Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift … Continue reading “Repentance about “deserving” forgiveness?”
Category: Sin
Lessons from WCC and fall of Hybels by Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin
In “How Willow Creek exposed our sins,” Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin suggest the mess at Willow Creek Church is a symptom of a much bigger problem in American evangelicalism. Strobel diagnoses the problem Willow Creek exposes as: The fundamental ailment of the evangelical church today is toxic power. Toxic power is anchored in prideful … Continue reading “Lessons from WCC and fall of Hybels by Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin”
Criticisms say a lot…
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. -Proverbs 10:19, NKJV People’s criticisms say a lot… …but not necessarily anything about the one criticized. This is a lesson impressed upon me during my formal training in clinical pastoral care. It is an important lesson to remember … Continue reading “Criticisms say a lot…”
What DO I say to an adultery victim as a pastor?!
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” -Matthew 10:42, NIV What DO I say to an adultery victim as a pastor? Yesterday’s post raised this question. Dr. Skinner suggested a … Continue reading “What DO I say to an adultery victim as a pastor?!”
PTSD and adultery from expert, Dr. Kevin Skinner
Dr. Kevin Skinner is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) supervisor who does research in the area of sexual betrayal. Here is his biography. His research into the matter of sexual betrayal has led him to the conclusion such betrayal leads to PTSD for many of its victims. He talks about being … Continue reading “PTSD and adultery from expert, Dr. Kevin Skinner”
Jesus is condemning, too!
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” -Jesus in John 3:18, NIV Jesus is condemning, too! We often make God in our own image or an image we prefer. That image of Jesus is … Continue reading “Jesus is condemning, too!”
You have your integrity still.
When Peter saw him [John], he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” – John 21:21-22, NIV It is understandable. You have been soul raped and your world has been turned upside down by your partner’s selfish, … Continue reading “You have your integrity still.”
When condemning is a good thing!
O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. -Psalm 139:21-22, NLT When condemning is a good thing… Currently, most people will not have a problem condemning pedophilia. It is wrong, and talking about victims may evoke anger over … Continue reading “When condemning is a good thing!”
What is the Greek for “soul rape?”
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! -I Corinthians 6:15, NKJV When I explained how a cheater violates the soul of a faithful spouse as soul rape, I had a “Christian” psychologist retort to me: “What’s the … Continue reading “What is the Greek for “soul rape?””
“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer” Vows
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. -2 Corinthians 5:10, NLT “…for better, for worse…” These are familiar parts of the wedding vows in a Christian wedding ceremony. But do we really believe … Continue reading ““For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer” Vows”