Think mission, and imagine a map of the world. Where are the spiritually neediest places right now? All those unreached people-groups, especially those in India and China? The Muslim world? The many other countries where to be a follower of Jesus is to live in constant danger of being arrested, attacked, or even killed? ThoseContinue reading “The Greatest Need for the Gospel Is Not Where You Think”
Category Archives: Faith
The Need for Doctrine in the Church
We’ve all heard and seen the numbers that show how biblically illiterate Christians are in America. For example, the reputable Barna Group cites only 6% of identified Christians possess a biblical worldview. This is (more or less) verified by Pew Research Center and LifeWay Research. No matter how many times I’ve studied statistics on biblicalContinue reading “The Need for Doctrine in the Church”
One Is Only 8 Months Old
A day of prayer and fasting will be held on Thursday for a group of 17 missionaries and children kidnapped in Haiti. Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) said it was praying for their safe release, as well as for the kidnappers to turn to Christ. The group is formed of 16 Americans and one Canadian, andContinue reading “One Is Only 8 Months Old”
What One Woman Can Do
Say “Florence Nightingale,” and instantly the word nurse pairs with it. Probably she was the most extraordinary nurse in history. Kings, queens, and princes all consulted her, as did the president of the United States, who wanted her advice about military hospitals during the Civil War. It was Florence Nightingale who revolutionized hospital methods inContinue reading “What One Woman Can Do”
Peace of Mind Anyone?
Most people would define peace of mind as the absence of mental stress and anxiety. The expression “peace of mind” conjures up images of Buddha-like composure wherein calm, comfort, and composure are so prevalent that nothing can disturb the one who has peace of mind. An imperturbable, placid person is said to have peace ofContinue reading “Peace of Mind Anyone?”
The Father Who Doesn’t Fail
Remember the old school-yard debate? “My dad could beat up your dad.” In a boy’s eyes, no one is stronger or mightier than their dad. It should be this way. Dads are strong and mighty. But though our earthly fathers wither and fade, God never can and never will. In fact, as time goes on,Continue reading “The Father Who Doesn’t Fail”
Sing with Your Face
Surely, this is a post only a Presbyterian needs to write. For I speak of the blank and even dour looks often seen on people’s faces when they are singing in worship. In other ecclesiastical settings, they probably do not have to even address this matter. Seeing other churches worship, whether it is one inContinue reading “Sing with Your Face”
To Grandmother’s House We Go
I remember as a little girl going to my grandmother’s house and the first thing my sister and I would do was run into the guest bedroom and pull out the bottom drawer of a dresser. Inside were blocks, books, and my very favorite, a pair of old, high heels that we would fight overContinue reading “To Grandmother’s House We Go”
A Sexual Reckoning
I wish I still had my copies of the popular sexuality and dating books from my youth so I could see which quotes I highlighted as a 15-year-old. I’m sure there is a list somewhere in my handwriting titled “What I Want in a Future Husband” (though, to be honest, it was probably pretty short:Continue reading “A Sexual Reckoning”
The New Paradigm: Ex-Gay
“You know, Mike, I used to be gay,” I said. Mike stopped moving his paintbrush as the words fell clumsily from my mouth. He was painting the St. Louis apartment I called home in the summer of 1997 as I began working toward my PhD in historical theology. He’d asked me about my schooling, andContinue reading “The New Paradigm: Ex-Gay”
