Christians have lost their way when it comes to the intersection of faith & politics. It’s time to reframe our political identity as we take the lead in healing what’s broken. Jesus’ call is clear: We are to be salt and light in this world. Come be equipped and encouraged in this 6-week series as we prepare for the true party to come. We’ve saved a seat for you! … More Join us for The After Party!
Whenever violence erupts in the Holy Land, I find myself huddled next to Jesus weeping again over a land that has yet to learn His Way of Peace. As we pray for peace in Israel, and watch events unfold there, let me share a piece by N. T. Wright on how Christian pilgrims might approach the complex history and relationships in the Holy Land. … More Weeping & War in the Holy Land
Today’s episode explores the Exodus and the God of the oppressed in our ongoing series, “Spirit on the Water.” Let’s drop anchor and explore the biblical vision for “social justice.” … More Podcast: “Is the Bible Too Woke For Many Christians?”
“As Jesus came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). Jerusalem was in the news as President Trump announced the … More Jesus & the Palestinian Woman
The cute little ghosts and goblins, witches and vampires knocking on your darkened door with disappointment that you’re not home are NOT the evil we should be placing in the crosshairs of our spiritual warfare offensives. Doesn’t the Bible itself warn us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”? So, why do some Christians get so bent out of shape over these cute children disguised as angels of darkness? … More My Annual Halloween Rant
Tonight will be the third and final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. It promises to be another 2 hours of childish mudslinging and below-the-belt personal attacks. This election cycle has become such a circus (or train wreck) that people are watching in record numbers. Young people are throwing viewing parties much like … More “I Approve this Message!”(1 Peter 1:22-2:3)
What do you think of Greg’s approach to churches addressing this issue? If you have time, watch the video, too. Here is a word I a shared this last weekend with Woodland Hills Church (where I’m senior pastor) in response to numerous questions I’ve received over the last several months. People have asked me why … More Greg Boyd on the Marriage Amendment
Here’s a repost from many years back. -JB “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). Christians have always had a tough time with Halloween. The danger usually associated with the message of Halloween was its association with the occult — the glorification and celebration of evil, death, Satan, witchcraft, blood-sucking vampires … More Halloween and the Sexualization of Evil
This is a repost from last year. -JB It’s that diabolical week again. This Sunday night many paranoid Christians will be once again hunkered down in their basements (if not at a “Harvest Party” at church) with their front porch lights off holding prayer vigils to ward off those sinners who participate in this evil … More Just Lighten Up & Give Them Candy
Trevin Wax offers his reflections on Jennifer Knapp’s appearance on Larry King Live in an article for the Baptist Press called Jennifer Knapp and Homosexuality: Changing the Questions. Here’s an excerpt: I only know Jennifer Knapp — a former Dove Award winning artist who recently announced she is a lesbian — through her music. (Kansas is … More Trevin Wax on Jennifer Knapp & Larry King
How do you celebrate Earth Day? How do Christians be faithful to our divine mandate, the Bible and navigate the politics of the modern day Environmentalism movement? Kevin DeYoung has some thoughts for Christians on Building A Better Earth Day HERE. He begins: Today is Earth Day, the fortieth anniversary in fact. It’s hard for me … More Kevin DeYoung on Earth Day
Recently Glenn Beck warned Christians to be suspicious of churches that promote “social justice.” His exact words on his March 2 show were: “I beg you, look for the words ‘social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, … More Witherington’s Response to Glenn Beck
This past summer my wife and I decided it was high time to visit Hogwarts and dabble in the dark arts. That is, we decided to watch the Harry Potter movies. I’m glad to report 6 months later I’ve finally recovered my faith. Ok, enough with the sarcasm. Alright Christian: Have you seen the films? … More Are We Done Picking on Potter?
YouthWorker Journal editor Steve Rabey talks with Andrew Marin about ways youth workers can reach out to gay and lesbian youth, and how in the past churches have failed to minister to those struggling with same-sex attraction in a Christ-like manner. Andrew is the director of The Marin Foundation, and the author of “Love Is an … More VIDEO: “Love Is An Orientation” (Andrew Marin)
A recent USA Today story discusses well-known Christian Brian McLaren and a small group of Christians who are joining with Muslims in their observance of Ramadan fasts. Here’s an excerpt from the article: In announcing his Ramadan fast plans on his blog last month, McLaren wrote, “We are not doing so in order to become … More Christians Fasting for Ramadan
Any Office fans out there? My wife and I make this our 30 minutes of must-see comedy each week. If you are an Office fan, you probably have realized that it’s hard to put your finger on exactly why you can’t get enough of this kind of humor. It is a character-driven show for sure. … More The Office: Dwight and Christians
Jeremy L. Berg 