Simply Gospel

May my steps be worship. May my thoughts be praise.

  • Is Baptism Really an Outward Sign of Inward Grace?

    Is Baptism Really an Outward Sign of Inward Grace? Serena, writing for A Wordy Woman, provides an in-depth analysis of baptism as it’s portrayed in the New Testament. It’s practically impossible to pull any one quote out of this post because the author’s logic flows so smoothly from point to point. From the initial believers at Pentecost, to several other examples throughout the book of Acts, to Jesus’ own actions and teachings, Serena plots out the role she sees baptism playing in the New Testament and where it fits in with salvation as a whole. Continue reading

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  • Christianity, the World’s Most Falsifiable Religion

    Christianity, the World’s Most Falsifiable Religion Interesting thoughts: This belief has been a source of contention with many people, even Christians, in the past. But the more I research, the more I find it to be the case that Christianity is the only viable worldview that is historically defensible. The central claims of the Bible demand historic inquiry, as they are based on public events that can be historically verified. In contrast, the central claims of all other religions cannot be historically tested and, therefore, are beyond falsifiability or inquiry. They just have to be believed with blind faith. Think… Continue reading

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  • Christians Don’t Need Rights

    Christians Don’t Need Rights But it seems like many of us Christians have this idea that our individual rights are the most important thing. That if these rights are trampled on or disappear, that the end is coming. That America or other Western countries are great because they’re deferential to Christians. But Christ didn’t call us to positions of influence and respect. He didn’t call us to fight for our rights as Christians. He called us to take up our cross and follow him. And: Who cares? Since when does your relationship with God depend on your rights as a human… Continue reading

  • 12 St. Francis Quotes that Will Challenge the Way You Live Your Faith

    12 St. Francis Quotes that Will Challenge the Way You Live Your Faith Though he wrote relatively little in his life, St. Francis’ radical approach to serving those in need and his commitment to nature has continued to have an impact on Christians hundreds of years after his death. The Franciscans remain an influential group within the Church, and the pope himself was so moved by his ministry that he took the name Francis. Here’s a look at 12 quotes (largely attributed to the friar) that will inspire the way you live your faith. Good stuff. Continue reading

  • Why I Quit Inviting People To Church

    Why I Quit Inviting People To Church When Jesus made disciples he met them where they were. He healed them. He fed them. He brought them back to life right where he found them. I’m afraid personal responsibility to go make disciples has been replaced with something I’ve heard called “congregational evangelism” which is really just inviting people to church. Jesus didn’t say invite. He said, “GO!” I honestly don’t know how I feel about this post, but I can’t get around the fact that Serena makes some very valid points. It’s true that we should never confuse evangelism with… Continue reading

  • Should We Rant with Those Who Rant?

    Betteridge’s law of headlines clearly states: “Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no.” So spoilers. I often think about the time I spend on services like Facebook and Twitter. Recently, I saw one of those exchanges where one person posts something inflammatory that then escalates in the comments. All to often, you see something like, “If you don’t like what I have to say, delete me,” tossed in among other attacks as well as more commenters lining up to take sides. This time, the exchange was between Christians, and the object of debate was far from a spiritual matter. (Actually,… Continue reading

  • How Marginalization Can Empower Christians on Mission

    How Marginalization Can Empower Christians on Mission This is a nice account of a group of Christians who responded correctly to criticism and unfair treatment. That we could all learn from this example. How did InterVarsity respond to these challenges? First, students didn’t pretend to be martyrs. They did not see themselves as helpless victims of liberal tyranny. Being shamed or relegated to second-class status is marginalization, not martyrdom — and they know the difference. Perhaps due to InterVarsity’s global outreach and ethnic diversity, these believers avoided words like “persecution” for their own situation when they are well aware of true persecution in… Continue reading

  • Nine Traits of Mean Churches

    Nine Traits of Mean Churches Too many decisions are made in the cloak of darkness The pastor and/or staff are treated poorly. Power groups tenaciously hold on to their power. There is lack of clear accountability for major decisions and/or expenditures. Leaders of the power groups have an acrimonious spirit. A number of the members see those outside of the church as “them” or “those people.” Many members have an inward focus; they view the church as a place to get their own preferences and wants fulfilled. Many people in the community view these churches negatively. Most of the members… Continue reading

  • A Daughter’s Giving

    “US Cent Coin” by http://www.elbpresse.de – Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons A few days ago, my daughter wanted to surprise me by buying me a bakery treat with her own money. As we were getting ready to go, she sat down, opened up her little change purse, and removed a dollar bill and some coins. My wife asked her what she was doing. My daughter’s response was, “I’m taking this money out so I don’t use it on accident. It’s for Bible class.” What? We were both floored. We’ve let her put money in the contribution plate… Continue reading

  • New Book: A History of Churches of Christ in Cuba

    New Book: A History of Churches of Christ in Cuba My buddy Tim Archer has co-authored a book about the church’s development and growth in Cuba. This has been a multi-year project, and I know he’s excited to have completed it. Go check it out. Continue reading