Thinking Biblically

Helping renew your mind with God's Word

Category: Current Events

Thinking about Revivals

February 23, 2023 /

I was asked at church last night to share my thoughts on the Asbury revival. I have not personally attended Asbury. So, rather than share about Asbury specifically, I want to share some general principles for how to think about revivals in light of God’s Word.

1. Be hopeful. We should always be hopeful when multitudes of people want to worship. We should not be averse to God’s work.

2. Be discerning. We are told in Scripture to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). As Christians, we should always test things according to God’s Word. Anything that violates God’s Word is not Christian worship. Also see Matthew 7:15-20.

3. Be patient. In the parable of the sower (or the soils), Jesus said the seed of the gospel is sown but it only takes root and bears fruit when it falls on good soil. If you read the parable (Mark 4:1-20), you’ll see that some people may look like they have been converted but in reality they have not. When persecutions or prosperity come, their true spiritual state is revealed. If someone has truly had an encounter with God and has been converted, then there will be radical life change (Gal 2:20). The way to evaluate whether revival has occurred is if people are living lives of obedience to Christ (Luke 6:46). Also see Acts 5:38-39.

4. Be prayerful. We should pray for those who attended. We should pray that God would help us to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt 5:6). Pray that the gospel would bear fruit in the lives of those who participated (John 15:8).

5. Be intentional. If you know someone that has participated in a revival, then pray for them. Seek to disciple them. Help them grow in spiritual maturity. Make sure they get plugged into a healthy local church.

6. Be faithful. You do not have to travel to a college campus to experience revival. If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit within you. You have God’s Word that is living and active. God’s Spirit uses God’s Work to do God’s work. Read God’s Word. Practice family worship. Be a committed church member of a healthy church. In so doing, you are being faithful to God. Seeking emotional experiences with no desire to live a holy life is idolatry.

Christian Analysis of the SCOTUS Decision on Abortion

June 27, 2022 /
The Supreme Court of the United States

I was out of town without access to a computer when the SCOTUS decision came to fruition on Friday, June 24. That is why I’m delayed in writing this blog.

As a Bible-believing Christian, I am elated with the news that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Effectively, this ruling removes the federal “right” to an abortion and returns the legality of abortion back to the people and their elected representatives.

It is beyond tragic that millions of lives have been lost since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Abortion is a sin against God because it kills those who are made in His image (Exo 20:13; Gen 1:27).

If you have had an abortion, then you have sinned against God and will experience His just wrath. The good news of the gospel is that you can be forgiven by God, reconciled to Him, and saved from His wrath because of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

You should note that false teachers such as Beth Moore, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, and others have been completely silent on the ruling (while at the same time promoting their books and events). It’s entirely plausible that they don’t believe abortion is wrong. It’s certain that they don’t want to offend their followers and lose money. For them, the dollar is more important than proclaiming truth. This is a clear way to spot false teachers.

I have had time to read several articles and listen to a couple of podcasts this morning. I want to share with you some of the best ones from a Christian perspective:

Here is a statement from the Conservative Baptist Network.

Here is a pointed article by Jared Longshore.

Here is a short article by Albert Mohler at World.

Here is a special edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler recorded on the day of the SCOTUS decision.

Here is Monday’s edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler.

Here are some thoughts from Denny Burk.

Here are some key quotes from the decision from a Baptist Press article.

Here is a short article by Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition.

If you only read or listen to one thing, make it the special edition of The Briefing by Albert Mohler. If you have an article or resource to suggest, you can comment below.

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