daddy4ms

This post originally appeared at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting. Man Up!? Have you heard this phrase before? It is often used in conferences to get guys to “man up”. It is used as a catchy slogan for men’s ministry events. Pastors use it to motivate the guys in their congregations to grow up. I hate it!   Why? Because how we are told to “man up” is based on a particular understanding of what it means to be a man.  This often includes eating a lot of meat, bashing cars, shooting things, etc. Also, the motivation is often focused on externals not the heart. What is a man?  Besides the physical characteristics, what qualities make up a man? For many it is strength. What if you are a skinny guy with pea-sized biceps? For others it is leadership. What if you did not have a father (either physically absent or emotionally absent) help you learn how to lead? For others it is doing guy things like eating lots of meat, drinking beer, shooting things, bashing cars, ...

This post originally appeared at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting on February 25, 2016. How do you define the word gospel? For some, it is what is shared at the end of a pastor’s sermon. Others understand it as a philosophy such as the gospel according to J.L. It can also be used as an adjective such as gospel music or gospel revival. Or it can be what starts the Christian life or how we live?   We need to be clear on what the gospel is. The Greek word for gospel is literally “good news.” Is what is being shared in our churches, on social media, or around the world good news? Why is this important and how does it apply to you as an individual, spouse, or parent/grandparent? We can be perpetuating beliefs based on a faulty understanding of the gospel that can hinder or damage our relationships with friends, family, church, work and around the world. For now, let me share my thoughts on the gospel. It is all about Jesus and not about us. The gospel is good news for beli...

Today over at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting, I am sharing thoughts about Judgment House.  Many disagree with me on this topic, but I think it important to think critically about what it teaches people about who God is.  Checkmy thoughts out here