“Hating is something of which to be ashamed unless it provides for us a form of validation and prestige. If either is provided, then the immoral or amoral character of hatred is transformed into positive violence.”[1] This was written by Howard Thurman in the context of the second world war. On the basis of nationalism,... Continue Reading →
The Spirit of Change
Here’s an edited manuscript of the sermon I delivered at Word of Life Baptist Church on July 5th, 2020. I have removed the introduction and a few other parts here and there as they didn’t lend themselves to this blog format. If you’d rather listen to this sermon than read it, you can find the... Continue Reading →
Reading the Bible Won’t Make You Not Racist
This title is intentionally provocative. However, there is a truth that we do need to seriously consider, especially in this week’s current climate: simply reading your Bible does not make you less racist. In fact, reading your Bible (alone) doesn’t help with your racism whatsoever. I grew up in a Christian subculture. I’ve read the... Continue Reading →
Stop Thinking About Your Rights
Thinking primarily about our “rights” makes us bad Christians. However, I do think the temptation to do so stems from a noble endeavor. There is nothing wrong with being concerned about the state of our country. There’s also nothing wrong with being concerned about the perceived lack of religious freedom being granted by our state.... Continue Reading →
Revelation 13 and the Mark of the Beast
Reminder: This blog contains my heuristic opinion on the Bible and theology. I realize that the material contained in this post might be divisive for some. That is not my intent. If you have questions, feel free to engage. It seems that every few years the “mark of the beast” section of Revelation becomes vogue.... Continue Reading →
The Sea, Chaos, and the Sovereign Creator
Here’s an edited manuscript of the sermon I delivered at Word of Life Baptist Church on April 19th, 2020. I have removed the introduction as well as a chunk of the conclusion as they were highly contextual and didn’t lend themselves well to this digital medium. If you'd rather listen to this sermon than read... Continue Reading →
Judges 6 and the Sign of the Fleece
If you have spent any time around churches, you likely have heard the phrase “I just felt led to do this.” And it’s true, God does confirm our steps or guide our path from time to time (Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 37:23-24). But what happens when He doesn’t? More so, what happens when we have big... Continue Reading →
Loving the Lord with our Minds
This is my sermon manuscript for the March men’s breakfast at Word of Life Baptist Church. I have edited it a bit to better fit this online format. For example, before giving this sermon, I gave a twelve question “pop-quiz” that had a few basic Bible and theology-type questions within it: How many books are... Continue Reading →
Mark 5:1-20 and the Pigs of Gerasa
As I prepare to teach Mark 5:1-20 at my church’s youth group this upcoming Wednesday, I am again struck by how odd this episode of scripture is. Why is the demoniac living in a graveyard? How is he able to break out of chains? Why does it seem as if Jesus grants these demon’s request?... Continue Reading →
