General Articles
Newsletter
Talking Television: Accepting What isn’t Good because other things are Worse?
Growing up, I remember being one of the only kids in the neighborhood without a television. "What in the world do you do," was the common question my friends asked me. Well, I played in the woods for hours, built forts, played basketball, rode bikes, and when home, I...
Echoes in Koinonia: The Danger of an ‘Amen’ Corner
When a snake slithers out from the nondescript foliage in the woods, your entire body responds to the sudden fear of the snake. This fight-or-flight response is an Amygdala Hijack*. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase, causing you to breathe more quickly,...
How Churches Became Cruise Ships
In a book I read recently, the prism was turned, which allowed me to understand the plight of church attendance in a whole different light. This book, bringing me through the '50s and into the '60s and '70s, captured a phenomenon that began to occur in the Christian...
Hushai: Another Reason Why I Pray
Perhaps you have sometimes struggled to pray and wondered: "Does my prayer work?" Well, something from a story found in II Samuel and a figure named Hushai has caused me to push through those thoughts and engage in a daily habit of prayer. It is very simple. God is...
The Apostle Paul and the Absence of the Gospels
Many reading this will be surprised to learn that the Apostle Paul did not have the Four Gospels when he began his ministry following his encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus around AD 35. The newly inaugurated Church did not have anything they utilized as a...
Double Fulfillment in Scripture: The Virgin Birth?
Isaiah 7:14–16 (KJV 1900) — 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, That he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For...
The Spirit of Pure Inquiry
The spirit of inquiry, though uncomfortable for many in the Body of Christ, is a necessary agency that works to hinder the advancement of doctrinal distortions, false teachings, and the temptation by some in the Pentecostal community to become top-heavy in...
PREACH THE WORD: A Careful Reflection on Speech in the Pulpit
As the culture of controversy has become dominated by text chains and back-room conversations, I often find that it is vital to the health and strength of the church community to respectfully and openly navigate certain controversies. In part, this is done to dull the...
The Captor that Comes as Liberator: Responding to the Fallacy of the Self-Described Social Media Holiness Reformers.
One need not peruse social media long these days to find themselves face-to-face with several outlets that have stirred the proverbial pot of biblical interpretation, often touting themselves as an enlightened alternative to all things cultish and cult-like. Uncanny...
Using Other Translations with the KJV
1 Peter 2:2 (NA28) — 2 ὡς ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα ἐπιποθήσατε, ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ αὐξηθῆτε εἰς σωτηρίαν 1 Peter 2:2 (Elzevir) — 2 ως αρτιγεννητα βρεφη το λογικον αδολον γαλα επιποθησατε ινα εν αυτω αυξηθητε I am not a Greek scholar, expert, or anything...
Holiness Foundations: A Biblical Response to Holiness Criticism
Outside of certain religious groups, the idea of holiness is seldom discussed, and if it is discussed, it is heavily tilted toward a "God alone" paradigm (i.e., God is Holy). My question for consideration is: Does holiness have more to do with us than many allow or...
The War Against the Word
Lately, we have been working (locally) through the Mark 4 text dealing with the four places the seed from the sower fell upon; the first three locations continue to stand out. Let's look at them again: The Wayside: hearing the Word, there is no...
Restoring the Ministry of the Prophet, but which Prophet?
I have seen a hyper-emphasis in recent years on the restoration of the Prophets among us, though I would beg to ask the question: "Which Prophets do we wish to restore?" One observation I have made as many have begun to argue for the restoration of the prophetic...
An Elevated Pulpit: Redeeming Truth from the Cult of Self
As a note to fellow preachers, we must hold each other accountable to a standard that is consistent for even our closest friends. When we veer from exegesis to eisegesis, we must hold each other accountable for the sake of our most sacred text. Our conferences must not become harbingers of hazy hermeneutics where the benchmark for biblical expectation is lowered for the price of enthusiasm alone.
Asbury Revival: A Follow-Up and Other Insights
It is evident from the engagement with my last article that I was met with a healthy dose of agreement and disagreement. That aside, I find that It is important to express to my readers that the articles I publish are not sent into the digital atmosphere as a means to...
Asbury Revival: A Cautionary Stance for the Church
If you are on social media, then you will remember the first few posts celebrating what is being called a 21st-century Great Awakening at Asbury College, a Methodist University in Kentucky. According to many Pentecostal brothers and sisters, this is the “last day...
The Danger of Celebrity Culture in the Church
The fanfare that accompanies the secular Gala's and the high-societal affairs of the rich and famous are both humorous and pitiful to observe. Actors, actresses, and musicians line the red carpets as they are fawned over by an elite press and, beyond the ropes where...
Loud Church: Do I Really need to Lift my Voice?
What's with all this noise? Why is the preacher asking us to lift our voice? These are some common responses that many unfamiliar with Pentecostal churches have had when attending a service. These are fair questions when asked with the right attitude. Why do we lift...
Turning Red: The Real Problem another Disney Film Exposed (Culture Series #1)
Not even spending time on the quotes that captured overt references to sexual objectivity, such as, “shake your moneymaker,” it is clear that teenage puberty is the red herring of the film. This film, based on the aforementioned quotes, is more about “accept the beast” than it is “resist the beast.” In direct opposition to the Apostle Paul’s theological discourse outlining the battle against the deathly desires within us all, Disney subtly marches forward as a vehicle of propaganda whispering the idea of “don’t fight it, embrace it.”
Leave the Office, get to the Altar
The year was 2017 and Pastor Mark Brown stood before 37,000 Pentecostals at the North American Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The crowd he spoke to represented a varied gathering of Pentecostals from across the broad landscape of Pentecostal flavor. In...
Kanye and the Church in 2022: Reflections on Promoting Trees before they Produce Fruit
I had forgotten--until this morning--the fever-pitch fanaticism that went on display a few years ago when Kanye (A.K.A, Yeezy) become a "born-again" Christian who had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The Christian world of all stripes went bonkers. I'm...
The Psychology of the Artificial Face (Image War Series)
To bring this phenomenon into proper focus, it is important to understand the correlation between the porn industry and the unrealistic expectations of the female body. First, porn producers screen and select performers who, by average standards of society, are far more attractive than the average person. Second, lighting, camera angles, intense tanning to cover up normal skin blemishes, video editing, stylists, makeup specialists, and a myriad of other industry practices work to cover things considered to be “unsightly.” Third, because there has been an increasing rise in demand for youthfulness (as revealed in search inquiries on major porn video sites),many porn performers are engaging in practices (laser hair removal, vaginoplasty, etc.) to facilitate what is becoming known as the “designer vagina.” (Future articles will deal with porn’s subtle promotion of Pedophilia).
The Rise of the Artificial Face (Image War Series)
The first charge that critics of this treatise will articulate is the “majoring on the minors” premise that is also cast alongside the missional urgency of the Church to reach and reconcile the lost to Jesus Christ. In response, I merely point toward the writings of...
Decayed Offerings on Pentecostal Altars
I grieved as I watched, not as men moved ancient landmarks, but as men etched new lines that disfellowshipped, castigated, and shamed brothers and sisters over a myriad of subjects. Honestly? The spirit on the streets casting shadows from the fires of buildings that burned was raging in the corridors of the Ecclesia. And today, many of those same individuals whose spirits smoldered with divisive rhetoric and discord have yet to say “I’m sorry.” In fact, the failure to “make things right with thy brother” remains one of the most neglected biblical admonitions of the present day. As such, offerings that have been placed upon altars now rot and decay since God will not accept what was offered by those unwilling to rectify the oughts of their brothers and sisters.
The Real Reason Caleb Wanted the Mountain
"Give me my mountain!" How many times have we heard this phrase preached? How many times have we centered on the vigorous desire of an aged Caleb who--after 40 years wandering in the wilderness--confronted Joshua regarding Moses' promise that Caleb should receive the...
Called to Share: Stewardship in the Christian Life
Let's face it. Stewardship is most often associated with wealth and the responsibility of the individual to distribute wealth based on a tithe and offering paradigm. I introduce stewardship this way--not because I disagree with the biblical paradigm of tithe and...
The Idolatry of Convenience
1 Kings 12:28–30 (KJV 1900) — 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in...
NICOT and NICNT Mini Bundles at Logos
This is one of the reasons why I waited when the entire set was selling for around 1,100.00. I don't want every commentary in the set, but there are specific ones that I do. This bundle offer was perfect for me in that it offerred what I primarily wanted from the...
Navigating Logos Bible Software Libraries
For those of you not familiar with Logos Bible Software, it is a robust software\biblical library that is packed full of feature sets that make studying the Scriptures an effort of efficiency. Now, let me be honest. I love physical books and I am convinced that...
Pedophobic? The Playbook of Tolerance at Work Again.
On August 17th, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland, another symposium was held by the 501(c)(3) organization known as B4U-ACT. The name of the symposium was “Pedophilia, Minor-Attracted Persons, and the DSM: Issues and Controversies.” The keynote of the symposium, “On the...
What Should our Conversation be in Babylon?
Jeremiah 29:4-9 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye...
Developing a Daily Devotional System
Let me be honest at the outset of this brief article. I have never been a fan of calendrical devotions due to the clique-driven premise of so many of the books on the market. This is, in part, due to the way my brain navigates written literature. I struggle to "just...
Tony Spell and the Shadow Cast by Covid
At a time when, rightfully so, we are seeking justice for our neighbor who was tragically murdered in a manner that appears to have been cold and calculating, we are putting together lengthy social media discourses, videos, and communications that are assassinating the character of our brothers and sisters. Have we forgotten that poignant words of Christ?
COVID-19: When the Light of the Church Shines or Flickers
It began as a trickle-down rumor and, in just a very short amount of time, became a global panic fueled by reports of pandemic spread and increased rates of mortality. As though the world stepped into the pages of a Robin Cook novel, we found ourselves caught up in the chatter of ignorant conspiracies, political wrangling, and the widely varied responses between the states and the federal government. To make things worse, stockpiling of essential and nonessential goods began to overtake the most sensible of people. Informed or misinformed, even those who were quick to criticize found themselves wandering the empty aisles of local grocery stores looking to fill their cupboards–just in case.
Achsah, the Daughter that Asked
Tucked away neatly within two places in scripture (Joshua and Judges) we are introduced to a character that seldom receives much spotlight. Perhaps it is due to the slow progress of land allotments discussed in Joshua 15 or perhaps overshadowed by the gory events that...
Porn and Supernatural Stimuli
Pornography, often expressed in the more caustic four lettered version (PORN), has become the proverbial elephant in the room. However, I think elephant is a bit too generous and, to be more accurate, I think we ought to just call it the Monster in the...
It’s all about the image…
Paul’s contrast between Adam and Christ (first and last) is an appeal for us to have an “image-change.” Hence, in Christ, we are a “new creature” (II Cor. 5:17). Without the new birth experience, we remain in the image of the 1st Adam and fail to rise to the image of...
The Disturbing Truth about Mark Brown’s NAYC message
There is no other way to really say this, but we went through a period of time where the effects of relevant and cool were realized in the rubble of ruined ministries and countless younger men and women feeling as though the compass was not pointing true North. The strong were found to be weak, the anointed were found to be relics of early years of consecration, and everything suddenly failed to appear as it has always appeared.
Truth Communicated (Teaching or Preaching?)
It remains a convoluted line, the edges blurred, and the lens of correction panning in and out, creating a false perception of understanding. What am I speaking of? The line between teaching and preaching. Does anyone have an adequate answer to the fundamental...
Doctrines, Traditions, and Preferences
In contemplation this morning, I began to mentally navigate and probe the multi-faceted angles of church doctrine and their continued importance to the direction and future of the church. Of course, by doctrine I mean to employ the Biblical Greek understanding as outlined by the word Didache. Simply put, things taught that serve as unchanging, concrete beliefs that further establish and engender one’s unique identity within a Biblical frame of understanding.
A Case for Context: Closing the Roman Road
It is likely that the vast majority of my readers have heard mention of the “Roman Road.” Perhaps some of you have even practiced various aspects of its approach or, based on your religious affiliation, have applied its concepts in your own approach to Jesus Christ and salvation. To put it simply, for those who may need a refresher on its basic beliefs, the Roman Road can best be described as an approach used by various religious denominations to lead one to Jesus Christ and secure an individuals eternal salvation. Let’s take a look at the five basic steps involved in the process that is referred to as the Roman Road:
A Case for Context: Pressed Down, Shaken Together, and Running Over
If you have frequented the pews of a Pentecostal church long, then you have probably heard this text used with fever pitched redundancy. By this, I mean you have heard it via an exhortation to give out of your finances with the superfluous promise that God will give back to you, “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Ring any bells?
Divorce and Remarriage: What Does the Bible Say?
One could have never envisioned, some 50 years ago, that divorce would transition from an isolated tragedy to a cancerous epidemic. With startling acceleration, the bonds of sacred matrimony, have become for so many, nothing more than an ideal built on shifting sands....
Does God Have a Girlfriend?
Surveying the crowd that spread out in all directions before him, as the multi-colored lights of the arena revealed the slight beading of sweat dotting his forehead, the preacher lifted his hands and with great conviction declared, “we are the Body of Christ, the...
A Case for Context: Many Called but Few Chosen
Several years ago, as I was spending some time in the parables of Christ, I found myself drawn to a portion of Matthew 20, specifically the first 16 verses, which are as follows: Matthew 20:1-16 (KJV) 1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an...
Proved to be Approved
It is important to note that, while God will test His people, He never tempts them to sin. To be tried (Gk. Dokimos) is to be proved and purified like a metal that is placed into a fire. To be tempted (Gk. Peirazo) is to be tested by being solicited to sin. We find this “proving” done by God to His people many times throughout the Scriptures.
From a church-planter to church-planters
Just some meandering thoughts and ideas from someone in the trenches: First: When visitors come to your church, your confidence and ability to interact with them is everything. Hands in your pockets, uncertainty, awkwardness, failing to lead in a positive,...
Kanye West and the Church
Already, Christian leaders (even Apostolic men and women of influence) are loudly proclaiming their love for the recent release of Kanye West (Jesus is King). Comparisons are being made between the Apostle Paul (once Saul) and Kanye West. Sure, Yeezus can shift toward Jesus, but the fever-pitch for which we are seeing men and women of faith jump onto Kanye’s bandwagon is deeply concerning.
Is a Carnal Home a Sinful Home?
Let’s face it; alot of people live for God under the guise of “how much can I allow into my life without it affecting my spiritual man.” Sure, it typically doesn’t begin that way but, over time, the enticement of entertainment, hobbies, and various pleasures eats away at the hard “spiritual” skeleton of our spiritual frame. We become more flexible. We become more willing. We become more lenient. And, in the words that have escaped the lips of so many, we embrace the ideology captured in “relax, bro, don’t be so rigid and/or legalistic. I mean, seriously, if we lived the way some people want us to live we won’t have any fun at all, right?”
Rage, the Mob Mentality, and Preaching
We can sweep this under the rug and pretend like it never happens but it happens all the time and we become disingenuous to ourselves and those we are meant to lead by example when we act like it is not a big issue. Ministry is not a license to be ugly, rude, unkind, mean, vulgar, hateful, or any of the other variants of fleshy and carnal eruption. Hey, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, right?