Mahria took a day off work this week to sort through, purge, and organize years of family documents. During the several-hours-long effort, she came across some papers I had written during my time as a student at The Master's Seminary. The stack of papers she handed me included my Letter of Acceptance from the seminary and a paper titled "Philippians 4:6-7 -- Overcoming Anxiety … [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...]
In the Lake of Fire: A Letter to My Church Family
With the above image in mind, this morning I sent my church family the following email. I hope it encourages you, as well. GFC Family, This image is circulating on social media. It is a picture, taken from a plane, of the current California wildfires, from above the clouds. After staring at this remarkable image for a few moments, my thoughts turned to the untold … [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...]
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...]
