The Slaughter of the Canaanites: An Answer
“We don’t realize the extent to which our framework for thinking about the Bible and violence (among other topics) is culturally determined.” – John Goldingay In this article, I will discuss one of the most controversial and heavily debated subjects in the Bible: the Israelite conquest. The most pertinent questions regarding the Israelite conquest of...
Jonathan Lichtenwalter
The Iowa Caucus Delay: A Portrait of Theological Progressivism
As I write this, my state of Iowa turns cold again. The weekend got as high as the 50s, but as of today, this week is settling back into highs in the 20s. The turn of the weather matches the nation’s mood toward Iowa right now. Here’s why: For the presidential election, the Iowa Caucus...
Daniel McCoy
Push-Ups: A Parable of Spiritual Growth
With the start of a new year, the pressure to begin a new diet or exercise routine is great. Most years I ignore all of the options laid before me via email and social media, choosing to eat and to move the way I always have. One year, however, was different. On January 1, 2013,...
Renée Sproles
Mansion
“In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). A mansion! Now you’re talking! Someday yonder—just over the hilltop—I’m going to have a mansion! I want a gold one, that’s silver lined. The Greek word for ‘”mansion” in this verse is mone (mo NAY). It is used only...
Kenny Boles
The Slaughter of the Canaanites: Our Options
“[The Israelites] sacrificed their sons and their daughters to false gods. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves” (Psalm 106:37-39, emphasis mine)....
Jonathan Lichtenwalter
Kobe, Shaq, & Learning from Loss
Shaquille O’Neal could teach classes on many subjects: basketball, recording artistry, investments, and sports analysis. Yet in a recent interview following the untimely death of former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaq taught a 5-minute master class on discerning what is truly valuable. On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were among nine...
Daniel McCoy
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 1)
There may be no more familiar book in all of literature than the Book of Psalms. Out of all of the sixty-six books of the Bible, it’s doubtful that there is any book that has been read and spoken more than this collection of 150 prayers, songs, and poems. Their words have inspired men and...
Matt Stafford
Q: What Are Men Really Hungry For? (Part 2)
*Editor’s Note: What are some things that men deeply hunger for, which can be met through discipling relationships with other men? We asked a panel of men who have discipled other men before, and below is Part 2 of their answers. For Part 1, click here. A: Men Need to Experience Conversion By John Caldwell...
Aaron Rodgers: Sacked by More than Doubt
The Green Bay Packers might have lost the spotlight to the 49ers when San Francisco beat them on January 19 to advance to Super Bowl LIV. But it was not long before the spotlight made its way back to Green Bay’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers, regarding his comments upon losing his religion. In an episode on...
Daniel McCoy
When You Can’t Trust Your Brain
Patients and disciple makers find it helpful when I tell them about the brain’s “amygdala” and the purpose for which it was designed. It was designed to trigger a response called “fight or flight.” When the amygdala fires due to various stimuli, it is trying to help someone survive. When someone is walking in the...
Marcus De Carvalho, M.D.
Astros: A Cautionary Tale
Recently, it came to light that the Houston Astros stole signs in 2017 when they won the World Series. Now they’re getting fined, some are getting fired, and the legacy is tarnished. A time of great celebration for Astros fans has turned into a time where many are no longer fans of the team and...
Jonathan Lichtenwalter
Q: What Are Men Really Hungry For? (Part 1)
*Editor’s Note: What are some things that men deeply hunger for, which can be met through discipling relationships with other men? We asked a panel of men who have discipled other men before, and here’s Part 1 of their answers: A: Growth & Brotherhood By David Roadcup First, many men in the body of Christ...
God Meets You in Your Confusion
*Editor’s Note: Just days before, Jacob had been comfortably living at home, safe, and with his brother not actively wanting to kill him. But ever since Jacob had cheated his brother Esau out of his dying father’s blessing, Jacob had been on the run. When Joseph Shulam became a follower of Jesus, he discovered what...
Joseph Shulam
How the Resurrection Fuels Disciple Making
Before the sun had risen (but after the Son had risen), a dispatch of faithful women trekked to the sealed tomb of their Lord Jesus. Their sorrow quickly turned to alarm when they arrived at an empty grave. In the gray of early dawn and the darkness of their grief, their steps of devotion were...
Debbra Stephens