I am the Lead Pastor of Essential Church in Hudson, FL, Assistant Professor of the Ministry Department at Trinity College of Florida, and just trying to be the Husband and Father that God wants me to be.
The word hope is used almost 150 times in the Bible. It’s a common theme. I think it’s also sometimes misapplied today. In Romans 5 we read, “we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint.” As I head down … More There’s Always Hope… but Hope in What?
Yes. Yes it is. What do I mean by that you ask? Well, let’s think about how Religions of yester-year operated (and certainly some today.) 1) Dogmatic Teachings 2) Make All the Money You Can 3) Rule Politics to Rule through Fear 4) Publically Ridicule Dissenters 5) Excommunicate Heretics Well, what about … More Is New Science Acting Like Old Religion?
No. (Sorry for the click bait headline. Think how often I’ll do that if I actually got paid by advertisers.) But, how much more intense would the pre-game analysis be if the “experts” and former players were risking their lives with every pick. That’s must see TV. I guess they’d have an in-memoriam section from … More Does the Bible Say We Should Kill Those that Predict the SuperBowl Wrong?
Jesus is beyond a super hero. Super hero’s are limited by our imaginations. Jesus is not. If His miracles recorded in the Bible aren’t clues enough. He can do anything. Here’s just some of what his miracles reveal: He can change the molecular composition of objects, duplicate matter, eliminate pathogens, repair dead tissue, alter his … More Why Does Jesus Use People to Accomplish His Will?
When did “Follow Me” become follow me? Didn’t Jesus invite us into his life? So why are we inviting him into ours? Aren’t we lost? Aren’t we astray? Wasn’t the point of His coming to rescue us? Didn’t Jesus already endure this fallen world? Does He have to do it again, but with us this … More When did Follow Me become follow me?
I don’t know how to say “farewell” to President Obama. I’m going to try to be as honest as I can (which probably will mean everyone will disagree with me.) I’m confused about how to feel about President Obama. I listened to a lot of talk radio and they warned me that “Obummer” was going … More A Confused Farewell for President Obama
There are lots of reasons to not go to church, but here are the Top 10 reasons why you should suck-it up and go anyway. 10) It Could Change the Way You Feel If you don’t go this time, what makes you think you’ll want to go next week. You never know, something might be … More Why You Should Go To Church Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
I want to tackle a topic that demands 170,000 words and yet I’ll do it in 1,700. So obviously I’m going to simplify, generalize, and summarize. This past week the UN passed a proposal that essentially inches Israel closer to accepting a 2-state solution. Right now, Palestine is a de jure sovereign state. Basically some … More Biblically Supporting Israel in a Complicated Political Climate
Jesus is the story of the Second Moses – the better Moses. I know it’s Hanukah (or is it Chanukah?) so this is not shot at my Jewish brothers and sisters. Even Moses said in Deut. 18 that a better prophet than he was coming. So take it up with him. Whether you consciously put … More Exodus 2: a Christmas Tale
I personally celebrate both Christmas and Festivus – Christmas because I love Jesus, and Festivus because I love Seinfeld. So in the spirit of this made-up, American holiday, I hope you will join me in airing your grievances, comparing your feats of strength, and pointing out any Festivus miracles that happened in your life this … More Festivus: My Grievances, Feats of Strength, and Miracles
Joe Allotta 