Life's Inanities and Ironies

As a fundamentalist Christian living in Indiana, I've often found myself defending the core truths of Scripture against a tide of skepticism and compromise. In our fast-paced world, where doubt masquerades as sophistication, it's crucial to revisit the unshakeable foundations of our faith. This blog post is adapted from a homily I recently prepared, drawing directly from Romans 3:1-8. Paul's words here aren't just ancient rhetoric—they're a blueprint for answering the tough questions that challenge believers today. Whether you're facing objections from atheists, liberal theologians, or even within your own church, this passage equips us to stand firm. Let's dive in, verse by verse, and see how God's Word silences the critics. The Advantage of God's Chosen: Romans 3:1-2 Paul starts with a pointed question: "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?" In a time when the Gospel levels the playing field—declaring...

 Over the past week, I've been through surgery in preparation for a future kidney transplant. It has been rough, to say the least, especially when tied into some other things going on in my personal life. That's not the purpose of this blog, but it is something I felt led to tell you about today. I have had to have a urostomy, which is preparing me for the new kidney. Some changes have also been made in the meantime to how you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid—whatever it is—and I am having to pick up a larger share of my Part B. Thanks to you, Governor Braun. Fortunately, my youngest son has been able to be with me since I got home from the hospital and is making sure I don't do stupid things, forgetting that I am the age I am and what I've been through. A heartfelt thanks to you, Joshua. I have one more bit of thanks to offer, and that is to a cousin of mine, Mike Sherman. He created a GoFundMe to help cover a lot of my expenses over the last few weeks, and I am very g...

 In a world where faith is often reduced to bumper stickers and social media bios, the words of Jesus cut through the noise like a double-edged sword. "Why do you call me ' Lord, Lord ,' and do not do what I say?" ( Luke 6:46 , NIV). This isn't just a rhetorical question from a distant historical figure—it's a direct challenge from the King of Kings to anyone who claims to follow Him. As a fundamentalist Christian , I've spent years defending the literal truth of the Bible, standing firm against cultural shifts that dilute the Gospel. But this verse? It forces me to look inward. It's easy to shout "Lord!" from the pews or in heated debates, but living it out? That's where the rubber meets the road. This blog post is inspired by a homily I recently prepared for a group of like-minded believers—folks who, like me, hold the Scriptures as inerrant and unchanging. We gather in churches that prioritize biblical authority, separation from world...

Hello, fellow history enthusiasts and faith explorers! Today, we're zooming in on a pivotal moment in American religious history: the Cane Ridge Revival . This extraordinary event, held in August 1801 in rural Kentucky, stands as a cornerstone of the Second Great Awakening and the archetype for camp meetings that would sweep the nation. Drawing crowds of unprecedented size and sparking intense spiritual fervor, it not only transformed lives but also reshaped denominations and ignited a wave of evangelicalism. Let's dive into the details—its origins, key events, manifestations, and lasting legacy—based on historical accounts for a comprehensive view. Origins: Setting the Stage for Revival The Cane Ridge Revival didn't emerge in isolation; it was the climax of the "Great Revival in the West" (1797-1805), a series of awakenings on the American frontier. In the late 1790s, Kentucky was a spiritual wilderness—pioneers focused on survival amid moral laxity, with low ch...