Simply Gospel

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

  • John Versus the Pharisees

    John Versus the Pharisees

    In Matthew 3, there’s an unusual detail provided about the prophet John the Baptist, and I can’t help but wonder what we’re supposed to take from it. Matthew 3:4 – NET Now John wore clothing made from camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his diet consisted of locusts and wild honey. Continue reading

  • Desensitization to Prejudice

    When I was growing up, I received warning after warning that video games, movies, rock music, comic books, etc. would desensitize me to real world sex and violence. At the same time, many of the individuals who issued those warnings were desensitizing themselves and me to things like prejudice and hate. Unintentionally Raised to be Continue reading

  • 1 Peter and Christian Mistreatment

    Radically Christian: How Christians Respond to Mistreatment: What I Noticed When I Read 1 Peter The vast majority of this book deals with how Christians should respond when they suffer mistreatment. Modern readers, especially those in the United States, seem to have a very difficult time taking these commands seriously. We try to insert our Continue reading

  • Fasting Out Loud

    Kitchen of Half-Baked Thoughts: We’re Fasting Today Today we’re having a time of prayer and fasting as a congregation. Gasp! He broke the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule about fasting! Isn’t it about time we got over that? Yes, Jesus said not to tell anyone when you are fasting. He also, in the same chapter Continue reading

  • Observing Religious Holidays

    Radically Christian: Is It Wrong to Celebrate Religious Days Like Christmas and Easter? I have to admit, Brother McAdams has changed my mind on a couple of things with this article. It’s well worth a read. Some might say, “But aren’t we supposed to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus every Sunday and not just one Continue reading

  • Discernment & Hope

    Borrowed Light: What if The Foundation of Discernment is Hope and Not Suspicion? This post really has me thinking. I’m talking about foundations here. Starting points. I’m convinced that we’ve gotten this wrong and because of it the gift of discernment has now become synonymous with the “gift” of being a jerk. True discernment will Continue reading

  • Who We Are Instead

    Wineskins: Who We Are Instead Let us remember that the Church is the alternative to all the political divisiveness and partisan politics.  It is above the fray of mudslinging.  Christ gives His Church a distinct role to shine our light and point to Jesus.  The Church speaks to earthly powers, not for them.  We speak Continue reading

  • Idolizing Personal Liberty

    Idolizing Personal Liberty

    The word liberty comes with a lot of baggage in our United States culture. We view our national history through the lens of liberty. We define our sense of freedom by our secular liberties. And few things cause us to get more vocal than times we feel our liberties are being stifled. “Give me liberty, Continue reading

  • What Philemon Taught Me About Romans 13

    What Philemon Taught Me About Romans 13

    Romans 13:1–7 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good Continue reading

  • Link: America’s Crisis of Contempt

    Washington Post: America’s Crisis of Contempt Arthur Brooks had some excellent comments at the National Prayer Breakfast. I’ve never been a fan of this particular event, but I do believe his remarks offer some needed encouragement to remember that we are all souls in need of Christ and that we are more than our political Continue reading