Life's Inanities and Ironies

  We often mistake "encouragement" for a simple "like" on social media or a polite nod in the church foyer. But if we look at the life of a man named Joseph—better known by his nickname, Barnabas —we see that biblical encouragement is something much more radical. It is a sacrificial, risk-taking, life-altering ministry. In Acts 4:36-37 , we are introduced to the man who would become the "gold standard" for what it means to build up the Body of Christ. " Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus , whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘ son of encouragement ’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." How can we move beyond being merely "polite" and start being a "Barnabas" to those around us? Here are three ways to cultivate the heart of an encourager. 1. Encouragement Starts with Your Hands, Not Just Your Lips It is telling that the very first thing the Bible records about the "Son of En...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where cultural pressures and moral ambiguities seem to lurk around every corner, it's easy for even the most faithful among us to feel ensnared. As conservative Christians, we hold dear the timeless truths of Scripture, standing firm against the tides of relativism and secularism. Today, I invite you to reflect on a powerful message drawn from Colossians 1:9-17 —a passage that calls us to rise above the dangers of worldly compromise and live in the elevated realm of Christ's supremacy . This blog post expands on a recent homily I shared, using the metaphor of the " snake line " to illustrate our spiritual journey. Just as mountaineers know that venomous snakes can't survive above a certain elevation, so too are we called to ascend beyond the perils of sin and darkness. Understanding the Snake Line Metaphor Picture this: In the Appalachian Mountains or the Rockies, hikers often speak of the "snake line"—that invi...

You know, in today's fast-paced world where everyone's juggling a million things, it's easy to treat our faith like just another item on the to-do list—go to church, read a Bible verse, say a quick prayer. But lately, I've been thinking a lot about what the Bible really calls us to, especially after sharing a homily with some dedicated fundamentalist Christians who are all about sticking to the pure, unchanging Word of God. We dove into the difference between being a committed Christian and a surrendered one , and man, it hit home. It's not about splitting hairs; it's about checking our hearts and seeing if we're truly all in with Jesus. So, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's chat about this. I'll break it down with some Scripture, and maybe it'll spark something in you like it did for me.  So, What's a Committed Christian Really Look Like? . Alright, let's start here. A committed Christian? That's someone who's genuinely...

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the world around us buzzes with resolutions, goals, and self-improvement plans. Gym memberships surge, diets are declared, and planners are filled with ambitious to-do lists. But as fundamentalist Christians , rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word, we must approach this season differently. The Bible warns us against leaning on our own understanding ( Proverbs 3:5-6 ) and reminds us that "many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" ( Proverbs 19:21 ). So, how should we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, plan for the year ahead? Let us turn to Scripture for guidance, seeking first the Kingdom of God ( Matthew 6:33 ) and committing our ways to Him. In this post, I'll outline a biblically grounded approach to new year planning—one that prioritizes spiritual growth, submission to God's sovereignty, and practical obedience. This isn't about chasing worldly success...