By grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone
Pollsters are telling us that the state of Washington is about to be the first state in the union to vote in same-sex marriage. That sentence needs to be amended somewhat. Our governor and state legislators changed the definition of marriage many months ago; we had to go through the legal process (a referendum) to […]
This week it became illegal in California for mental health professionals to counsel young people that same-sex attraction is wrong (The News Tribune, October 2, 2012, A5). Signing the new law, Governor Jerry Brown called counseling challenging a young person’s homosexuality “quackery”—this from a man whose nickname has been “Moonbeam” for 30 years. How far […]
Did you know obesity is more morally reprehensible than murder? It is in New York City. Two weeks ago, with the push from their mayor, the New York City Health Department banned the sale of sugared beverages (soda) larger than 16 oz. at restaurants, sporting events, and movie theaters. The mayor says they need the […]
Lots of things are clamoring for our attention these days. The political season is in full-swing, a hurricane is causing havoc in the South, and trumping those two for many is the start of the football season this weekend. In the midst of life here, perhaps you missed the news last week that Anders Behring […]
Two weeks ago, our health insurance provider informed our family of some “enhanced benefits” under our plan. They explained: “Under the Affordable Care Act [Obamacare], your policy will now include coverage for the preventive care services described in the enclosed document at 100%. You will not have to pay a copayment, coinsurance or deductable for […]
This month the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved a resolution calling for “an end to the practice of corporal punishment in homes, schools and child care facilities.” At that same meeting, the PCUSA affirmed and expanded its support of abortion. In 1992, the denomination said abortion can be “morally acceptable”. This month […]
It took awhile, but our funerals have caught up with our worship services; there now all about us, too. This past week I attended the funeral of a very fine man. I had looked forward to honoring his memory, being consoled by the Word of God, glorying in the certainty of the resurrection, and thanking […]
“Out of the mouth of babes,” said Jesus to His detractors livid that He was being praised by children, “…thou hast perfected praise” (Matthew 21:16, KJV). Jesus is quoting Psalm 8:2 as a reference to himself. What is astounding about this is that Psalm 8 concerns the excellence of God and that He alone is […]
It’s the time of year for graduation speeches. Hopeful words from podiums across the land about following dreams and reaching for the sky and stuff like that. How many grads know that most dreams don’t come true and the sky is generally higher than they imagine? I don’t want to be a sourpuss or throw […]
The U.S. Religion Census just came out with their once-every-ten-year numbers trekking religious involvement state by state. A decade ago, the state of Washington placed 49th (one position ahead of Oregon—we can’t beat them in football but we can beat them to the pew on Sunday morning). In 2000, 33% of our population claimed religious […]
Like it or not (and I don’t), Pastor Joel Osteen has become the church’s spokesman. I guess that comes with being pastor of the nation’s largest church. Lakewood Church in Houston has around 50,000 members. Osteen’s books (It’s Your Time, Become a Better You, Your Best Life Now, and Everyday a Friday) have made him […]
Marx, Freud, and Darwin have been dead a long time but their disciples still advance their cause. This past week, our local newspaper (The News Tribune, March 21, 2012) ran an editorial from the Detroit Free Press. It was entitled “Evolving Opinions on Evolution.” They were reacting to a reposting of a Gallup Poll that […]