This past Sunday, I preached from Philippians 2:1-2. In these verses, Paul emphasizes the need for unity within the Church. Unity is very elusive within the context of Church history. From the Great Schism in 1054 (the division within the Catholic Church that led to the formation of the Roman and Eastern Churches) to theContinue reading “Separation and Unity?”
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The Dangers of Special Knowledge in Christianity
Over the past few weeks, we explored several heresies that arose in the early church. Each of them is still around today. Due to my schedule, I was unable to write last week, but I want to pick up where we left off. Picture this! It is a beautiful sunny morning in the rural mountainsContinue reading “The Dangers of Special Knowledge in Christianity”
Understanding Arianism: The Danger of a Created Jesus
In my last blog, I wrote about Sabillianism. That’s a fun word. Say that with me. As a recap, Sabillius believed that the Trinity was not three parts but only Jesus. This gave birth to the “Jesus only” or “Oneness” movement. As I mentioned, I struggle theologically on whether this doctrine will keep someone fromContinue reading “Understanding Arianism: The Danger of a Created Jesus”
Deny the Denial
I know this may surprise some of you, but I do not have a tattoo. I know it’s weird for a modern pastor not to have a man bun, tattoo, and skinny jeans, but I don’t. Well, I do have skinny jeans. If I were ever to get a tattoo, it would be a CelticContinue reading “Deny the Denial”
Where History and Theology Meet
My full-time job is as a pastor, but I moonlight as a professor of history and pastoral theology. Most of my students do not enjoy history; the same could be said for most of those sitting in the pew weekly. I’ve never understood this. A quote often credited to Maya Angelou states, “You can’t knowContinue reading “Where History and Theology Meet”
Dare I Have an Opinion?
The political and theological worlds are so intertwined these days that I am almost scared to have an opinion. For too long, those who disagree have decided it is a basis to hate someone with a differing opinion. How foolish. I find it funny that those who claim to be the most open-minded are oftenContinue reading “Dare I Have an Opinion?”
Redefined
As I prepared to write this blog this morning, I heard a song by Tosha Cobbs that I’d never heard before. It is from her Royalty tour. Written by Travis Greene, the lyrics state, “I am royalty. I am who You called me. I believe I am Yours. Oh, yes, I am.” The United StatesContinue reading “Redefined”
Grace Gifts
Generosity is not a moment. It is a way of life. People often comment that churches only talk about money. That shows a fundamental lack of understanding of Jesus’ teaching. He spoke on two topics more than any other, and they are closely related. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom and finances. Why? Because He recognizesContinue reading “Grace Gifts”
Can I Be Honest?
I was born with a strong sense of loyalty. I have recently thought about this and how my sense of loyalty may be overdeveloped. I am an extremely loyal person, which makes life difficult in a very disloyal world. If it helps you understand, you can exchange the words faithful and loyal. I believe loyaltyContinue reading “Can I Be Honest?”
Unity in Division
This past week, I preached a message about unity among believers. My title was “Biblical Connection,” with a text of Psalm 133. “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1a I want to approach unity for this week’s blog as it applies to those outside of our faith. HowContinue reading “Unity in Division”
Through Time 