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...]
Two Texts, Encouragement, and Divine Providence
Yesterday, I saw the providence of God at work in a small, but very encouraging way--texts from two friends who have never met each other. The Providence of God I think a good place to start is with a definition of "Divine Providence." "Divine providence," according to one theological website, "is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and … [Read more...]
Cyprian: Letter to Exiled and Condemned Christian Mineworkers
On the April 14, 2020 edition of The Dividing Line, Dr. White did a segment on Cyprian (an early church bishop and martyr)*. The segment (23:00-1:00:02) includes a letter Cyprian wrote to exiled and condemned, Christian mineworkers and their response letter to Cyprian. Dr. White uses the two letters, which he reads aloud, to encourage today's Christians to spend time … [Read more...]
Listening to Sermons: Student; Preacher; Evangelist; Son
I have been listening to sermons for 32 years. During that time, I've listened as a student, a preacher, and evangelist, and a son. Blessed by Expository Preaching I've been blessed all my Christian life (going on 32 years) to sit under expository preaching. Every pastor of every church to which I have been granted membership has been an expository preacher. Every one of them … [Read more...]