Twenty years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams famously wrote, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I don’t want to sound pessimistic about the future of this country, but it seems to me this could turn out to be a major design flaw!

We had a video chat with Sarah tonight. She is loving her time with the mission team in El Salvador. She shared her testimony in front of a whole lot of students today and that makes this father’s heart swell with pride and gratitude. Sarah also talked of the team sharing the Gospel with the crowds and seeing some of students come forward to receive Christ. I know I should be rejoicing over that – and I do – but my joy is always tempered by reservations over the way we tend to do evangelism, especially with strangers. Too often…

This weekend I was remembering a 4th of July celebration Melissa and I found ourselves in about 20 years ago.  We were living in Indianapolis, not far from downtown. Nearby Rhodius Park was a perfect place to watch the official Indy fireworks without battling the traffic.  So as the sun set, we walked over with our toddlers in the stroller and sat at the top of the hill on the near end of the park.  We staked out our spot and spread a blanket, anxious to see our kids’ reaction to the fireworks. But we didn’t stick around long. Within…

Is it just me? When progressive Christians say “God loves you”, does it not seem to carry the implication the Lord makes no demands of human beings?  All love. No expectations or requirements.  And when they say “God loves you”, is it not assumed the words “just the way you are” can and should be tacked on the end?  I sense a similar vibe when progressives claim “We are all God’s children”.  Are we children in a household characterized by a generous allowance and lots of hugs and the complete absence of chores and responsibilities?  How can such a household…

You might recall this odd little scenario Jesus puts to his disciples as part of His response to a request to teach them how to pray in Luke chapter 11:  5Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to…

When I was a young youth pastor, I was always on the lookout for curriculum that was relevant for teenagers.  Now that I am at Sardinia and once again getting to work a bit with teenagers, I come up with lesson ideas by simply asking myself, “What do I wish someone had told me – about faith or people or life – when I was that age?” Tonight we went to the story of Jacob wrestling with the mysterious “man” the night before he was going to meet Esau.  I love the fact that the “man” changes Jacob’s name to…

In Jeremiah 22:15-16, the prophet relates God’s thoughts about the former King, Josiah, to his son.  15Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. 16He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. Josiah was one of the righteous kings of Judah and even gets a mention in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s gospel.  But here…

I have a project due in a few weeks for my preaching class. I need to create a year-long preaching plan, mapping out 52 particular passages and a synopsis of each while being mindful of holidays and the flow of the church calendar. It will be useful, I am sure, but so far I have not had any issue with deciding on what passage to preach on any particular Sunday. I usually have it figured out more than a week in advance. Until today. Next Sunday is July 2nd, so that means we will be marking the July 4th weekend.…

There is a great temptation for a preacher to present himself as having arrived, as having his spiritual act together.  And not just temptation – but actual pressure, as well. Pressure from the congregation – to have all the answers, to have it all figured out. All the deepest mysteries of God and existence! But I take comfort in knowing that even the Apostle Paul – who obviously knew his stuff – said that in this present life, we all see “through a glass darkly”. (1 Cor 13:12) And he even said that he and every other believer only knew…