Somewhere between the “churched” and “unchurched” classifications is a neglected and overlooked group.[1] In some communities, the largest group of people that the church will engage with the gospel is made up of persons who, in the past, attended, joined, or were active in churches. Yet, for some reason, they are no longer connected to... Continue Reading →
If I could turn back time (an old 80s song just popped into my head), I would have a lot to tell the younger me. Although there are some clear advantages to being a young man, those strengths cannot compare to the wisdom that one acquires throughout life. One of the downsides to being young... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Samuel’s place in redemptive history is often overlooked; he is both a transformative and transitional figure. His life and ministry serve as a high point in the history of Israel. Under his leadership, a revival of true worship is ignited (7:3-6), and Israel was freed from Philistine oppression (7:12-14). Samuel was... Continue Reading →
Were Enhanced Interrogation Techniques Legal? By: Dr. Thomas W. Francis Jr. Introduction The purpose of this article is to answer the question, “Were Enhanced Interrogation Techniques Legal?” To answer this question, this article will, first, consider the use of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques (EITs) in the larger historical context by... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Although Abimelech’s father, Gideon, initially resisted the offer of kingship, his actions betray him and reveal his true intentions. He may not have used the royal title, but Gideon lived like royalty. Abimelech, whose name means “my father is king,” provides further evidence of the failures of Gideon. Upon his father’s... Continue Reading →
What would I tell the young man who surrendered to the preaching ministry almost twenty years ago? I would insist, in addition to studying the Scriptures (i.e. theology, scriptural interpretation), that he become a student of (1) how people learn and (2) how to communicate effectively to them. Sadly, many pastors have ignored non-theological disciplines,... Continue Reading →
Who tempted the man and woman to disobey God by eating of the forbidden tree? Although popular Christian authors often take for granted the identity of Eden’s serpent, some scholars believe that the serpent is either Satan[1] himself or at least a representation of Satan.[2] This view suggests that the modern reader should assume the... Continue Reading →
Micah and His Personal Priest: When every man creates his own religion. (Judges 17:1-18:31) WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Micah, whose name ironically means, “Who is like Yahweh,” ignores the religious precepts revealed by God and attempts to establish his own cultic system. First, he had idols built with money that had been dedicated to the... Continue Reading →
