Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a “Trekkie.” My childhood heroes were Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the crew of the Starship Enterprise – NCC 1701. The bold explorations of the crew of the Enterprise thrilled my young mind. I have suggested to my wife that the theme from Star Trek (Where No Man has Gone Before, Alexander Courage) should be played at my funeral as the pallbearers are carrying me out.
Continue reading “Star Trek and the Mission of God”
“Remember the days of old, consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).
This morning I watched the events of September 11. The emotions overwhelmed me. I wept. I sat in my chair and remembered.
This is the text of a speech I offered on the floor of the General Council of the Church of God in response to a resolution in support of the State of Israel. The attempt here is not to make a political statement, but a theological statement.
The Apostle Paul referred to himself as a “Hebrews of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He insisted that Israel is not the children of Abraham by the flesh (Romans 9:6); but the children of Abraham by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:7). Not those who are circumcised in the flesh; but those whose hearts are circumcised by the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28-29). The promises of God to Abraham are not fulfilled in the nation state of Israel; but in the revelation of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16). God loves the world (John 3:16) and God’s promise is not limited to the land of Palestine, but that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Continue reading “Who is Israel?”
This morning, Sharon and I leave for the 75th International General Assembly of the Church of God in Orlando. As I prayed this morning I found most of my prayers dedicated to the state of the Church of God. I admit that what follows are the reflections of a single pastor. But I have more than three decades of service to the church as pastor, missionary evangelist, and service on regional and national denominational boards.
If fear that we are caught in a spiral of missional self-destruction for which we are all responsible.
Continue reading “A Pastor’s View of the State of the Church”
I do not believe in Christian nationalism. In other words, I am uncomfortable with the concept of the United States as a “Christian nation.” Why?
Continue reading “Not Christian Nationalism, But Christian Mission”
“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, …And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil ” (1 Timothy 3:1-2, 7).
I have been involved in various aspects of denominational ministerial development for twenty years. During that time I have been honored to be a part of many great advancements, each advancement hard fought because of resistance from denominational leadership and credentialed clergy. The culture of our church from pulpit to pew is anti-intellectual, anti-education. It is this culture that will send our church spiraling downward towards irrelevance as we seek to engage the 21st century with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “Integrity in Ministerial Education is a Missional Concern”