Nancy Ortberg and WCC Elders’ “Efforts” to Reconcile

“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” -Luke 17:3, NLT Nancy Ortberg and the Willow Creek Church Elders’ “Efforts” to “Reconcile” The scandal continues to brew at Willow Creek Church in Chicago over Rev. Bill Hybels conduct with women over the years. I have written about this controversy before (here, … Continue reading “Nancy Ortberg and WCC Elders’ “Efforts” to Reconcile”

Do it “FOR THE KIDS!”

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. -Hebrews 13:4, NIV Adulterous spouses have no shame. On one hand, they will willfully and maliciously disregard how their selfish sinful choices impact their children. Then, on the other hand, they will … Continue reading “Do it “FOR THE KIDS!””

Cheaters, Churches, and Christianity

I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.  You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man … Continue reading “Cheaters, Churches, and Christianity”

God forgave, BUT King David’s son still died!

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” -2 Samuel 12:13-14, NIV Forgiveness does NOT wipe out all consequences for the … Continue reading “God forgave, BUT King David’s son still died!”

Mailbag: God took back unfaithful Israel; Are we obligated as well?

A wrote, I am in the middle of divorce proceedings and I have not seen signs of repentence, and even so, know that I would not be required to stay. I do have a question from my own heart. I was reading in Psalm 106:32-48 this morning and was struck at the unfaithfulness of Israel … Continue reading “Mailbag: God took back unfaithful Israel; Are we obligated as well?”

Arrogance and Contempt – Twins of Doom

  21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and … Continue reading “Arrogance and Contempt – Twins of Doom”

Handling Self-Righteous, Religious Pricks

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? … Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye…” – Matthew 7:3, 5a, NLT When I was going through my trials, I had no shortage of religious people willing to “help” me see my “sin” or … Continue reading “Handling Self-Righteous, Religious Pricks”

But…but I want to stay married!!!

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,     and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;     may the name of the Lord be praised.” -Job 1:20-21, NIV Shame … Continue reading “But…but I want to stay married!!!”

Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!”

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. -Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV “God forgives me. So what’s your problem?!” -Cheater Does … Continue reading “Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!””

Broken Vase Illustration

Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been … Continue reading “Broken Vase Illustration”