Episode 340: We know as Christians that we are to pray for those who in positions of authority in government (see 1 Timothy 2.1-3). We also know, good Bible students that we are, that God is control of the political process. So what should we be praying for as the 2016 presidential election season approaches? Tune in as I explore several Psalms which I believe give language to our prayers for “kings and those in high positions.”
Tag Archives: Christian
Foolish, Faithless, Heartless, Ruthless
Episode 339: Behold, an apt description of America written in the first century (see Romans 1.31, ESV). Granted, Paul was not writing to describe American culture. Paul was writing to describe the then-present state of Roman society. Nevertheless, those four words accurately and succinctly characterize modern America.
The first word, “foolish,” can also be translated stupid. American culture is obsessed with the stupid. We even buy shirts with the phrase “I’m with stupid” plastered across the front. Turn on your television and watch the latest episode of anything on MTV and you will find stupidity rather quickly. Far too often stupidity is linked with ungodliness. So it is no wonder a secondary definition of this word is just that: ungodly. Yes, where folly is sin is crouching at the door.
Illegal Immigrants Appointed as City Commissioners
Consequences of Decriminalized/Legalized Marijuana
“Faithless” means untrustworthy when it comes to keeping covenant (cf. ASV, KJV). Many so-called Christians live their lives as though there is no God with whom they have entered into covenant by the blood of His Son. In a broader sense America is witnessing the rise of the “nons” – those who do not identify with any religious group. America is growing more and more faithless.
Many Americans are “heartless.” Literally it is without familial affection. There is no love for the family. Indeed, this is the attribute which will cause a mother to abort her unborn baby, a father to abandon his family, children to talk back to and hate their parents, and government to pass legislation which is detrimental to the traditional family unit, viz. homosexual marriage.
“Ruthless” is the word which means lack of mercy. What comes to mind immediately is the political realm. Jay Leno once said that “politics” is a compound word from “poly” meaning many and “tics” which are bloodsuckers. The political game is a merciless one. But this is an apt description of what happens on the playground when parents raise children who will merciless bully other kids.
Welcome to America – the Rome of the 21st century!
Today in Church History: Tertullian (c.160-240 AD) on abortion
Early Church Writers on Abortion
Question of the Day: Is abortion immoral? What does the Bible say about abortion?
The Death of Cecil the Lion
Episode 338: Last week, the news broke that an American hunter had killed Cecil the Lion in Africa. Cecil who? Exactly. Yet the death of Cecil has sparked an outrage in American calling for the extradition & prosecution of this doctor. Tune in as I explore the curious case of Cecil the Lion.
Today in Church History: More on Anthony (c.3rd-4th century)
Question of the Day: Do animals have souls?
Planned Parenthood Sells Baby Body Parts
Episode 337: You have probably seen the undercover video footage of a conversation between someone posing as a liaison for a company interested in purchasing baby body parts and a Planned Parenthood doctor. If not click here. Tune in as I express some outrage over this while also reminding us of some very important Biblical principles.
Today in Church History: The Life of Anthony (3rd-4th Century)
Sojourners & Strangers
Episode 336: With all the issues du jour which can excite, depress, distress, & anger Christians, it is vital that we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ and in relation to the world. How should the Christian respond when faced with societal shifts & cultural changes? Tune in I breakdown the epistle of 1 Peter to see what Peter wrote to Christian exiles living under empire.
Prepared Not Panicked
Episode 335: Since the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last week social media has exploded into an idea food fight. Some Christians have inserted themselves into this firestorm. But how should Christians respond to the new law? Does Scripture give us any guidance on this? Tune in as I take a look at a well known Bible account which has an astonishing parallel.
Today in Church History: Lutheran Martin Niemoller arrested for resisting Nazi racism
Question of the Day: Why hasn’t God destroyed America?
Legal But Immoral
Episode 334: Last Friday the Supreme Court of the United States legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. This is not the first time something immoral has been legal, but it is a seismic shift for America. Tune in as I explain how something can be legal but still immoral.
Just Getting Started – Churches Next Target in Gay Marriage War
Today in Church History: The Apostle Paul beheaded (67)
Question of the Day: Now what? What are Christians to do with this court decision?
Praying for Our Enemies – Imprecatory Psalms
Episode 333: Psalms of imprecation are those Psalms which make us squirm when we read them. “Break their teeth, O Lord” & “May his days be few.” They are the sons of thunder Psalms which call down fire from heaven. So what can imprecatory Psalms teach us today as New Testament Christians when it comes to our prayer lives, especially praying for our enemies? Tune in as I unpack the significance of these Psalms.
Bruce Jenner, Transgenders, and Celebrating Depravity
Episode 332: All the news this week has been about Bruce…er, Caitlyn Jenner – the former Olympian and former male. Now a woman, he finally feels like a natural woman. But is there more than here than meets the eye? Is this kind of behavior something to celebrated? Tune in as I approach the disturbing reality of sex reassignment from a Biblical worldview.
Transgender is a Mental Disorder Say John Hopkins Doc
Why John Hopkins Stopped Performing Sex Changes
Question of the Day: Is being transgender a sin?
The Rise of Secularism
Episode 331: New pew survey data shows that, coupled with a decline in (progressive) Christianity, secularism is on the rise in America. But why? On this episode, we dig into societal & cultural reasons that secularism seems to be on the rise as well as what the Bible says about this current phenomenon.
Obama administrations hostility toward the Bible
Unprecedented “Assault” on Religion
Today in Church History: The Council of Nicea begins (325)
Question of the Day: What did Jesus mean by “turn the other cheek”? How does this relate to “eye for an eye”?
Live from the Pulpit 