Verbal Kint, during his interrogation in the movie The Usual Suspects, comments, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." Apparently, that quote is traced back to a 19th-century French poet, Charles Baudelaire. This past week, I looked at Genesis 3:15 as the protoevangelium, the first good news. It … Continue reading The Devil
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It’s Complicated
I've recently been listening to an incredibly interesting book, The Protest History of the United States. Author, civil rights attorney and professor Gloria Browne-Marshall, describes the world as a "blessedly beautiful yet humanly hostile" place to live. In other words, it's complicated. That corresponds to what I see in the news. There is tremendous goodness … Continue reading It’s Complicated
Faith Complete by Works
Last week I preached from James 2:14-26, a passage that speaks of the importance of good works in the life of the believer. I stressed that, for James, it's NOT FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. He didn't preach "add some works to your faith, then you'll be saved." What he does say is FAITH = … Continue reading Faith Complete by Works
Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
It feels like I'm living in an alternate universe when Trinity Broadcast Network is airing a show headlined by Kid Rock. In the late eighties and nineties Pat Robertson on TBN talked frequently about the evils of rock and roll. It was demonic, a tool of the devil to steal our souls. Others on TBN … Continue reading Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text
This post is not my opinion on a video, constitutional law, civil rights, etc. This post is me, as a pastor, weighing in on theology. I have seen pastors recently cite Romans 13 as if it were the answer to all the questions we might have about how we interact with the state. Some seem … Continue reading Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text
God Entranced 