Relief ran through me when I heard and read the news that President Trump had cancelled all plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan (see story here). My concern for a publicized firing squad via the internet (or whatever medium was being considered) falls into the same category with the major issues I have … Continue reading Why Livestreaming Executions Is Unwise in a Digital Age
When is the Death Penalty Considered Just? Six Standards Required for Capital Punishment Sentencing
I was invited by the Center for Faith and Culture podcast to speak on the theology and practice of capital punishment. I believe the episode is scheduled for release Friday, October 16th (You will be able to check it out here). Think of this episode more like a discussion rather than a lecture between four … Continue reading When is the Death Penalty Considered Just? Six Standards Required for Capital Punishment Sentencing
Rethinking Fairness in Everyday Life: When Grace and Injustice Collide
These three scenarios are real experiences, but I have changed some of the details to protect the innocent. By "innocent," I am not talking about those without sin, but rather those who did the right thing and were seemingly punished on behalf of those who did wrong. Think of this like I am innocent when … Continue reading Rethinking Fairness in Everyday Life: When Grace and Injustice Collide
From Vision to Strategy: Leading Effectively
Chris McChesney, et. al. The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals (Jefferson City, TN: Simon & Schuster, 2026). My wife says I have no networking fears. If someone is good or successful at something--i.e., preaching, business, finance, leading, or pastoring, I will find a way to "pick their brain." I enjoy learning … Continue reading From Vision to Strategy: Leading Effectively
How Reading Shapes Christian Maturity
Bill Gates reads 50 books a year. When the billionaire was asked what advice he would have given to his younger self, he said, "read." Gates remains an avid reader even today. Many of the most successful people in our world--Gates, Buffett, Cuban, & Musk--all have one thing in common: they are readers. In fact, … Continue reading How Reading Shapes Christian Maturity
“I Have Always Been a Christian,” A Biblical Analysis and Response
C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity is one of my favorite books. Lewis had a gift for explaining and defining Christian truths for both those who believe and those who do not. One of his tactics for expounding the Christian faith was presenting two different meanings to a thought or concept. His logic would look like … Continue reading “I Have Always Been a Christian,” A Biblical Analysis and Response
The Hidden Dangers of Social Media Formation
In my last post, I exposed how social media works. Thank you for all the amazing feedback. Now, we need to ask a harder and deeper question about social media's impact on our students: What is it doing to our students? Not just externally—but internally. Formation Is Happening—Whether We Like It or Not Every scroll … Continue reading The Hidden Dangers of Social Media Formation
The Truth About Social Media Our Students Don’t Know
If we’re going to disciple the next generation well, we should tell them the truth—not just about God, but also about the world they live in. This includes but is not limited to the online realm. Especially the illusionary world of social media. From the outset, social media isn’t neutral. It’s not just a fun … Continue reading The Truth About Social Media Our Students Don’t Know
THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
We are weeks away from thousands of Southern Baptist messengers migrating to Dallas, Texas for the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Southern Baptists hold to the autonomy of the local church. Unlike a denomination, which consists of a top-down organizational structure, the SBC has a bottom-up polity. Local and like-minded churches choose to partner with … Continue reading THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
The act of suicide is heartbreaking for many reasons. First, the person who committed the act believed that the only way out of whatever troubled them was by prematurely ending their life. Second, those who are left behind must deal with the many emotions, questions, and uncertainties as they process the loss of their loved … Continue reading A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
