- Carl Kirby - Thomas Kidd - Samantha Beach Kiley - Brandon Kimber - Leona Kimes - Sheryl Kinder-Pyle - Alveda King - Betty King - Jacki C King - Zach Kingery - David Kinnaman - Martin Kiogora - Jeffrey Kirby - Ashley Morgan Kirk - Thomas Knapp - Joseph Kohm - Rocky Komatsu -
==carl kerby======
Carl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America.
FALSE RELIGIONS: How Christian Science Views Jesus
Today, we’re talking about how Christian Science views Jesus Christ. Founded by Mary Baker Eddy to promote the idea that sin and sickness are only illusions, Christian Science has claimed some famous followers, including entertainers Marylin Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Robert Duvall. But what does Christian Science say about Jesus? Christian Science teaches that Jesus was a man … only a man … and that “Christ” was an idea representing “truth.” Followers go so far as to say Jesus’ biblical healings were only an example of how to defeat physical illness, and since sin is an illusion, there’s no need for forgiveness of sins through His atonement. (Carl Kerby/VCY 12/28/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Today, we’re talking about how Christian Science views Jesus Christ. Founded by Mary Baker Eddy to promote the idea that sin and sickness are only illusions, Christian Science has claimed some famous followers, including entertainers Marylin Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Robert Duvall. But what does Christian Science say about Jesus? Christian Science teaches that Jesus was a man … only a man … and that “Christ” was an idea representing “truth.” Followers go so far as to say Jesus’ biblical healings were only an example of how to defeat physical illness, and since sin is an illusion, there’s no need for forgiveness of sins through His atonement. (Carl Kerby/VCY 12/28/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==thomas kidd=================
The term “evangelical” in English dates back at least to the 1520s, and it shows up in the writings of Sir Thomas More and in translations of Erasmus. A search on the word “evangelical” gets more than 22,000 hits in more than 5,500 sources in Early English Books online, which contains editions of most books published in English from 1473 to 1700.
The word “evangelical” was often a synonym for “gospel,” which made sense because
euangelion in Greek means “good news.” But the term “evangelical” did both pick up in popularity, and in focus of meaning, around the time of the Great Awakening in the 1740s “By 1950, the use of the word had changed dramatically, especially because of the founding of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in 1942. ‘Evangelical’ was coming to denote conversionist Protestants who were not fundamentalists.”
A major factor in this was that “in 1949, Billy Graham rose to prominence, and by 1950 he had become the undisputed standard-bearer for what people saw as evangelical faith. The other turning point for the word came in 1976. That year, Jimmy Carter, a self-described evangelical, won the presidency, and Newsweek declared 1976 the ‘year of the evangelical.’ Of more enduring importance, Gallup for the first time began asking survey respondents in 1976 if they were ‘evangelical’ or ‘born again’ and pairing that response with political behavior. Of course, the rise of the Moral Majority in 1979 was a decisive moment in the politicization of the word ‘evangelical,’ too, but once ‘evangelical’ became a standard category in polling, the public perception began to shift inexorably toward a political understanding of what it meant to be an evangelical. By the 2010s, most casual American observers had come to assume that evangelical meant ‘white religious Republican.’ --Thomas Kidd; Who Is An Evangelical; 2019
The word “evangelical” was often a synonym for “gospel,” which made sense because
euangelion in Greek means “good news.” But the term “evangelical” did both pick up in popularity, and in focus of meaning, around the time of the Great Awakening in the 1740s “By 1950, the use of the word had changed dramatically, especially because of the founding of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in 1942. ‘Evangelical’ was coming to denote conversionist Protestants who were not fundamentalists.”
A major factor in this was that “in 1949, Billy Graham rose to prominence, and by 1950 he had become the undisputed standard-bearer for what people saw as evangelical faith. The other turning point for the word came in 1976. That year, Jimmy Carter, a self-described evangelical, won the presidency, and Newsweek declared 1976 the ‘year of the evangelical.’ Of more enduring importance, Gallup for the first time began asking survey respondents in 1976 if they were ‘evangelical’ or ‘born again’ and pairing that response with political behavior. Of course, the rise of the Moral Majority in 1979 was a decisive moment in the politicization of the word ‘evangelical,’ too, but once ‘evangelical’ became a standard category in polling, the public perception began to shift inexorably toward a political understanding of what it meant to be an evangelical. By the 2010s, most casual American observers had come to assume that evangelical meant ‘white religious Republican.’ --Thomas Kidd; Who Is An Evangelical; 2019
==Samantha Beach Kiley===========
Samantha Beach Kiley is a writer and performer, and the creative arts pastor at Austin New Church in Austin, Texas. Samantha's creative work has appeared in theatres, churches, and non-profit spaces. She has taught at Northwestern's National High School Institute and Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, where she is the co-education director with her husband, Will.
There is a big difference between diversity and full inclusion. Full inclusion is when you actually start paying attention to the cultural differences between people, and your leadership team leans into the different perspectives from those cultures.
Every church is less than a decade away from becoming a country club. Because churches become insulated. Our financial model and our decision making model is all controlled by insiders. Leaders must bring intentionality and focus toward meeting needs that maybe they don’t have, but others in their community do have. --Samantha Beach Kiley; Austin New Church; Austin Texas
Every church is less than a decade away from becoming a country club. Because churches become insulated. Our financial model and our decision making model is all controlled by insiders. Leaders must bring intentionality and focus toward meeting needs that maybe they don’t have, but others in their community do have. --Samantha Beach Kiley; Austin New Church; Austin Texas
==brANDON KIMBER================
April 26, 2023: Grand Forks Herald: Kongsvinger Lutheran to host 'American Gospel' presentation at charity event to support campus ministries
Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, in rural Oslo, Minnesota, is hosting a charity event Friday, April 28, featuring a livestream presentation and dialogue with Brandon Kimber, director of the Christian docuseries “American Gospel.”
Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, in rural Oslo, Minnesota, is hosting a charity event Friday, April 28, featuring a livestream presentation and dialogue with Brandon Kimber, director of the Christian docuseries “American Gospel.”
==leona kimes====================
Mar 12, 2023: Daily Mail: When good pastors go bad: From disgraced Carl Lentz's multiple affairs in Hillsong scandal to NYC's 'bling bishop', these are the biggest falls from grace
Leona Kimes, co-pastor of Hillsong Boston with her husband Josh, announced in a bombshell Medium post in May 2021 that she had been 'subjected to manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse' by the Lentzes while working at their home as a nanny. The Lentzes strongly denied Kimes's allegations.
Leona Kimes, co-pastor of Hillsong Boston with her husband Josh, announced in a bombshell Medium post in May 2021 that she had been 'subjected to manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse' by the Lentzes while working at their home as a nanny. The Lentzes strongly denied Kimes's allegations.
==sheryl kinder-pyle=====
March 8, 2023: Religion News Service: In North Idaho, religious and secular activists work to fight Christian nationalism
“I stand in opposition to the use of the gospel for political gain,” the Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle, a Presbyterian leader, told the crowd during the event.
“I stand in opposition to the use of the gospel for political gain,” the Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle, a Presbyterian leader, told the crowd during the event.
==alveda king======
Christian leaders react to Trump surviving assassination attempt: 'Thank God the former president is alive'
In a statement shared with The Christian Post on Saturday, Alveda King, the founder of Speak for Life and chair of the Center for the American Dream at America First Policy Institute, said she was grieved by the tragic shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old male gunman attempted to assassinate the former president. King is the niece of the late Martin Luther King Jr. who was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. “I grieve today for the hatred that was displayed tonight as an assassination attempt was made on the life of President Trump. I am forever grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service," she wrote. (Christian Post 7/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
In a statement shared with The Christian Post on Saturday, Alveda King, the founder of Speak for Life and chair of the Center for the American Dream at America First Policy Institute, said she was grieved by the tragic shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old male gunman attempted to assassinate the former president. King is the niece of the late Martin Luther King Jr. who was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. “I grieve today for the hatred that was displayed tonight as an assassination attempt was made on the life of President Trump. I am forever grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service," she wrote. (Christian Post 7/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==betty king======
Rev Dr Betty King is one of the UK’s most revered female ministers. She is pastor of Truthvine Church Wembley, and a leader who is prayerful, prophetic and philanthropic. Rev King hosts The Cry, a programme that is broadcast on GOD TV where she interviews Christians who are making an impact. In January 2023 Rev Betty launched ‘The Cry’ — an event where delegates from across the globe gathered at Wembley Arena. Akosua DF spoke to Rev King about her life, faith, ministry and desire to see revival break out throughout the nations.
I believe that the spirit of conviction is falling on Great Britain. He is purging the church. People are talking about revival, but I believe that we are in revival. People are repenting and crying for change. I believe that Europe is poised for a move of God, and we are going to see people leave the streets and go into the church. This is why we need to contend for places of prayer. Sadly, the enemy is also making sure there are no real authentic mangers where the supernatural can be birthed. God is after birthing places — not organisations and structures that He no longer lives in. --Rev Dr Betty King; pastor of Truthvine Church Wembley; Keep The Faith;
==jacki c king================
April 7, 2021: Religion News Service: Beth Moore apologizes for her role in elevating ‘complementarian’ theology that limits women leaders
On Wednesday, Bible teachers in her mold, such as Jacki C. King, congratulated Moore for her words.
“I am so deeply grieved and sorry for the hurt and deep losses you have taken from your own,” tweeted King, who is also a Southern Baptist pastor’s wife. “It is the deepest sting and betrayal. Thank you for paving a way, for being faithful, for your example. I think and pray for you so often. Thank you sister.”
On Wednesday, Bible teachers in her mold, such as Jacki C. King, congratulated Moore for her words.
“I am so deeply grieved and sorry for the hurt and deep losses you have taken from your own,” tweeted King, who is also a Southern Baptist pastor’s wife. “It is the deepest sting and betrayal. Thank you for paving a way, for being faithful, for your example. I think and pray for you so often. Thank you sister.”
"Through nonviolent resistance we shall be able to oppose the unjust system and at the same time love the perpetrators of the system." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ; A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart
--zach kingery==================
July 19, 2022: Aberdeen News: Churches in South Dakota, nationwide dealing with lower attendance, affiliation numbers
Zach Kingery, a pastor at two United Methodist Churches in southeastern South Dakota, said it is impossible to overstate the important role churches play in communities and the lives of individuals. “Every week we close the service and I tell people that they are sent out into the world to share the word of God and be the light of Christ, to be more like Christ, to reach out to others and to help people,” he said. “Peace, patience, joy, love, goodness, kindness, all the fruits of the spirit; those are meant to be shared with people.”
Zach Kingery, a pastor at two United Methodist Churches in southeastern South Dakota, said it is impossible to overstate the important role churches play in communities and the lives of individuals. “Every week we close the service and I tell people that they are sent out into the world to share the word of God and be the light of Christ, to be more like Christ, to reach out to others and to help people,” he said. “Peace, patience, joy, love, goodness, kindness, all the fruits of the spirit; those are meant to be shared with people.”
==david kinnaman================
Feb 10, 2023: Christianity Today: Data Shows that Americans Are Spiritually Open
Lucado joined David Kinnaman, author and CEO of Barna Group, and Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center to talk about the unprecedented possibilities open to Christians today.
“This cultural moment that we’re in is one that is challenging but also has great opportunity,” said Stetzer.
“There’s a lot of real hopeful data here,” said Kinnaman. One area that especially stands out, he noted, is the openness of two generations who are often thought of as resistant to Christianity: Millennials and Gen Z.
Lucado joined David Kinnaman, author and CEO of Barna Group, and Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center to talk about the unprecedented possibilities open to Christians today.
“This cultural moment that we’re in is one that is challenging but also has great opportunity,” said Stetzer.
“There’s a lot of real hopeful data here,” said Kinnaman. One area that especially stands out, he noted, is the openness of two generations who are often thought of as resistant to Christianity: Millennials and Gen Z.
Feb 6, 2019: Christianity Today: Half of Millennial Christians Say It’s Wrong to Evangelize
Barna president David Kinnaman points to the rising cultural expectation against judging personal choices. Practicing Christian millennials were twice as likely as Gen X and four times as likely as Boomers and Elders to agree with the statement, “If someone disagrees with you, it means they’re judging you.” “Cultivating deep, steady, resilient Christian conviction is difficult in a world of ‘you do you’ and ‘don’t criticize anyone’s life choices’ and emotivism, the feelings-first priority that our culture makes a way of life,” Kinnaman said. “As much as ever, evangelism isn’t just about saving the unsaved, but reminding ourselves that this stuff matters, that the Bible is trustworthy, and that Jesus changes everything.” |
==martin kiogora======
Martin Kiogora: a pastor, chaplain, professional counselor, content writer, and a budding web developer.
The king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. (2 Samuel 24:24, NIV)
There is an old adage that says, “The best things in life are free. There is also a modification of the same adage which says,“There is nothing free in life. Someone must have paid for it.” This is very true — free things come at a price. There is a price to pay.
King David insisted on paying for the cost of the sacrificial animal instead of accepting a free offer from one of his subjects — Araunah. David understood that sacrifices must cost you something. To attain something, whether spiritual or material, there is always a price to pay.
Our salvation came at a price. The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians, who were struggling with sexual immorality, that they had to lead and live a pure life because they were bought with a price.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, NIV).
Our salvation is free because Christ, through his sacrificial death, paid the ultimate price. Christ, our elder brother preceded and prepared the way for us. Our Lord and Saviour smoothened the road for us.
- Martin Kiogora; I Will Not Sacrifice to the Lord Offerings That Cost Me Nothing
There is an old adage that says, “The best things in life are free. There is also a modification of the same adage which says,“There is nothing free in life. Someone must have paid for it.” This is very true — free things come at a price. There is a price to pay.
King David insisted on paying for the cost of the sacrificial animal instead of accepting a free offer from one of his subjects — Araunah. David understood that sacrifices must cost you something. To attain something, whether spiritual or material, there is always a price to pay.
Our salvation came at a price. The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians, who were struggling with sexual immorality, that they had to lead and live a pure life because they were bought with a price.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, NIV).
Our salvation is free because Christ, through his sacrificial death, paid the ultimate price. Christ, our elder brother preceded and prepared the way for us. Our Lord and Saviour smoothened the road for us.
- Martin Kiogora; I Will Not Sacrifice to the Lord Offerings That Cost Me Nothing
==jeffrey kirby============
Christians need to rely on grace offered by Jesus' resurrection, says South Carolina priest
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This verse comes from the Gospel of John, one of the four gospel narratives in the New Testament. While the exact authorship of this gospel is unknown, it is most commonly attributed to the Apostle John, says the website Catholic Answers. The lesson in this verse, South Carolina-based Fr. Jeffrey Kirby told Fox News Digital, is that Christians need to "cling to the Risen Christ and rely on His grace." (Fox News 4/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This verse comes from the Gospel of John, one of the four gospel narratives in the New Testament. While the exact authorship of this gospel is unknown, it is most commonly attributed to the Apostle John, says the website Catholic Answers. The lesson in this verse, South Carolina-based Fr. Jeffrey Kirby told Fox News Digital, is that Christians need to "cling to the Risen Christ and rely on His grace." (Fox News 4/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==ashley morgan kirk======
Every week, [Resurrection Senior] Pastor Adam [Hamilton] meets somebody who has never walked into our physical doors before but has been worshiping online with us........We hear from people who aren’t ready to come back in person yet, who are faithfully attending online. … I talk with people each week who aren’t geographically close to us but who are identifying as Resurrection people.............online church has been a method” for some who regularly attended before the pandemic to keep up, her congregation has “also seen new people join us. ....For some in Kansas City who are new to us, online worship is their screen door to our physical front doors at our locations." ....She drew a parallel to Methodism founder John Wesley’s practice of itinerant preaching outside of church buildings........."I think this is the moment in history that’s allowing us one of the biggest opportunities to make the Gospel more available to the general public, just like the work that Wesley did.”
-Ashley Morgan Kirk, Online care and connection pastor; Church of the Resurrection; Kansas City, Kansas 2.2.22
-Ashley Morgan Kirk, Online care and connection pastor; Church of the Resurrection; Kansas City, Kansas 2.2.22
==thomas knaPP====================
I’m a fan of keeping the state separate from pretty much everything, especially religion. There’s pretty strong historical grounding for believing that’s what the people who created the system we live in intended. In addition to Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists, in which he posited a “wall of separation,” the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli is clear: “[T]the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”
On the other hand, if we’re going to allow the federal government to exist at all, I’m with those guys, who also ordered that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
I’m not concerned with Johnson’s beliefs. In fact, since he’s a politician, I consider it foolish to assume that they bear any resemblance to his claims. For all I know he’s a closet Muslim, a secret atheist, or, most likely, a narcissist who sees God in the mirror when he shaves each morning.
His actions, however, are a different story.
When Johnson came to Congress, he swore an oath (in defiance of biblical command, by the way — Matthew 5:33-37) to “support and defend the Constitution.” That oath obligates him to certain things even if the Constitution contradicts his interpretation of scripture.
If it’s impossible to be true to both, he needs to pick one.
If he can’t bring himself to do the job as he swore to do it, he should resign rather than betray his oath, and certainly rather than seek and accept the position of Speaker.
Unfortunately, he seems to have missed 1st Corinthians 10:21: “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils.”
--Thomas Knapp; Richmond Observer; OPINION: Religion and politics and Mike Johnson 11/8/23
On the other hand, if we’re going to allow the federal government to exist at all, I’m with those guys, who also ordered that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
I’m not concerned with Johnson’s beliefs. In fact, since he’s a politician, I consider it foolish to assume that they bear any resemblance to his claims. For all I know he’s a closet Muslim, a secret atheist, or, most likely, a narcissist who sees God in the mirror when he shaves each morning.
His actions, however, are a different story.
When Johnson came to Congress, he swore an oath (in defiance of biblical command, by the way — Matthew 5:33-37) to “support and defend the Constitution.” That oath obligates him to certain things even if the Constitution contradicts his interpretation of scripture.
If it’s impossible to be true to both, he needs to pick one.
If he can’t bring himself to do the job as he swore to do it, he should resign rather than betray his oath, and certainly rather than seek and accept the position of Speaker.
Unfortunately, he seems to have missed 1st Corinthians 10:21: “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils.”
--Thomas Knapp; Richmond Observer; OPINION: Religion and politics and Mike Johnson 11/8/23
==joseph kohm==================
"The last two years have shown that our public discourse has taken a nose dive in terms of incivility, rage, mania [and] just craziness. This is a golden opportunity for Christians because this is what we are commanded to do. It's the standard set [for] us by all the prophets, all the New Testament writers and advocates and by Jesus, especially. It's a huge opportunity to live our faith and to show that we are the sane ones. It's one of the best messaging lines we have."
-Joseph Kohm, director of public policy at Family Policy Alliance 8.26.23
-Joseph Kohm, director of public policy at Family Policy Alliance 8.26.23
==rocky komatsu======
“There is so much that is unknown. We don’t even know all the challenges right now. Things move slower here, and we are isolated, so we do know there are going to be lots of needs for a long time. It feels very overwhelming.”“I was shocked................It showed walls of flame that had engulfed the entire community behind Front Street.......We couldn’t connect with friends on that side, because the power was out so there was no reaching them. The only thing we could do was pray............I went into Lahaina on a plane Thursday morning with supplies, then later that afternoon Jay and I went in a convoy of trucks loaded with more supplies. It looked like what you see on the news when a country goes to war. It looked like a bomb had gone off and destroyed the entire town. It was heartbreaking. There wasn’t a ton of smoke because the fire was slowly dying. It was very somber. It didn’t feel real. It felt like a nightmare. We brought in things like food, water, diapers, baby wipes, adult wipes. Later we switched to propane and generators.My friend preached an excellent sermon on suffering from Romans 5 the Sunday after the fire. The following Sunday I preached on lament from Psalm 13. We are just trying to equip our people to grieve in a biblical way—to be honest and transparent with others and the Lord about the pain and questions and confusion. Then, like David in Psalm 13, we want to move from pain and sorrow to trusting the steadfast love of the Lord.............We really do think lament will be a key help for us in this time—and not just for ourselves. We also want to help our community understand how to lament. We don’t want to minimize suffering or escape it or fall into despair. Instead, we go to God and we trust in the gospel. A lady started coming to our church the week before the fire. Her husband is a firefighter, and he was on a crew that got trapped in the fires and almost lost their lives............Gathering supplies to fly to Lahaina. He lived, and he came to church on Sunday with his whole family. He said, “It’s been a very long time but it’s good to be back.” His wife said something like “I cannot believe that after I turned my back on God all these years, he would save my husband’s life.” That’s a little seed of gospel hope........We were also able to help a family who lost their home. Their family is hosting three other families in their parents’ house. We were able to give them some supplies. The daughter ended up coming this past Sunday with her family. They were able to hear the gospel presented to them, to hear they can find hope in Christ. Another family was holding 28 people in their home. We have been able to drop off supplies to them, and several of our church members able to pray with them...........I’ve been able to pray with a lot more people right now.What the community is going to lean on is “Maui Strong,” which is the collective efforts and love of our community together and their resolve to build back Lahaina. We support it 100 percent, but we also know it’s not enough. A community without the gospel is not going to be any better off. We are hoping to pass out copies of Mark Vroegop’s Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy. I read his book three years ago and then led our church through a series on some of the psalms of lament. I think it has given us categories for processing what’s happened here and is helping our people to minister to our community.
We are really praying the Lord would use this to bring a revival of the gospel back to this community—that they would realize their hope cannot be ultimately in building back Lahaina but in coming to see Christ as the King who can bring true, lasting healing and peace. --Pastor Rocky Kamotsu on Hawaii after the fires.
We are really praying the Lord would use this to bring a revival of the gospel back to this community—that they would realize their hope cannot be ultimately in building back Lahaina but in coming to see Christ as the King who can bring true, lasting healing and peace. --Pastor Rocky Kamotsu on Hawaii after the fires.