For the third time, I was blessed to have a brother spend a week at my home to participate in a Timothy Project. His name is Allen Jerkins (Twitter) and he's from Arlington, TX. Donnie Johnson was the first participant (2015). Virgil Walker and Dan Perina participated in the second Timothy Project (2017). Day One Allen arrived Monday afternoon from Arlington (TX), for … [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...]
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...]
Memes: Sometimes I Have Something to Say
meme \MEEM\ noun. 1: an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture. 2: an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media. ~ Meriam-Webster Why Memes? Sometimes I have something to say. I don't always have the time to flesh out what I'm … [Read more...]
Sign Evangelism: “That’s a Pretty Jagged Sign”
On Saturday, September 12, 2020, for the fifth consecutive week, members of my church family and I conducted evangelistic ministry outside our community's Farmers' Market. Our ministry consisted of open-air preaching, gospel tract distribution, one-to-one conversations, and sign evangelism. Eighteen members of my church family participated during the three-hour effort. Hundreds … [Read more...]
City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano: Case Dismissed!
That's right. In the City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano (me), District Associate Judge Deborah Farmer Minot dismissed the "disorderly conduct" charge against me. As you will see in her published ruling below, Judge Minot determined that the City of Iowa City code under which I was cited is unconstitutionally vague and unconstitutionally broad. I am grateful to … [Read more...]
Self-Love: Rethinking the Doctrine and Its Use in Evangelism
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...]
