Why I Never Rely on Evidence in My Evangelistic Apologetics
Evidence is very important in a courtroom, and I try never to rely on evidence when engaging in evangelistic apologetics. Bike Patrol In the Summer of 1998, I was assigned to the Career Offender Robbery Burglary Apprehension (COBRA) team, at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Put that on a business card! By the time I … [Read more...]
