Originally published in The Tennessee Journalist May 27, 2009 ..no, not THAT “f-word.” Rather, the f-word I refer to sometimes draws an even more negative reaction. That word is “Fundamentalism.” "Fundamentalism" is a specifically Christian term. Consequentially, much modern usage in the media (i.e. attributing the 9-11 attacks to "Islamic Fundamentalists") is a severe misrepresentation … Continue reading “F Word” Needs Clearer Definition
Confronting Doctrinal Disputes Biblically
Mention the word "doctrine" among church circles, and you will get a variety of different responses. On one hand, there are those who treat doctrine as if it were a dirty word. To them, doctrine is not "politically correct." The basic idea they uphold is that "It really doesn't matter what you believe, as long … Continue reading Confronting Doctrinal Disputes Biblically
Humor in the Bible
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page "Are Christians allowed to laugh, have fun and enjoy life?"When discussing my faith with others, this issue comes up frequently from Christians and non-Christians alike. When I was first introduced to the Gospel as a teenager, I asked it myself, and with good reason. To be sure, … Continue reading Humor in the Bible
Why Water Baptism?
The act of water baptism (being immersed in water in response to receiving salvation) is a very important first step in the Christian life. In Matthew 3:13-17, we see the Lord Jesus Himself coming to His cousin John to be baptized, in order to "fulfill all righteousness." He then went on to establish baptism as … Continue reading Why Water Baptism?
What Is a Full Gospel Christian?
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page " One of the disturbing things about Christianity is that very few Christians ever advance beyond their first revelation."Lester Sumrall
Think! Loving God With Your Mind
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page "Wise men store up knowledge..." Proverbs 10:14a "...I do not feel obligated to believe that same God who has endowed us with senses, reason and intellect has intended to forgo their use and by some other means to give us knowledge that we can attain by them." … Continue reading Think! Loving God With Your Mind
The Ten Commandments and Religious Liberty
This was a paper I wrote for a Political Science class I took back in the early 2000s. While the issues today are different, the underlying issues are very much the same. The inscription on our nation’s beloved Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, gives us a stirring exhortation to "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land, to all … Continue reading The Ten Commandments and Religious Liberty
Scorecard For a Healthy Church
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page "Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God"-Psalm 92:13 "He cannot have God for his Father who does not have the church for his Mother."-Augustine Have you ever held an acorn in your hand? Then you've held … Continue reading Scorecard For a Healthy Church
A Real Place Called Hell
Co-written with David Pope Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?-Matthew 16:26 If you are not born again, the day will come when you will wish you had never been born at all.-Warren Wiersbe In his … Continue reading A Real Place Called Hell
The “Prosperity Gospel” Controversy Part 1
Jesus taught more about money than He did on any other topic. In a world of extremes, how can we find a Biblically balanced approach? The first thing, of course, is to search the Scriptures. This must include both Scriptures that show prosperity in a positive light, as well as the passages that give the … Continue reading The “Prosperity Gospel” Controversy Part 1