Porn in American Schools?

                As a father, I seek to protect my children. Protect them from physical danger, protect their health, monitor their internet usage, and the list goes on. One of the biggest concerns for children on the internet is pornography. In part, porn drove the internet boom of the 90’s and has only continued to grow.Continue reading “Porn in American Schools?”

Is the Apostle Paul Outdated?

Paul’s Influence Today Paul’s life was far from ordinary. His ministry was provocative, while his reputation was contentious, and throughout his ministry he suffered much for the gospel.[1] Paul’s letters continue to ignite heated debates concerning his remarks on “Israel, homosexuality, women, spiritual gifts, and the end times.”[2] Yet, he is also remembered as aContinue reading “Is the Apostle Paul Outdated?”

Review: Four Views on the Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul laid the foundation to separate Christianity from Judaism, and established Gentiles are saved by faith without being required to adopt the Jewish way of life. His theology brought strong opposition from Jewish Christians, violent reactions from his Judean countrymen, and even criminal punishment from Roman leaders (Bird 2012, 9).  Even today, Paul’sContinue reading “Review: Four Views on the Apostle Paul.”

God’s People: Old & New Testament Community

Community is central to both the Old and New Testaments. This theme is seen as the Bible focuses on people experiencing community with God and with others. From the beginning of the Bible, this is evident, as God declared in Genesis that “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18, ESV).Continue reading “God’s People: Old & New Testament Community”

Christianity’s Jewish Roots

            Context is key to understanding any message. If the context is not clear, then messages will often be misinterpreted or completely misunderstood. That is why Luke went to great lengths to depict the authentic Jewish roots of the early church recorded in Acts. It was important for Luke to depict the “Jewishness” of theContinue reading “Christianity’s Jewish Roots”

Colossians: Human Philosophy and Social Justice

Colossians was written in A.D. 62 by Paul while he was imprisoned. By this time the gospel had spread from Jerusalem to Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Italy, and likely Egypt, North Africa, and Persia.[1] The church at Colossae was probably founded by a man named Epaphras who may have been converted by Paul in EphesusContinue reading “Colossians: Human Philosophy and Social Justice”

Living for the Lord

God’s Call God calls all people to draw near him. Hillman refers to this as God’s primary call, the need to develop a relationship with our creator. When we speak of “our calling” in life, we often refer to our career or job. However, we are called foremost to God, not just a position, aContinue reading “Living for the Lord”

Most Neglected Resource: God’s Word

Sometimes we get into a spiritual rut. We feel like our walk with Christ has slowed or we find that we have drifted from our relationship. There may be many causes, but I usually find that when I’m feeling this way, that I am not spending enough time in the Bible. I’m not alone inContinue reading “Most Neglected Resource: God’s Word”

Spiritual Development During Seminary

Introduction Being commissioned into God’s work and starting seminary is life changing. It is a journey which, at times, will be exciting and challenging. God uses these positive and negative events to shape us as we walk with Christ. To help you persevere and grow in your personal spiritual development during seminary, it is importantContinue reading “Spiritual Development During Seminary”

Thoughts from 2020

I originally wrote this to family on October 18th, 2020. Before we knew the results of the election…before Jan 6th. I was trying to share my perspective after spending most of 2020 outside of the U.S. living in an Islamic nation. We are very blessed in the U.S. and I think we often forget everythingContinue reading “Thoughts from 2020”