This week, our Congress convened to officialize the results of November’s presidential election. But the session was interrupted by protesters-turned-rioters who crossed barriers, assaulted officers, broke into the Capitol Building, destroyed and stole federal property, and threatened innocent people, all while arrogantly justifying their actions. Dozens of people were injured and at least 5 people are dead. Some of these rioters claim that God prompted their actions. What does it mean to be a Christian in America? I am a believer in God Almighty, the Creator, the triune God – Father, Son ..read more

The book of James is a direct, straightforward call for believers in Jesus to demonstrate our faith. Like most “books” in the New Testament, James is actually a letter (epistle) written by the Apostle James, who was the leader of the church in Jerusalem and also the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). This James is not to be confused with either of Jesus’ two disciples (James the son of Zebedee and James the son of Alphaeus). Historical data indicate that James did not believe Jesus was anything more than a mere human,... Read More ..read more

Imagine what Stranger Things would be like without the techno music pulsating in the background. Or Full House without “Everywhere You Look”. Or SpongeBob without “Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea”!? Or Jaws without “duuuun dunnn…”! Or Rocky without the “Eye of the Tiger”!?! Whether you realize it or not, music is one of the most powerful forces in the world. The right music can pump up an athlete for a hardcore workout while a lullaby can calm a child into a peaceful sleep. Music can feed a person’s rage... Read More ..read more

Today you will be tempted. I will, too. If we choose that which is forbidden, the repercussions of our decisions can range from “no big deal” to “long-term destruction.” Where is the line? What, exactly, makes something a sin? Clearly, cheating on my diet is not the same thing as cheating on my taxes or cheating on my wife. How then should I view temptation, and, more importantly, how can I overcome it when I face it? A deeply significant account of temptation is told of Jesus Himself, who, after fasting for 40... Read More ..read more

I met Tommy at a local coffee shop. He was playing solitaire – like, with an actual deck of cards. I sat down at a table next to him. He asked me what time it was. Then he asked what day it was. At one point he leaned over and asked if I had a calculator. I pulled out my phone and asked him what equation he needed to be solved. He said, “I want to know the exact amount of B25.”  I thought to myself, “I’m gonna need to turn my calculator... Read More ..read more

I follow Jesus. I don’t follow Him perfectly, but I follow Him sincerely. I do not follow Christianity. I do not follow Christians. I follow Christ. Those are important distinctions. There are some who assume that believers follow Christianity itself- that is, the systems, structures, beliefs, traditions, and teachings of the church throughout history. Although we should learn from and appreciate those things, there are recognizable and regretful imperfections and failures within “Christianity” – things that were done in the name of Christ but did/do not accurately reflect His character or His ..read more

For 38 years he was unable to walk. As a last resort, desperate for a miracle, he arranged to be taken to the Pool of Bethesda, where it was believed that angels occasionally stirred the waters, bring healing to the infirmed. But it never happened for him. Waiting can be wearisome. Our high hopes can be eroded by daily disappointments. But then the man came face to face with Jesus, who looked at the man with compassion and said, “Get up.” Inherent in the command was the capacity. His miracle had come,... Read More ..read more