Episode 369: Many have lamented the fact that America has over 300 million citizens and yet Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are the two candidates put forward for President. They are the worst of both worlds. So why are we here and what do we do as Christians? Tune in as I explore these questions which may have startling answers. P.S. This will be the only episode about the election.
Today in Church History: John Gill baptized (1716)
Question of the Day: When Jesus drove the demons into the pigs, didn’t He cause loss of property & sin?
Episode 361: For a few years now philosophers and social commentators have been advocating the Benedict Option for Christians in response to the rise in secular influence and moral depravity in America. What is the Benedict Option? Tune in as I examine what this is, where it comes from, and if there is a better option for Christians in America today.
Episode 356: The Iowa Caucus (Hawkus??) was earlier this week. Whether your candidate won or not, there is a principle or three from Scripture we need to keep focused on during the entire election cycle. What is it? Tune in as I unpack the Biblical view of nations, national leaders, and God’s involvement in all of this.
Today in Church History: Muslims execute Joseph of Aleppo, claiming he had promised to become a Muslim but reneged. (1686)
Question of the Day: Who do you think will become the next President?
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.”
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.
“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
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.
Episode 304: 42 years ago Roe V. Wade legalized abortion in the United States. Since then, some 57 million America babies have been systematically slaughtered by the abortion industry. Recently, I went to a pro-life rally and in today’s episode I share some of my experiences from that excursion.
Episode 258: The Supreme Court ruled on Hobby Lobby’s case. It has been interesting to hear the dissent from secular progressives on this ruling, especially the claim that now a boss is imposing their religious convictions on employees. Really? What does it REALLY look when a boss imposes their religious beliefs on employees? Tune in as I discuss this, plus…
Is it just me or does anyone else find it coincidental that the same week gay pride events are being held in America, parts of Iraq and Syria are declared an Islamic state? If that is not a contrast in countries I do not know what is. Here in the states, freedom has been hijacked to such a degree that immoral behavior is literally paraded down Main Street. There in the Middle East, a self-proclaimed religion of peace rapes and murders women for not paying a tax. The world over evil abounds.
The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14.34). When a nation or people put into practice and keep the word of God, it is a blessing. As the Psalmist says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (33.12). However, whether that nation of people be Hebrew, American, or Islamic, sin is a black stain on any people. So we see two very different yet equally sinful situations on opposite sides of the planet. “‘There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked’” (Isaiah 48.22).
What leads to this? The abandonment of God’s word. In America, secular progressives have sought to legislate God’s word out of schools, buildings, and monuments. In the Middle East, the Koran is the religious book of choice and any other alternatives are ruthlessly eradicated. In both nations there is famine in the land, “not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8.11). “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jeremiah 22.29, ASV). “For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26.9). And with righteousness comes exaltation.
Episode 190: The title pretty much says it all. I chase a lot of these things down, discuss them, and even have a special call-in guest – David Creek! #catINtheHAT Tune in I give Biblical perspective on these current affairs.
Episode 162: It was only a matter of time. Though the court case is over in merry old England, it is only a matter of time before this stuff hits our shores. I offer some practical steps concerning how Christians should respond to the homosexual agenda.
Live from the Pulpit 