Culture, Family, Politics

  • Charlie Kirk: Murdered, Assassinated, Martyred

    Charlie Kirk: Murdered, Assassinated, Martyred

    The murder, assassination, martyrdom of Charlie Kirk combined with the unhinged reaction of so many on the left lead me to the following conclusions.


  • 4 Ways a Father Can Lead His Family in Corporate Worship

    4 Ways a Father Can Lead His Family in Corporate Worship

    Every father is called to lead his wife and children in the family experience of corporate worship. Here are 4 ways a father can lead in this critical area of Christian responsibility.


  • 4 Reasons a Father Should Pray

    4 Reasons a Father Should Pray

    Pray for wisdom. The Bible assures God’s people that if they ask God for wisdom, and if they seek it like treasure, God will be faithful to grant wisdom to those who need it.


  • Why Work?

    Why Work?

    We all recognize work when we see it and especially when we do it. However, many of us are confused about why we ought to work.


  • To Post, or Not to Post – What Should We Do with the 10 Commandments?

    To Post, or Not to Post – What Should We Do with the 10 Commandments?

    I understand non-Christian groups and individuals opposing the law, but I suppose I’ve been surprised by the number of evangelicals who think the new law is either silly, foolish, or harmful.


  • The Myth of Political Neutrality

    The Myth of Political Neutrality

    There are two myths floating around in our political discourse, and both of them need to be put to rest.


  • The Most Selfish People

    The Most Selfish People

    I’m convinced that Americans in the twenty-first century are the most selfish people.


  • The Science of COVID and “Science”

    The Science of COVID and “Science”

    If you’ve paid attention over the last 18 months, you know that the “science” of COVID has changed. It’s changed a lot.


  • Life at the Bottom: Britain, Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma

    Life at the Bottom: Britain, Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma

    At best, the liberal approach to this crisis of culture will always and only be reactionary in attempting to remedy the consequences of the worldview that causes people to live “life at the bottom.”


  • The Ideology and Illiberalism of the Left

    The Ideology and Illiberalism of the Left

    The battle for ideas is raging in the West, but the battle lines have fa


  • Parents, Pronouns, and the Truth

    Parents, Pronouns, and the Truth

    “Congratulations, it’s a boy!” and “Congratulations, it’s a girl!” are statements that no longer make sense in the secular west.


  • $83,000 for Big Church

    $83,000 for Big Church

    The Canadian government has fined a local congregation $83,000 simply because they gathered together in their building to worship Jesus together.


  • Twitter, Flags, Signs, and the Equality Act

    Twitter, Flags, Signs, and the Equality Act

    You don’t have to be Majorie Taylor Greene to be the target of the woke mob. You just have to insist that male is male and female is female.


  • Carl Trueman and the “Modern Self”

    Carl Trueman and the “Modern Self”

    “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body.” Carl Trueman wrote The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self to explain how it is possible that this nonsensical statement actually “makes sense” in 2021. To explain this phenomenon, Trueman engages in a remarkable work of historical philosophy, explaining how the ideas of the past impact the…


  • COVID, Canadian Churches, and Daniel

    COVID, Canadian Churches, and Daniel

    Clearly these stories are troubling developments for our brothers and sisters who live in Canada. The question is, what should American Christians do?


  • The Book of Beginnings and Political Theory

    The Book of Beginnings and Political Theory

    Here are 10 truths I see taught in Genesis 1-11 that ought to inform the way we think about politics in the United States in the year 2020.


  • Why I Voted for a Fool … Twice

    Why I Voted for a Fool … Twice

    During the 2016 Republican primaries, I wrote an article titled “Donald Trump Is a Fool.” Four years later, I stand by everything I wrote in that article.


  • Avoiding Consequences in a Morally Charged Universe

    Avoiding Consequences in a Morally Charged Universe

    Can one reasonably expect to live in a morally charged universe that doesn’t involve consequences for immorality? This question seems to be at the heart of much public debate in 2020.


  • Black Lives Matter and “Black Lives Matter”

    Black Lives Matter and “Black Lives Matter”

    I’m happy to say “black lives have value.” I’m happy to say “black lives have significance.” I’m happy to acknowledge that black people have made great contributions to the United States of America.


  • 22 Thoughts about Life in 2020

    22 Thoughts about Life in 2020

    So many things have happened in recent days, and the 24 hour news cycle has been relentless. I’ve tried to step back and listen to as many voices as possible, which at times has felt like trying to drink from a fire hydrant.


  • Creation Is Groaning

    Creation Is Groaning

    2020 might be remembered as the year of the groan. Every time we turn on the TV or check our phones, there’s another reason to groan.


  • A Cool Take on Hot Takes

    A Cool Take on Hot Takes

    My question is simple: Why in the world are we so eager to take sides, especially when the sides center around evangelical celebrities that most of us do not know and will never know on a personal level?


  • Claiming to Be Wise, They Proposed the Simulation Hypothesis

    Claiming to Be Wise, They Proposed the Simulation Hypothesis

    Recently, NBC News posted an article titled “Are We Living in a Simulated Universe? Here’s what Scientists Say.” In the article, Dan Falk suggests that we may be living in a such a simulation, behind which stands an “architect” or a “programmer.”


  • “Gotcha” Needs to Go

    “Gotcha” Needs to Go

    If you’re involved with the strange, online world of evangelical Christianity, you may have noticed a trend over the last several years. Many websites, social media platforms, blogs, and podcasts have taken a page right out of the playbook of American politics.


  • Fig Leaves, Hide and Seek, and Blame in 2019

    Fig Leaves, Hide and Seek, and Blame in 2019

    Genesis 3 is a story of sin, transgression, rebellion, defiance, and treason. It’s also a story of fig leaves, hide and seek, and blame.


  • Pass Interference and the Justice of God

    Pass Interference and the Justice of God

    Human beings instinctively long for justice. Our definitions of justice may be rooted in different value systems, but we all long for justice. We want things to be set right.


  • Pastoral Advice for Porn Addicts

    Pastoral Advice for Porn Addicts

    The statistics about pornography consumption and production are alarming. In my role as a regular pastor, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at the number of men who talk to me about their struggle with pornography … but I am surprised.


  • Neil Postman, Death by Amusement, and the Church in 2018

    Neil Postman, Death by Amusement, and the Church in 2018

    If you’ve never met Neil Postman, allow me the honor of introducing you. Neil Postman was born in 1931 and died in 2003. During his 72 years on earth he worked as a teacher, an author, and a cultural commentator.


  • Justin Trudeau, Peoplekind, and the Offense of the Gospel

    Justin Trudeau, Peoplekind, and the Offense of the Gospel

    It’s a good thing Justin Trudeau didn’t work for NASA in 1969. If he had, the serene moment when Neil Armstrong first stepped foot on the moon might have been interrupted by a gentle rebuke in the name of political correctness.


  • Profile of a Patient Dad

    Profile of a Patient Dad

    How does a dad learn how to be a dad? My ongoing education in fatherhood has taken place in three classrooms. One, reading the Bible. Two, reading books about the biblical view of fatherhood. Three, watching godly fathers interact with their children.


  • 5 Ways to Make the Most of 936 Weekends

    5 Ways to Make the Most of 936 Weekends

    936 … that’s the number of weekends you have with your children from the day they’re born until the day they turn 18. As a father of four I know 936 is a number that gets small quickly! In my house our four 936’s have quickly become 781, 597, 506, and 326.


  • 7 Brief Thoughts about the Nashville Statement

    7 Brief Thoughts about the Nashville Statement

    Recently the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) released the “Nashville Statement.” This document is intended to present God’s revealed purposes for human sexuality. The response to the Nashville Statement has been interesting, to say the least.


  • Giving Thanks in America

    Giving Thanks in America

    Yesterday at Immanuel we talked about the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. We talked about wholeness in Christ. We talked about true faith. We talked about genuine worship. We also talked about the ugliness of ingratitude. Of the ten men who were healed by Jesus, only one man (a Samaritan) returned to give thanks. As…


  • A Pastor’s Perspective on Posting

    A Pastor’s Perspective on Posting

    I love social media. It allows people to keep in touch with others around the world. It can be used as a platform for sharing the truth of Scripture. It encourages conversation by sharing articles (like this one). It even provides comic relief in the middle of your day (funny posts, memes, videos of people…


  • How to Stay Married and Involved in Church for 60 Years … and Still Be Happy

    How to Stay Married and Involved in Church for 60 Years … and Still Be Happy

    Last week a few of our staff members went to lunch with one of the oldest couples in our church. These folks have been married for over 60 years, and they have faithfully served in church for all of those years. The wife has served as a children’s teacher decade after decade, and the husband…


  • 7 Thoughts about Disney’s LeFou

    7 Thoughts about Disney’s LeFou

    I have three girls, and my three girls own dozens of Disney movies. We were super excited about the live action release of Beauty and the Beast, but we haven’t gone to the theater yet. We may end up going, or we may stay home this time. Honestly, I haven’t decided. I’m not surprised Disney decided…


  • 6 Things My Social Media Rants Reveal about My Heart

    6 Things My Social Media Rants Reveal about My Heart

    Rant: to speak or declaim extravagantly or violently; talk in a wild or vehement way. I love social media. I love seeing pictures of family and friends who live far away. I love keeping in touch with folks I don’t get to see often. I love seeing where and what my friends are eating. I love…


  • 10 Things Every Christian Parent Should Teach Their Kids

    10 Things Every Christian Parent Should Teach Their Kids

    In no particular order, here are 10 things every Christian parent should teach their kids:         How to support their church through “tithing.” The importance of making eye contact and speaking clearly. How to practice spiritual disciplines. The importance of taking care of your possessions. How to read and enjoy books. The importance…


  • 10 Thoughts about Gay Marriage

    10 Thoughts about Gay Marriage

    Ten thoughts about the Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states:       God is still sovereign (Psalm 2). God’s Word is still true (Psalm 19:7-11). The faith once for all delivered to the saints has not changed (Jude 1:3). We must love our (gay) neighbors (Luke 10:27). We must obey God…


  • The Birds and the Bees

    The Birds and the Bees

    My kids are 10, 6, 5, and 1. This year our 10 year old will be in 5th grade, which is the year many public schools give the infamous talk about the birds and the bees. As my wife and I talked about this coming crisis, we both felt like our daughter was too young…


  • The Times They Are A-Changin’

    The Times They Are A-Changin’

    In 1964 Bob Dylan released an album titled “The Times They Are A-Changing.” The tag line of the title track is already running through your head if you know the song, and for that you’re welcome. Dylan wanted to write a song that captured the spirit of his age … change. I doubt that you…


  • 2 Times You Should Not Text

    2 Times You Should Not Text

    Texting is a great way to communicate. If you have a smart phone, you know the convenience of texting, the fun of emojis, and the hilarity of gifs. Texting is great. Texting is also dangerous. As a pastor, I regularly see relationships harmed because of text messages. Of course there are always underlying issues, and…


  • Why Adopt?

    Why Adopt?

    At Immanuel, we have several families in the process of adopting children. As a pastor, this excites me. I love seeing families welcome children into their home, and I love seeing these children connect with the body of Christ. As our church family welcomes these new kiddos, I’ve been thinking about what motivates families to…


  • 3 Apologies That Aren’t

    3 Apologies That Aren’t

    For a while now I’ve noticed something disturbing, and I bet you’ve noticed it, too. Our society does not know how to apologize. Just watch the next politician, athlete, or celebrity who is forced to make a public apology. Odds are, they’ll say nice words, but they won’t actually apologize or seek forgiveness. This inability…


  • Why Do I Care So Much about Sports

    Why Do I Care So Much about Sports

    It happened again. “My team” lost the big game, and as a fan I felt like I was sliding into a prolonged, painful malaise. The mix of anger and frustration and sadness and disappointment was nothing new. After all, I’m a Cowboys fan. After “we” lost the game, I asked myself a question that I’ve…


  • 7 Things I Don’t Like about Trump’s Nomination

    7 Things I Don’t Like about Trump’s Nomination

    When it comes to blogging and social media, I try to stay away from sports and politics. Nevertheless, in no particular order, here are 7 things I don’t like about Trump’s nomination:         I don’t like the fact that the Republican nominee epitomizes the biblical definition of a fool. Back in January I…


  • Folly and Your Family

    Folly and Your Family

    There are a million things I love about being a pastor. However, one of the worst parts about being a pastor is that occasionally you have a front row seat when a family falls apart. Often the husband or wife will come to me for help. Unfortunately, many times they come too late. By the time…


  • Donald Trump Is a Fool

    Donald Trump Is a Fool

    I wrote this article in 2016 during the Republican primary season. The post received quite a few views back then, and it has continued to generate traffic over the last decade. To be clear, I voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and 2024. If he were eligible for another term, I’d likely vote for…