This is a story of boy meets girl. But before you close out not wanting to get caught up in the sap of a love story or think it's something you can't relate to, let me challenge you to read on–for I think the message of this story–one of fear and faith–is one we could … Continue reading A Journey of Fear and Faith
faith
Something Irresistible—The Journey of a Syrian Refugee
Grenoble, France—June 13, 2017 Grant: Tell me your story. Philip: I’m from Syria. I lived in Damascus, the capital of Syria. I’m from a Muslim background. My family is originally from the Syrian coast. I was born in 1990 and my family was close-to-Atheist. We haven’t practiced the Islamic rituals. Because of the Communist influence … Continue reading Something Irresistible—The Journey of a Syrian Refugee
The Sin of Safety: Why Accepting Refugees Shouldn’t Be a Question
Last month I wrote the first of (hopefully) three blogs addressing current issues I see hindering the witness of the Church today. The first being our view on race which you can read here. The second, which I will be focusing on today, is our view of the foreigner. Should America accept refugees? Talk about … Continue reading The Sin of Safety: Why Accepting Refugees Shouldn’t Be a Question
The Family Issue of Racism
Earlier this month, a group of Moody Bible Institute students held an event called Theology of Remembrance. Art, poetry, and photography was presented to help remember the injustices our country has seen. Guests were guided through a showcase depicting the horrors of our history from the near genocide of Native Americans, enslavement of African Americans, Jim Crow Laws against … Continue reading The Family Issue of Racism
Beautiful Theology
"Why do we need to study theology? I mean, don't we just need to know that Jesus died for our sins and then share that with people?" I uttered these words in complete sincerity three years ago. In high school, I knew I wanted to be a pastor, but I had no interest in theology. Heck, I don't … Continue reading Beautiful Theology
Why Everyday is Election Day
As all now know, yesterday the ballots were cast and Americans have voted in the 45th president, Donald Trump. As I woke up this morning to the news and spent the good part of an hour scrolling through Facebook posts and Tweets, my heart was both encouraged and greatly troubled by the cheers and complaints I … Continue reading Why Everyday is Election Day
Where is Jesus in the Political Election?
Have you ever asked that question? Recently this question has been on my mind a lot as the final debates finish and people prepare to vote (or not vote) next month. I've seen a lot of articles, interviews, and news headlines showing where Christians are in this political season. Some are out parading an elephant or a … Continue reading Where is Jesus in the Political Election?
The Weight of Sin
As I stood and looked at the street alley beneath my feet lined with used needles, old pregnancy tests, cigarette butts, and empty bottles, I felt the weight of evil surrounding me. This past week I had the chance to serve with a ministry in Tel Aviv called Abundant Life. They reach out to prostitutes in Israel by providing a … Continue reading The Weight of Sin
The Offensive Church
I have a confession to make: I often live my Christian life defensively. But I don't think I'm alone in this. You see, in a world where Satan, sin, and evil run rampant, it's easy to close our eyes and cover our ears in dismay. To become defensive. How can we keep sin out of the … Continue reading The Offensive Church
Why We Should All Remember January 27th {with tears}
Many dates stick in people’s memories—February 14th, July 4th, December 25th—but I doubt January 27th is one that stands out in yours. For most, this date is insignificant. So much so that one website diminishes the importance of the day down to "Chocolate Cake Day"1. The day comes and goes each year with little or no acknowledgement. But for some, this day is … Continue reading Why We Should All Remember January 27th {with tears}
A Bounded Heart 