Category Archives: Uncategorized

Manifest Destiny: Historical Roots of Christian Nationalism

In our current political culture, we hear a lot about the idea of Christian Nationalism. Many ascribe this to President Trump and to many in the Christian right who seem to hold him as God’s ordained leader for this time. Let me begin by saying, President Trump is God’s ordained leader for this time, asContinue reading “Manifest Destiny: Historical Roots of Christian Nationalism”

On the Rapids: Exploring Pentecostal Orthodoxy

The development of our theological belief is like navigating a long, winding river. At each turn, we discover something new about ourselves, and more importantly, something new about our God. As a theologian, a minister, a church historian, and a pastor, I navigate these waters consistently. There are others present with us in this boatContinue reading “On the Rapids: Exploring Pentecostal Orthodoxy”

The First Creed

My thought was to write today’s blog on the topic of why I am a Classical Pentecostal. However, as I studied for this coming Sunday’s message. I ran across an intriguing statement by the commentator William Barclay—his comment ties in so well with my blogs over the past few weeks. If you have not readContinue reading “The First Creed”

Separation and Unity?

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?”

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?”