temparbor

Irrational Jesus?

Recently a friend said that the problem with our society is that we’re trying to combine the rationalist teachings of the Greco-Roman world with the teachings of Jesus. Though I appreciate the spirit of what he’s saying (the schizophrenia in our society when it comes to politics and religion) I do not believe the teachingsContinue reading “Irrational Jesus?”

Personal Growth Plan

I have always desired to be on a continual journey of growth in my life. But I’m sick of finding at the end of every year that my various ideas to lead toward growth haven’t led to very much. This happens because I get ideas, get excited about them, and then forget them. This timeContinue reading “Personal Growth Plan”

I’m Still In

Leadership gets really tough sometimes, no question about it. So why do we do it? Why do leaders lead? Because people need leadership. They need leaders who will sacrifice for them, who are willing to have their integrity and commitment and character questioned, who will refuse to share with them information that could hurt themContinue reading “I’m Still In”

Regarding truth…

What I’m about to write here is for my own self-indulgent fun. I’ll enjoy parsing through it and if anybody else would find it interesting, much the better. I was thinking about the 60’s revolution and how it was a response to the influence of Christ. It was a a movement the baby boomers originatedContinue reading “Regarding truth…”

What Does A Preacher Exist For?

What does a preacher exist for? Why are preachers needed? I believe a preacher’s calling is to boldly declare God’s Word, and how God’s Word intersects with the challenges of our lives in the present time. This means, by definition, that a preacher is always preaching partly God’s Word and partly his/her own opinion. DoesContinue reading “What Does A Preacher Exist For?”

Politics

I try to stay out of politics. This is not because I do not have political opinions, but because most people who are involved with politics freak me out. Seriously — you guys who are always furiously posting links to political articles all over Facebook — you are scary people. Of course not all ofContinue reading “Politics”

Intimate Prayer

I had an intense experience with my wife this evening. No need to stick fingers in ears and shout, “La, la, la, la, la,” etc. It wasn’t that kind of intense experience. Tonight my wife and I sat down at the kitchen table and took one another by the hands, and we prayed for eachContinue reading “Intimate Prayer”

Kicking the Church

A church leader in England says, “I do not want to exercise [an attitude of] indulgence towards my Church. I am ashamed of it and angry at it. I want to kick it into getting up.” The same needs to be done for our increasingly self-sidelined evangelical churches in America, and I hereby pledge myContinue reading “Kicking the Church”

What The Church Taught Me About Prayer

A person can never begin to understand who God is until the moment when he/she is forced to live as if God is all there is. We say (we being 94% of the American population) we believe in God, yet few of us live like it. That goes for those who call themselves believers asContinue reading “What The Church Taught Me About Prayer”

Does Suicide Equal Hell?

Note: Written before my own daughter’s suicide attempt in June of 2011 Someone recently asked my opinion on what happens to those who commit suicide. Will they “go to hell?” Before I give my take on this, I must start off by saying that no one but God has any business saying who goes toContinue reading “Does Suicide Equal Hell?”