Episode 316: C. S. Lewis called them “hyphenated Christians.” They are those think that no matter what they do – whether moral or immoral, decent or indecent – so long as they add Christian God will bless them. As Martin Luther would say, “You are the prostitute of heretics!” Tune in as I break down how even Jesus says such behavior is unChristian.
Today in Church History: The exact date of Jesus’ crucifixion…according to J. W. McGarvey (30)
Question of the Day: Why did Jesus die?
Episode 315: Ultimately, turning negatives into positives is centered in Christ. His death on the cross, though a very dark (negative) event in history, brought about glorious results for mankind, specifically the salvation of souls (positive). When we obey the gospel, though we are dead in our trespasses and sins (negative), we have our sins forgiven and enter into life with God (positive). So at the heart of the gospel is God turning negatives into positives. Tune in as I unpack a few more practical ways in which we can turn negatives into positives.
Today in Church History: Francis Asbury preaches his last sermon (1816)
Question of the Day: How do I stay saved/live the Christian life?
Episode 314: Many Christians want to know how to turn negatives into positives. When your boss seems only to have negative feedback for you; when your spouse only has bad things to say; when your kids are behaving badly; when a potential health crisis looms – how can we find the silver lining in any of this? In this episode, I explain how we can get off the complain train and “own it and hone it” to turn negatives into positives.
Question of the Day: How do I become a Christian?
Episode 312: Have you heard about Pastor Creflo Dollar’s capital campaign to raise $65 million for a Gulfstream jet? These guys just make it too easy sometimes. Tune in as I discuss this & late breaking developments. PLUS, today is St. Patrick’s Day so I’ll be delving into the history and hysterics surrounding this holiday.
Creflo Dollar’s $65 Million Jet
Today in Church History: St. Patrick Died (c. 460 or 493) AND the 1st St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America (1737)
Question of the Day: Can/Should Christians drink alcohol?
Episode 305: So the New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl, but only because they cheated. 11 of the 12 footballs they played with were underinflated. Tune in as I work to find the spiritual perspective on this current event.
Today in Church History: Pope Clement VI issues papal bull Unigenitus (1343)
Question of the Day: Is cheating a sin?
Episode 302: If spiritual growth were likened unto a swimming, too many Christians would be hanging out, splashing around in the shallow end. God expects & desires for His people to learn to swim and go out into the deep end. Tune in as we see God’s rebuke of shallowness and His request for us to go deeper from Hebrews 5.11-6.3.
Today in Church History: Hilary of Poitiers dies (368)
Question of the Day: What is an Arian?
Episode 286: It is a question as old as time: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” (Jeremiah 12:1, ESV) Or to borrow a more common phrasing of a similar question: “Why do good things happen to bad people?” With so much evil in the world, with the prosperity of groups like ISIL who are grossing $1 million dollars a day and corrupt, dare I say treacherous, politicians succeeding and thriving, this is no doubt a question many people have today: Why? Tune in as I explore this important subject.
Today in Church History: The Unjust Execution of Boethius
Question of the Day: Should we avoid trials and temptations?
Episode 284: Paul says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV) What a lofty calling! But how does one imitate God? Tune in as I unpack this text and the surrounding context to identify what it means to imitate God.
Question of the Day: How many Christians are there in the world?
Episode 281: “[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9–10, NIV84)
It is still “through the gospel” that we come to know the life and immortality of Christ today. It is still “through the gospel” that we gain access to the promise, body, and inheritance today (Ephesians 3.6). We must believe, accept, and obey “the gospel of your salvation” (1.13) to be incorporated into Christ Jesus. As Christians, we need to value the gospel. In order for the gospel to impact our lives, we must value it as revelation from God. Think of the parable Jesus told about the pearl of great price (Matthew 13.44-46). We have that which is of ultimate value. The gospel was all Paul had. The gospel is all we have. We must pay attention to, be defined by, and solve our problems with the gospel.
The gospel is not merely about getting to heaven; it is about life here and now as well as over yonder. It captures our initial conversion and our daily walk as disciples. It touches on our forgiveness and how we ought to forgive others. It speaks to God’s unfathomable love for us and how we ought to love one another. With so many implications upon life right now, it is no wonder Paul calls it “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3.8). And then we gather with the saints once or twice a week and think we’ve got it? No! We only start unwrapping the gift here; you take it home and finish the job the rest of the week.
Question of the Day: Are Mormons Christians?
Episode 273: Who is worship for? Ask Victoria Osteen and she is liable to say, “When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy.” Well, not liable to…she did! So who is worship for? Tune in as I breakdown what God thinks when we disconnect worship from Him. P.S. “Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully enjoy Him forever” (Westminster Larger Catechism).
Plus, we reach back into the archives for my interview with Joel Osteen! You won’t want to miss it!
Question of the Day: What must I do to be saved?
Live from the Pulpit 