Charles Manson, a notorious serial killer, recently died. What is the biblical response to the death of a man who was, for many, the epitome of evil. Charles Manson: A Brief History Most people, including many of those in this present history-starved generation (as evidence by people on social media mistakenly mourning Marilyn Manson) are familiar with Charles Manson. This … [Read more...]
Parable of the Helpful Dead Man: Arminianism Found Wanting
Consistent adherents to the theological construct knowns as "Arminianism" subscribe to the belief that they participate in their salvation. The theological term for this belief is "Synergism." While this belief is consistent with Arminianism, it is utterly inconsistent with Scripture. I hope my use of a parable in this article, supported by Scripture, will drive this point … [Read more...]
“Do Not Hinder Them” by Justin Peters: A Review
There is no wasted ink in this short work by Justin Peters. Every page of "Do Not Hinder Them" contains important scriptural truths. The author biblically addresses an issue that has, for far too long, plagued the visible Christian church--the issue of false conversion among young people in the church. He addresses the issue by hitting head-on the sensitive subject of the … [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...]
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...]
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...]