This year is the 30th anniversary of my departure from the Church of the Nazarene. Allow me to say quickly, this blog will not be a “hit” piece on my former denomination. In fact, if you will take the time to read the entire blog you may find it to be far more affirming than the title might first suggest. Thirty years is a lengthy span of time to reflect and reminisce about a group that had a profound influence upon my beliefs, my ministry, and my eternity. Distance and time has a way of clarifying things that are often initially clouded when a relationship fissure takes place. In other words, I am probably now in a better place and state to accurately evaluate those years I associated and ministered as a Nazarene.
Continue ReadingContemporary Church Issues
True or False Sons
“And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “ As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.” 2 Kings 2:1-2
I was recently reading a well-intentioned but generally immature article concerning the nature and responsibilities of “spiritual fathers” to “spiritual sons”. It was apparent to me from reading the article that the writer felt disappointed or “used” from this relationship and ostensibly laid the lion’s share of responsibility upon the father(s) for that disappointment. For those that have never heard these terms they are used to define a unique relationship. A spiritual father is basically the biblical term for “mentor”. Conversely, a “spiritual” son or daughter would be likened to a “protégé” or one who may be groomed to do a work similar to the mentor. The relationship is somewhat analogous to that of an earthly parent to child, with the obvious caveats that the relationship is not based on biological DNA or “blood”, but rather a voluntary spiritual connection between the two participants. I want to emphasize the word “voluntary”. When it comes to mentors and protégés, this is never a forced arrangement. It was pointed out in this article that Paul referenced Timothy as a “true son” in the faith (I Timothy 1:2), which illustrates this usage and concept. It also illustrates that if there are “true sons”, there might also be false ones.
Continue ReadingMust a Prophet Function Perfectly?
If you have been following my Facebook posts you will have seen that I have been posting bullet points on my beliefs concerning the prophetic office and gift. Those points are not exhaustive, but a starting point in doing my part to appropriately restore, mentor, and untangle any confusion regarding this gift. There is a growing antagonism, in my estimation, between cessationists and continuationists with regards to spiritual gifts and offices. I understand there will forever be a difference of opinion in these matters, but I want to put some thoughts out there to see if we can keep from talking past one another and seek to understand the other without necessarily agreeing when it’s all said and done. There is nothing more frustrating than watching theological adversaries construct “straw men” of their opponents views and then debate the view never realizing they have entirely missed the point.
Continue ReadingAre You Living In Poverty and Don’t Know It?
Several posts ago I opined on the concept of prosperity and rightly understood, yes, I am a prosperity preacher. I can clearly see that the Bible carefully outlines the appropriate place of wealth and it’s usage. It also highlights the economic status of several high profile characters in which we would affirm their righteous standing before God. So, prosperity is not in and of itself evil. Money is not the problem, but rather as Paul would write it is the “love of money” which is the root of all kinds of evil (I Timothy 6:10). That scriptural precept indicates that one can actually be materially impoverished and still in love with material stuff and their wealth. Please hear that carefully. A person can be poor and gripped by greed and covetousness. In the same vein, a person can be rich, and be consumed by their lack of wealth. Both are equally an affront to God.
Continue ReadingEscape From Babylon: It’s Time to Let Public Education Go
“Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon”.
Zechariah 2:7
I am sure I will irritate some people with this blog. Please, hear me out and read the entire blog before you post your rant. My intention is not simply to aggravate proponents of public education, but rather ignite a conversation (again) amongst Christians which many times gets sidetracked over the pragmatics of education rather than the philosophy of education. Bear with me as I try to navigate the tumultuous waters of how Christians should educate their children and view the current public educational system (from kindergarten to post-graduate). I say again, this post will make little sense to those outside of a committed biblical worldview. Those who practice compartmentalized Christianity or a “baptized secularism” will think this radical and reactionary. I simply give fair warning.