Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
I’m often asked for resources that are helpful to pastors in developing a Christian theology of human sexuality. Following is a select bibliography of resources I often recommend.
Continue reading “Human Sexuality – A Select Bibliography”
Many of us have traveled the journey of being converted to Christ in Pentecostal churches only to suffer from fear and guilt imposed by passionate preachers with bad theology. That was my story. I was converted at fifteen years old and Spirit-filled about a year later. Between conversion and Spirit-baptism I struggled with sanctification. I loved Jesus, enjoyed reading Scripture, and had a passion for ministry. But I struggled with temptations common to all teenagers.
Continue reading “Holiness: The Beauty of Perfection by Dale M. Coulter – A Review”
The apostle Paul declared that when believers come to the Eucharist, they must properly discern the body of the Lord in the bread and cup, lest they bring judgment upon themselves.
Continue reading “The Eucharist: Life or Death”
The holiness of God is revealed in creation (Romans 1:20). Creation declares God’s glory, splendor, and righteousness. The order/structure of the Holy Trinity is revealed in the natural and moral order of creation. The Father creates through the spoken Word and moving Spirit. Creation as “good” and “very good” speaks to shalom – a state of wholeness in which all things are in order.
Continue reading “Some Reflections on Holiness and Salvation”
I do not believe in Christian nationalism. But I do believe that faithful Christians can be patriotic citizens. On Independence Day, many Christians will assemble to celebrate our great country. To properly love one’s homeland is by no means immoral. So, I offer a few ways faithful Christians can demonstrate love of country.
Continue reading “Patriotism is a Public Duty”
My first experience in Church of God academia occurred in 1978 at East Coast Bible College (Charlotte NC). My first class, Old Testament Survey, was taught by Dr. Ken Bell. I will never forget his first words: “This is not going to be a glorified Sunday school class.”
Continue reading “In Praise of Church of God Academia”
Prayer is an exercise in theology and the language of prayer is the vocabulary of theology. Even so, we must acknowledge that the infinite and perfect God cannot be fully known by finite human language. We must acknowledge the mysterious and apophatic nature of God. Prayer places us in a posture of bowing down while looking up in wonder. The act of prayer is to acknowledge that God is. As we encounter God in the language of prayer and the place of worship, we are compelled to engage the mystery of the Holy One who is wholly other, uncreated, self-existent and omnipresent. As we step into that holy place we are at once terrified and at peace, overwhelmed by the omnipresent One. To “see” God is to fall “like a dead man” (to be slain in the Spirit?!) (Revelation 1:17; cf. Ex. 33:20).
Continue reading “How Prayer Reveals the Holiness of God”