Yesterday was Election Day in the United States. Like tens of millions of Americans, I went to my local polling place to cast my votes. I did not vote for any Presidential or the US Senate (CA) candidates. But I did vote for candidates in other races and for (or against) local bond and legislative measures. I got a sticker and everything. This morning as the political dust … [Read more...]
Memes: Might You be Dishonoring God?
What are Memes? What are "memes?" For today's social media-savvy world, it might seem like a silly question. However, there are still quite a few folks (probably in my generation and older) who have no idea what memes are. Dictionary.com defines the term "meme" this way: "A cultural item in the form of an image, video, phrase, etc., that is spread via the Internet and often … [Read more...]
Street Evangelism: Why I Pursue God-Haters
Street evangelism is messy at times. Street evangelism can lead to confrontations with lost people. When engaging strangers in conversation, you never know what will happen. Some people are very friendly and receptive. Some people are aloof and cautious. Others are rude and angry. Some laugh at your questions and mock your faith. Some will become enraged when you suggest they … [Read more...]
Your Faith, Not the Gospel, Is Inadequate
American Evangelicalism is beyond a crossroads. American Evangelicalism, more than a century ago, came to a fork in the road. Instead of moving down the narrow road of faithfulness, integrity, godliness, love for others, and power American Evangelicalism wantonly opted to take the road most traveled--the road of faithlessness, compromise, godlessness, self-love, and inadequacy. … [Read more...]
Cross Encounters: What Folks are Saying
As many of you know, my third book, Cross Encounters - A Decade of Gospel Conversations, has been out for less than a week. There are too many people to thank to name them all in this brief article. However, there are two people I must thank again: Allison Pari and Mike Gaydosh. Allison, in addition to being my beautiful niece, has edited my last two books: Cross Encounters … [Read more...]
Sounding Off: Things That are NOT the Gospel and Other Thoughts
This article introduces the first in a series of article, under the title "Sounding Off." Introduction While the abolition of abortion can result from the worldwide proclamation of the gospel, the abolition of abortion is NOT the gospel. From time to time, my mind races with thoughts regarding one subject or another and, for better or for worse, I put the proverbial pen to … [Read more...]
Sinful Expectations: Hurting the Ones We Say We Love
Expectations in the Park Charles Spurgeon had this to say about expectations: "Blessed is he who expects nothing of poor flesh and blood, for he shall never be disappointed." Painters are applying their trade in our condo today. Mahria and the girls went to visit her folks. As I begin to write this, Roxy and I are relaxing in a local park. A short distance away a … [Read more...]