Pastor (Page 2)
Pastor’s Blog
Asking for Help is a Sign of True Community
What are the marks of a true community? This question has been swirling around in my mind the past few days. As we reflected upon the coming of a new associate pastor, the flood relief work we have engaged in, the growing number of teens and young adults, and the struggle with some people not returning to church, the council agreed that God was inviting us into and teaching our congregation about community. But what is a community and how…
How Should We Apologize?
Last month we explored how to forgive when issues just seem to keep popping up. A related topic is how to apologize. Many people think they know how to apologize, but they do not in fact recognize that merely stating the words, “I apologize,” or “I am sorry,” is an incomplete apology. These words begin to recognize that our words or actions may have hurt someone, but they don’t go far enough in seeking to repair a broken relationship; they…
What’s the difference between dispensationalism and covenant theology?
Here is a short 4 minute comparisons between the two:
Forgiveness
Forgiveness The statement, “You have to forgive,” sounds so wise, but it isn’t always easy. How does one forgive when there is no remorse, no apology, not even an awareness or acceptance of the fact that someone has hurt you? And why is it that some pains seem to linger even when we think we have forgiven the person who caused them? I believe that both of these questions are related. Let me begin with the latter question first. So…
Critical Theory vs Christianity
Excerpt from “Critical Theory” by Paula Rodriguez What are human beings? Christianity: Human beings are created in the image of a good and loving Creator Critical Theory: We are members of social groups locked in a struggle for power. What is necessary to change the world? Christianity: God sent Jesus Christ to die on a cross and to be raised from the dead to rescue us from our sin. Critical Theory: We must free oppressed groups from oppression. How do…
Four Approaches to Race, Politics, and Gender
Kevin DeYoung had a great way of looking at race, politics and gender in a way that may be more gracious than some of the other approaches of pigeon holing those we disagree with. Highly encourage the read. To whet your appetite, here is a sample table from his article using his four types of people and applying it to certain issues. Table 2 (Politics and Gender) Trump Christian Nationalism Wearing Masks Sexual Abuse Gender Roles Contrite No! The church’s…
The core issue in any addiction is with the Heart
Dr. Tripp nails the core issue with sexual sin, monetary sin, and I would add, any sin is with one’s relationship with God. It is a heart issue. Listen to this 4 minutes and be blessed. ⬆️ Your problem needs to be solved vertically before it'll ever be fixed horizontally. pic.twitter.com/Yah0NIslR7 — Paul David Tripp (@PaulTripp) March 16, 2021