When a person in modern culture, especially in the western hemisphere, thinks of Afghanistan, what normally comes to mind is pain and suffering. Perhaps, rightly so. If you are old enough to remember that tragic day on Sept. 11, 2001 when Afghan terrorist, in a massive blow to the mental and geopolitical security of the
How and Why to Pray for Afghanistan Read More »
We live in a Christian sub-culture that will, invariably, chide anyone who exuberantly applauds and celebrates July 4th. They will scream and use their intellectual prowess to try and show that you really worship culture, white supremacy, nationalism, etc. Don’t fall for it. It is a lie. Like other federal holidays, July 4th should be
Christians Should Celebrate Independence Day Read More »
This article was originally posted in April 2018. For those who read this blog post, please know that l am first and foremost a believer in the awesomeness of Jesus Christ and have devoted my life to declaring his name among all peoples. I primarily work this out by working with mostly smaller churches and
Our Racial Conundrum Read More »
It is hard to believe that we are already heading into the fourth quarter of 2018. Time has seemed to have passed at a particularly rapid rate this year. I realize it hasn’t, it has passed at exactly the same pace it always passes. But if nothing else, it illuminates for us the preciousness
How Do You Value Your Time? Read More »
Available on iTunes Stitcher Tune-In Radio Guest Links: Gregory Coles Website Order His Book Gregory Coles is a tangle of identities: born in upstate New York, raised on the Indonesian island of Java, and now a PhD candidate studying English in central Pennsylvania. He has been in love with language since age
Gregory Coles, Author – “Single, Gay, Christian” Read More »
As we enter the new 2018 calendar year, all one sees on social media is the hype and glad handing of “making this your best year yet”. Best at what exactly, existing? The constant desire to be seen and heard and known for an endless array of encouragement and self-propagated wisdom is a dangerous road
New Year – Same Everything Else Read More »
I am sometimes asked how widely diverse we are aiming for our membership to be. My answer will always be, “As wide and deep as we can be.” To not open our doors to the vast variety of the different “streams” of belief and practice is short sighted and damaging to the overall health and
Are You A #BigTentChristian? Read More »
Actor and realist, Marlon Brando is quoted as saying, “Acting is the expression of a neurotic impulse. It’s a bum’s life. Quitting acting, that’s the sign of maturity.” And although I really cannot speak to the reasoning that happens in an actor’s brain, Mr. Brando is on to something. Maturity is less about attainment, and
Growing Up Is Hard To Do Read More »
I recently was in a meeting with a church listening to their reluctance of trying to raise money for a new building. As we discussed the culture of the church and why they were so reluctant, it turned out it was due to right motives – they didn’t want to try and be “big”
Dangers of Riding the Tide Read More »
Our friends and ministry partner, Tithe.ly, has put together the based on churches using Tithe.ly for mobile, text, and online digital giving. Below is a repost of a blog entry originally posted on their site on April 2, 2017. In just about any field, there’s always the “standard” advice that seems to get repeated all
10 Giving Facts You Need To Know About Giving Read More »
On March 31st, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, signed SB 1367, a piece of legislation that gives instruction that all physicians in attendance during an abortion procedure to “see that all available means and medical skills are used to promote, preserve and maintain the life of the fetus…” In other words, if a baby endures the abortion
Much has been said by all sides, both is disgust and with adulation, regarding the new administration of Donald Trump. Regardless of political affiliation, one thing is for certain, he is everyone’s President. Reminiscent of the apprehension conservatives experienced with the election of Barack Obama, those on the liberal side of the electorate, will have