I have often told people the reason they don't see the gospel as a message of love is that they love themselves more than they love God. I was wrong. Evangelista, Semper Reformada "Preacher [or 'evangelist'], Always Reforming." That's the English translation of the Latin phrase Evangelista, Semper Reformada. I have now proclaimed the gospel on the streets and have preached … [Read more...]
Sign Evangelism with Janice: Real Peace at Harrison and Locust
"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). Only those truly wise toward God know real and abiding peace. The Morning After Rioting Late Sunday night and early Monday morning, while most of my city slept, violence erupted. While small and relatively short-lived by comparison to other places in the United States, the riot in … [Read more...]
The Death of George Floyd and the Death of Christian Civility
As I thought of the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd, it took my mind elsewhere--the apparent death of Christian civility in cyberspace. My Love for Cops, Those Fallible Human Beings It's no secret that I have a soft spot for law enforcement professionals. They were and are "family" to me. Do I tend to give officers the benefit of the doubt? Yes, I do. Am I an … [Read more...]
University Graduation Day: A Letter to My Daughter
Dear Amanda, It's been a couple of days since your graduation from the University of Iowa. I doubt this letter contains anything new. While we may not always agree (what father and daughter do?), you and I talk a lot. Sometimes we both listen well. Other times we don't. Relationships, like ministry, are always easier when sinful people aren't involved, but there's no way … [Read more...]
Social Distancing: American Evangelicalism’s New Way Out of Evangelism
In this article, I will answer the question: Is social distancing American Evangelicalism's new gospel-less way to "love your neighbor?" The Blight that is "Friendship Evangelism" For 40 years, Satan has maniacally rubbed his hands and smiled (metaphorically speaking) as a generation of American Evangelical Christians has bought into the lies of "Friendship/Servant … [Read more...]
Crosswalking: Abby and the Importance of Consistency (P2)
This article is the second in a two-part series. You can read P1, HERE. Abby approached me as I stood on the corner, with my cross. The first thing she said to me served as a reminder of the importance of consistency. Abby told me she had previously seen me on street corners with my cross. Seeing me often compelled her to stop and talk to me. The Importance of … [Read more...]
Crosswalking: Abby and the Importance of Consistency (Part 1)
This article is the first in a two-part series. Abby approached me as I stood on the corner, with my cross. The first thing she said to me served as a reminder of the importance of consistency. Harrison and Locust I spent a couple of hours yesterday morning on the corner of Harrison and Locust, one of the busiest intersections in my city. As I've likely mentioned in … [Read more...]
