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”
Category: Theology of divorce
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…”
Too Much at Stake to Sail Off!
So until I come, be diligent in devouring the Word of God, be faithful in prayer, and in teaching the believers. -I Timothy 4:13, TPT Too much is at stake to just sail off into my blessed sunset! I wish more faithful spouse pastors had not simply sailed off into their sunset prior to my … Continue reading “Too Much at Stake to Sail Off!”
Choose empathy over pity for the divorced in church!
Divorcee:“I’m divorced.” Christian church-goer:“I’m sorry. That’s too bad.” Sometimes, it is easy to feel like one has a scarlet “D” tattooed to one’s backside. Do I have to justify my divorce to every Christian to whom I reveal my marital status? I know some of us do not struggle with this. Some people seem … Continue reading “Choose empathy over pity for the divorced in church!”
Personal integrity intact…or not
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 “Personal integrity intact…or not”
“I care for you” but…
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. -Proverbs 12:18, NIV I care about you BUT not enough… …to end my friendship with the adulterous spouse until she repents. My thoughts: “Sorry, your concern for me sounds skin deep. Scripture is clear that a person who … Continue reading ““I care for you” but…”
It was a hug for me.
“Goodbye in her eyes” by Zac Brown Band It wasn’t a kiss. It was a hug. We had just finished our dentist appointments. She had forgotten that she had made joint appointments. I had already confronted her about the Other Man about two weeks prior. She was still lying about him and still denying adultery. … Continue reading “It was a hug for me.”
Takes Two People: Job did NOT cheat!
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” – Job 2:9-10a, NKJV His wealth was all stolen. His … Continue reading “Takes Two People: Job did NOT cheat!”
Divorce rates are poor proxies. Stop lamenting them, pastors, please!
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! – Galatians 5:14-15, NKJV Lamenting divorce rates among Christians Likely, it is meant well. Good intentions are there, I am … Continue reading “Divorce rates are poor proxies. Stop lamenting them, pastors, please!”
What Ephesians 5:24 does NOT say!
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. -Ephesians 5:24, NIV What Ephesians 5:24 does NOT say! I did a post on a verse used against husbands (see here). This one is for the ladies–i.e. the faithful wives. Notice this verse and surrounding passage NEVER mentions divorce. Not … Continue reading “What Ephesians 5:24 does NOT say!”