Sloth, or laziness, has a long history in the Church of being considered one of the "seven deadly sins." Yet laziness--like greed or envy--can be very difficult to pick out in ourselves. Who wants to admit that they are lazy? Furthermore, we can insulate ourselves from believing we are lazy by deceiving ourselves with what…
Marriage is More Than Commitment
“Marriage isn’t about your happiness; it’s about your holiness.” “Marriage isn’t primarily about being ‘in love’; it’s about covenant-keeping.” Maybe you’ve heard something similar to those lines in a recent sermon/book/blog post on marriage. I have. In fact, I’ve said those very things in sermons. Yet, I think that it can be possible to push…
Come Home: A Theology of Exile and Return
God created Adam and Eve as His imager-bearers in the world (Genesis 1:26-27). They had a relationship with God (they were “sons” of God) and also they had a commission over creation to be servant kings.[1] Although not specifically part of the imago dei, God marked off humanity with sexual complementarity for the basis of…
A Ministry Discussion with Jordan Jones, Pt. 1
I am beginning a series of posts based upon an email exchange with my friend who is also a pastor in Northern Kentucky, Jordan Jones. He oversees the youth ministry of his church, while I primarily oversee the Community Groups at mine. To see where God is at work in our churches and lives, we…
For Real?
Heaven Is For Real should be considered a work of fiction. I know, I know. I'm a kill joy. It's just a book, not a theology book. But here's the problem with it: God has already told us everything we need to know about heaven in His word, the Bible. We shouldn't be prying back the…
A Hard Heart, Or a Hardened Heart?: St. Augustine’s Theology of God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will
Augustine of Hippo was an interesting dude. He authored probably one of the most honest and transparent confessions (aptly titled, Confessions) in church history. He also is probably the most influential theologian in the history of the church. He regularly interpreted the Bible allegorically. His theological writings provided the foundation for the emergence of Calvinsim…
If the Resurrection…Then What? Why All Christians Depart from the Scientific Consensus
Last night Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”) and Ken Ham, a leading proponent of young earth creationism, debated. In simplistic terms, it was creation vs. evolution: which one is the most viable explanation for human origins and the age of the universe. The debate has generated many responses, some serious and some full of snark…
Church of (Human) Glory? Or a Church of the Cross?
Amid our shifting culture—moving away from a culturally Christian, modern culture to a postmodern and neo-pagan culture—how should church respond? I think that we should reclaim some of our Protestant roots and learn from the great Reformer, Martin Luther.[1] In 1518, Martin Luther was still a monk within the Catholic church. His superiors, however, wanted…
The Advent Wreath is a War Flag
The Advent wreath is a war flag. It is a reminder that Christmas is really about conflict. As 1 John 3:8 says, “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.” All the world lies under the power of the devil (1 John 5:19). But Jesus has destroyed the works of the…
What Should Be Worn to Church?
After disputes over worship music, possibly one of the most debated issues in conservative church culture is what should be worn to church. Are only suits for men and dresses for women acceptable? Are shorts too casual? In Part 1, I walked through the Bible's storyline with special concern for its theology of clothing. Clothing…
Raising Lazarus 