The Most Helpful Presidential Candidate Comparison Format
How does America go forward in a contentious election season? We need clarity and civility more than ever, and this format could help us get there.
Culture
Be Slow to Speak
People have always maintained different opinions on world issues, but, due to the rise of social media, everyone has an opportunity to broadcast and amplify their voices more than ever before. How can we endure the next few weeks in a tense election season? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in learning to be slow when speaking.
Political Pressure & the Consistent Christian
When a prophet was provoked by political pressure and a popular position, he resolved to stay faithful to God above anything else. In our lives, we must beware of adapting our beliefs to align with the culture.
God Is in Control of Who Is in Control
Daniel interpreted the king’s disturbing dream and showed him that all of his power had been given by the one with all authority. No matter who is in charge, God remains sovereign.
Seek the City’s Welfare
As our world continues to polarize its citizens into different camps, how should Christians respond? Instead of retreating from this world, we need to be blessing this world. Your city should be a blessed place because of your church’s involvement in it.
When God Meets You in the Fire
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego risked their lives when they refused to worship the golden image. When it seemed that God abandoned them in their suffering, He actually met them within the fire.
That Platform Isn’t Meant for You
God gave Daniel the ability to interpret the king’s troubling dream, but instead of taking credit at an opportune time, Daniel unashamedly gave God the glory. Our goal should be to use any platform to represent God rather than present ourselves.
Convictional Courage in a Compromising Culture
Daniel and his friends had to decide whether they would be transformed by the culture or transformers of the culture. Just like them, we must resolve to show convictional courage in a nation increasingly hostile to biblical values.
Expectant Exiles
When Babylon conquered Judah, the pagan king gathered a group of exiles to alter their worldview in order to reconstruct the whole nation. A small group heeded the biblical command regarding exile expectations and remained expectant of how God could use them during that time.
Down But Not Out
The people of God know what it is like to be down but not out. No matter the opposition we encounter, our God continues to hold us steadfast.
Why Homeschooling Is Different Than Hybrid-Schooling
COVID-19 forced many parents to finish up the school year in a hybrid format. For those who were overwhelmed by that experience, that is not the same as homeschooling.
It’s Not “Blessed Are the Peacekeepers”
With all the unrest in our culture, I feel as if a lot of people are either troublemakers, peacekeepers, but we rarely find peacemakers.
The Looming Decision for COVID Education
I have talked with so many parents who are concerned with the unknown situation regarding their children’s education during these anxious times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now in July, and most parents are holding their breath awaiting an imminent decision with serious implications.
Don’t Be Surprised by the Supreme Court
Over the last few weeks, the Supreme Court has made some decisions that were surprising to many. The apparent conservative majority among the justices was supposed to ensure that significant cases regarding ethical issues would be destined to lean toward conservative conclusions. That has not been the case.
My COVID-19 Test Results
When I heard they were testing for the COVID-19 antibodies at the Blood Connection, my curiosity was killing me. You see, I thought I had “the Rona” back in February. I was shocked by the results.
What Black People Want White People to Understand
Black people don’t think every white person is racist, but every time a white person defends injustice, it makes their distrust to widen considerably.
Don’t Pause During a Pandemic
Crises have a way of clarifying who we are. Trials do change us, but they often reveal us more than anything else. The same is true for churches and ministries. When trials come, the health of a ministry is clearly seen. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I personally was in disbelief. “Surely this isn’t happening. No, we are going to …
Leading Towards Regathering Practically
I was honored to discuss “Leading Towards Regathering Practically” with fellow pastors in South Carolina who are all also great friends. It was a part of the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Advance Anyway podcast they have started during the COVID-19. As pastors, we need to learn from each other without pressure to conform to another’s plans. You are called to …
Questions to Answer Before Reopening Church Gatherings
As a culture walking through the uncharted territory of an international pandemic, we know that we have to begin the process of reopening businesses, parks, restaurants, schools, and even churches. While plenty of measures have been taken to flatten the curve of the COVID-19, we all acknowledge that, at some point, we have to reverse operational trends, yet we must …
I Pledge Allegiance
As we live our lives on the earth, we are never to forget that our citizenship is in heaven. Ultimately, we belong to another King and another Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-21 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even …
If Nothing Is Missing in Your Online Worship
Our church has been streaming services for years. We make it available for those who are homebound or traveling. We have a pretty good system of keeping our church family informed through online content. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we didn’t have to reinvent ourselves, but we did have to spotlight things we regularly use as supplements. For the …
The Zoomy Bunch
Our Rocky Creek Church staff is currently having to meet by Zoom due to the COVID-19 (along with almost every other organization in the world). Our screens kinda reminded us of something the other day… #RCtogether
Ministry Roundtable on the COVID-19
I don’t remember the pandemic course in seminary. All pastors are learning on the fly in days in like these. We are dependent upon God’s principles contained in Scripture, God’s guidance through His Spirit, and God’s wisdom given through knowledgeable people. My friend, Wayne Bray, has a great heart for the local church. As the pastor of neighboring First Baptist …
Engage the Culture
These are the notes for the opening at the South Carolina Baptist Convention 2019 Annual Meeting. You can watch the video here (around the 40-minute mark). As ministry leaders committed to engaging the culture, we must never rely upon our limited efforts. God is not dependent upon us to get our jobs done to reach this world with the gospel. …
Denying God Leads to Redefining Good
David dismayed the effects that atheism has on a person and on a society. People often deny the reality of God so that they can redefine the commandments of God. Atheist– believes there is “no God” Agnostic– believes there is “no knowledge” to determine if God exists Practical Atheist– denies God with a careless lifestyle Psalm 14 14 The fool says in …
Bible Verses to Pray for the United States
While we live in a divided political time, citizens of heaven, who happen to also be temporary citizens of the United States, should pray for this country. Just as we would pray for another nation far from the Lord, we should pray as well for the people and government of the United States. I have compiled some verses regarding government …
Why It’s So Difficult to Speak the Truth [In Love]
As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love. Why is that so difficult? “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head into Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 Our culture needs truth right now. It also needs love. What I have realized is that it is easy to …
What the Closing of LifeWay Stores Teaches Us About Christians
In March 2019, LifeWay Christian Resources executives made the announcement that their stores would all be closed within the year. While the publishing side of the company is doing well, the brick and mortar stores have struggled to stay afloat. Like many other chain and local book stores, LifeWay was losing money and had to make an adjustment. While the …
Why the Oscars Can Never Have Another Host
Last night, the 91st Academy Awards took place. Regarding the 2019 Oscars, people still question the apparent influence on culture and yet also note how out of touch they are with the rest of society. In some ways, they tell us what to think, and in some ways, they refuse to stay in touch with what the public thinks. In …
Pastoral Political Values
Someone recently asked me to describe my pastoral political values. What role do I think a pastor should have regarding political issues? Here is my incomplete and imperfect list to consider. Don’t speak on extra-biblical issues as if you had biblical authority. Many people equate the words of a preacher with the words of God. That is a dangerous line …
The Women Whose Rights Were Taken Away
“After years of fighting for the passage of this essential protection for women, our moment has finally arrived. The New York State Assembly has kept the torch lit for years, and we are extremely excited to be able to pass the torch to a Senate dedicated to the respect of women and the protection of their basic right to make …
The Colliding Worlds of Africa
As we climbed the 204-steps required to make it to the top of the African Renaissance Monument, the wind began to pick up. At that high of an altitude and with the ocean breeze hitting us, I was attempting to maintain my footing so that I wouldn’t take the quick way back down the stairs into the belly of Dakar, …
What We Know for Sure
Over the last few weeks, the United States of America hasn’t seemed so united. After President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court, numerous opponents have risen to the challenge to find a kink in his armor. With what started as an anonymous accusation, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was eventually encouraged to come forward to accuse …
How to Handle the NFL Protests
Since there aren’t enough opinions out there regarding the national anthem protests in the NFL (😬), I thought I would give mine as well. Actually, this post is not intended to give my opinion on if the protest should exist, but what we should do about it. Plenty of opinions have been expressed on the news, in articles, and …
The Problem with Christian Music
Leading worship is an honor. Leading worship beside the incredible people that I get to lead beside is even a greater honor. One of the things I have loved about this team is their commitment to musical excellence but also doctrinal integrity. Not only do they take what we lead seriously, but they have also worked so diligently studying the …
Babylonian Worldview
The Apostle Paul clearly warned believers when he wrote, “See to it that no one takes you through hollow and deceptive philosophy, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). The word “philosophy” literally means “the love of wisdom.” Wisdom is not a bad thing. Hollow and deceptive obsession …
This Is Santa’s Big Scene
Christmas has become Santa’s big scene, and Jesus has been reduced to an honorable mention. What can your family do to keep the main the main thing at Christmastime?
Closed Curtain and Clear Conscience
If you haven’t heard, there’s a presidential election coming up. In case you were wondering, not every American is thrilled concerning the slate of candidates. Whether your beef is with deleted emails, recorded conversations, the first spouse options, Aleppo ignorance, Supreme court justices, Benghazi, the Apprentice, what they stand for, or what they stand against, we got a situation on our …
Where Racism Leads
I am overwhelmed this morning. This week has been horrifically dividing for race in our country. 2 more black men have been killed by 2 white police officers. 2 more families have a loss to mourn. While details are still forthcoming, what was recorded on video is sufficient enough to know these situations are bad. Are tragic events of racism more …
Country & God
Around this time of year, you often see people talk about celebrating “God & Country.” It is meant to celebrate one’s devotion to God and one’s gratitude towards living in the United States. I have chosen to title this post, “Country & God” instead of “God & Country” because that is where it often leads. In the devotion to God …
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