About a decade ago, an evangelist who was often used in the prophetic spoke a word over our church. He said that C3AG would be a sending church. In theory, that sounds like a great thing, but in practice, it is tough. In fact, there have been many times that I wanted to call thatContinue reading “Embracing the Tension of a Sending Church”
Tag Archives: Christianity
Christ’s Church is Multicultural:
Addressing the Politicization of a Biblical Concept The term multicultural is getting a lot of attention these days. Some of that is good and some is not. From a social or even a political viewpoint, multiculturalism can lean into things like DEI and ensure that no culture is ever viewed as better than another. WhileContinue reading “Christ’s Church is Multicultural:”
The Connection Between Replacement Theology and Antisemitism
Last week’s blog explored the historical connection between Manifest Destiny and today’s Christian Nationalism. I mentioned at the end that I would write further concerning Replacement Theology (supersessionism). In a nutshell, this philosophy teaches that the Church replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. We will explore what that means, the result of this thought, andContinue reading “The Connection Between Replacement Theology and Antisemitism”
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”
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”
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?”
Through Time 