You were lied to. “Jesus Wept” in John 11:35 is not the shortest verse in the Bible. It’s just the shortest verse in English. The shortest verse in the original Greek is 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice Always.” That might be a rather simple verse, but man is that tough to live out. The News … More The Shortest Verse in the Bible Can Solve All Your Problems
This is the age-old question of science fiction. What’s more likely? Mad Max or Star Trek. Or is it more likely that it’s something in-between like Star Wars where some people have space ships and light sabers and laser blasters; while others live in sand igloos and are slaves to the ugliest creatures in the … More Terrorism, Racism, Natural Disasters: Is the Future Better or Worse?
These last few years, I’ve noticed a change in sexual acceptance. I don’t know if there’s been a change in sexual activity, but definitely acceptance. I’m specifically writing this to Christians. I don’t expect non-Christians to care what the Bible has to say. But I think I’m at least somewhat surprised at the shift in … More The New Sexual Morality
I get asked often on advice for new Believers in beginning their journey of faith. In this post I may interchange the word “new” for “young” but I’m not referring to numerical age, but rather simply referring to someone’s lack of experience in their Christian walk. I actually think Americans have some unique challenges when … More Digital Discipleship 101: The First Steps for the New American Believer to Take
Everything I share here will be my personal thoughts. I’m not speaking for Christianity in general or born-again believers or even my own church. I’ll just share my own thoughts. I’m actually kind of surprised that Halloween is still controversial. I’m not even stating opinion yet, I usually just feel like Christians (whether right or … More Is Jesus Powerful Enough to Redeem Halloween?
The Gospel is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for mankind’s sins and that He rose again 3 days later. That might be a simple sentence according to your English professor, but as your Theology professor, I promise, it’s 9-months pregnant with information. Instead of sharing with you what you know about the Gospel. … More 7 Things You Might Not Know About the Gospel
Expository preaching is basically preaching through a whole book of the bible at a time. Some pastors just preach on a verse or two at a time (but that takes years), and some take it chapter-by-chapter (which only takes months), but both types take the arduous journey of studying an entire book! The question is, … More 10 Things I Hate About Expository Preaching
Well I don’t think Gene Rodenberry tried to predict trends in missiology, but just like many of his predictions of the future, we are now starting to actualize his ideas. The History Channel even had a multi-episode documentary on this phenomenon of whether Star Trek actually predicted the future, or if Star Trek simply made … More Star Trek Taught Me about the Future of Missions
I have had the privilege of being friends with various missionaries over the years, and they helped changed the way I think about missions. I have always been willing to “Go” on the mission field. There is nowhere I’m unwilling to go; God has simply kept my calling as a local pastor. So until God … More Missionaries Changed the Way I Think About Missions
I’m going to focus on 2 groups of people here – 20somethings and Retirees. These 2 generations could not be more different from one another. Yet, there is one common thread – they go to whatever church they want. Isn’t that true for everybody you ask? Nope. Kids have to go to whatever church their … More Becoming a Truly Multi-Generational Church
Joe Allotta 