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...

Hello, fellow history buffs and spiritual seekers! Today, we're delving into one of the most transformative periods in American religious history: the Second Great Awakening . Spanning from the late 1790s to the 1830s, this Protestant revival movement reshaped faith, society, and even politics in the young United States. Unlike the more intense First Great Awakening of the 1740s, the Second was characterized by organized revivals, camp meetings , and a push for moral reform. It responded to a perceived spiritual decline and fueled everything from church growth to abolitionism . Let's explore its origins, key players, phases, theology, and lasting impacts, drawing on historical sources for a well-rounded view. Origins and Causes: A Response to Spiritual and Social Shifts The Second Great Awakening emerged amid a backdrop of religious apathy and societal change in post-Revolutionary America. By the late 18th century, Enlightenment rationalism, deism, and skepticism had eroded t...

Hello, fellow history enthusiasts and seekers of truth! I'm diving into a fascinating chapter of history today. The Great Awakening —a sweeping religious revival in the 1730s and 1740s—did more than stir souls; it ignited the sparks of revolution and shaped the fledgling United States. Often seen as a "dress rehearsal" for independence, this movement fostered unity, democratic ideals, and a moral framework that propelled colonists toward rebellion against British rule. Let's explore how the First Great Awakening laid the groundwork for the Revolutionary War and influenced the early republic, drawing on historical insights to uncover its lasting legacy. Now I know that this is a sidestep from our normal studies and devotional but I feel that given that this is the 250th anniversary of our Nation it IS a subject that needs looking at especially with the Left trying to continuously claim that this country was not founded on Christian principles. Unifying the Colonies: A...

The Great Awakening refers to a series of religious revivals that swept through the British American colonies in the 18th century, revitalizing Protestant Christianity and countering the growing influence of secular rationalism and Enlightenment ideas . Historians primarily identify the First Great Awakening (roughly 1720–1740s) as the core event, with a Second Great Awakening following in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These movements emphasized personal conversion, emotional worship, and the "new birth" in faith, leading to widespread conversions, denominational growth, and long-term social changes. While the term "Great Awakening" is sometimes used broadly to encompass multiple waves of revivalism up to the 20th century, this history focuses on the First and Second, drawing from key scholarly accounts. Origins and Background The roots of the First Great Awakening trace back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, amid a broader European religious fe...

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow Baptists who stand unyieldingly on the inerrant Word of God, grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. As we gather in His name—whether in the historic churches of our forebears or in modern sanctuaries like those here in Toronto—let us pause to reflect on the profound history of Baptist worship . In a world drifting toward compromise and entertainment-driven services, it's vital for us fundamentalists to reclaim our roots. Our worship isn't a product of human invention or cultural trends; it's a biblical response to the sovereign God who saves sinners by grace through faith. Today, I want to deliver this homily on the history of Baptist worship, drawing from Scripture and the faithful path of our ancestors. We'll see how our practices emerged from persecution, centered on the Bible, and called us to pure, Spirit-led adoration. And in the end, may it stir us to worship with the fervor of those early saints—yes, even...

Hello, fellow believers! As a passionate follower of Christ and a proud Baptist , I'm excited to share this message with you today from the bustling streets of Toronto (or wherever my IP might be pinpointing me). In a world that's increasingly hostile to biblical truth, it's more important than ever to hold fast to the Scriptures. Today, we're diving into 1 Peter 1:1-5 , a passage that not only anchors our faith but also ignites a fire in our souls to praise God loudly and unashamedly. This isn't just a quiet devotion; it's a call to shout! Drawing from Peter's words to scattered exiles, we'll explore why every Baptist—every true believer—should let their joy overflow in exuberant worship. Let's unpack this verse by verse and see how these eternal truths demand our vocal praise. The Foundation: Chosen by God (1 Peter 1:1-2) Peter opens his letter with a powerful greeting: " Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ , To God’s elect, exiles scattered thr...

We are told “God is love” while conveniently forgetting that the same God is also holy and just, we need to hear the full counsel of Scripture. Proverbs 6:16-19 pulls no punches. It lists seven things the Lord hates— seven abominations that are detestable in His sight. This is not Old Testament harshness; this is the unchanging character of the God we serve. Here is the passage again, straight from the Word: “There are six things the Lord hates,   seven that are detestable to him:   haughty eyes,   a lying tongue,   hands that shed innocent blood,   a heart that devises wicked schemes,   feet that are quick to rush into evil,   a false witness who pours out lies,   and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NIV) If you are a conservative Christian who still believes the Bible is the inerrant, authoritative Word of God, these verses are not optional reading. They are a divine w...

We all remember the simple children’s song:   “O be careful, little tongue, what you say…   For the Father up above is looking down in love,   So be careful, little tongue, what you say.”   As kids we sang it with gusto. As conservative Christians committed to biblical truth in 2026, we need to live it with even greater urgency. In a world of instant outrage, viral posts, heated political debates, and church conflicts, our tongues (and keyboards) can either build the Kingdom or leave a trail of devastation. The book of Judges gives us a sobering, real-life example. Turn with me to ** Judges 11:29-40 **. The Story of Jephthah : A Victorious Warrior with a Tragic Tongue Jephthah was an unlikely hero—an outcast, the son of a prostitute, rejected by his family. Yet when the Ammonites threatened Israel, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (v. 29). He prepared for battle with divine empowerment. But then he opened his mouth and made a rash vow :...

In the vast tapestry of biblical history, few figures are as enigmatic and intriguing as Melchizedek . Appearing briefly in the Old Testament and resurfacing with profound theological weight in the New, he embodies a blend of royalty and priesthood that has captivated scholars, theologians, and believers for millennia. His story challenges simple categorization, inviting interpretations from historical king to divine archetype. This post delves deeply into who Melchizedek was, his pivotal role in scripture, and his ongoing significance to modern conservative Christians, drawing from biblical texts, historical contexts, Jewish traditions, and Christian theology. The Biblical Portrait: A Sudden Appearance and Lasting Shadow Melchizedek first emerges in Genesis 14:18–20, amid the chaos of ancient Near Eastern warfare. After Abraham (then Abram) rescues his nephew Lot from a coalition of kings, Melchizedek approaches as the king of Salem—widely identified as an early name for Jerusalem—and...