L - PEOPLE FILES
- Peter Labarbera - Jackson Lahmeyer - Richard Land - David Lane - Becky Laney - Barbara Latta - Mike Law - Lanny Lawler - Paul Lawler - Charles Lawson - Mike Leake - Brent Leatherwood - Lecrae - Alyssia Lee - Jack Lee - Jeff Lee - Justin Lee - Stephen Lee - Tim Lee - Charles Lehardy - Jean-Yves Leloup - Steve Lenk - Carl Lentz - Josh LeSage - Autumn Leva - Russell J Levenson - John Lindell - Hal Lindsey - Damon Linker - Scott Lively - Jim Lo - Greg Locke - Jim Logan - Jesse Lomax - Thomas G Long - Frank Lopez - Thomas G Long - Fr Dwight Longnecker - Randy Loubier - Jerry Jay Lowder - John Lowe II - Keith Loy - Sally Lloyd-Jones - Scot Loyd - Tim Lucas -
PETER LABARBERA
Peter LaBarbera (born 1963) is an American social conservative activist and the founder and president of the anti-gay organization Americans for Truth about Homosexuality (AFTAH). LaBarbera has been heavily criticised for spreading hate speech and misinformation about homosexuality, with AFTAH being designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for spreading "hateful propaganda." Peter is a reporter for WND.com, a former reporter for the Washington Times, LifeSiteNews.com, and a former contributing editor for Human Events.
March 19, 2023: Foreign Policy: How U.S. Evangelicals Helped Homophobia Flourish in Africa
It is similar to the rhetoric of individuals such as Peter LaBarbera, who in 2007 falsely claimed that there was “a disproportionate incidence of pedophilia” among gay men.
It is similar to the rhetoric of individuals such as Peter LaBarbera, who in 2007 falsely claimed that there was “a disproportionate incidence of pedophilia” among gay men.
Jan 12, 2023: LaBarbera speaking LGBTQ+ floodgates are open, said to a radio show host: "What does this have to do with disease control? This is the Biden administration just going into hyper-drive as it is wont to do on these issues.”
Jan 12, 2023: VCY America: The LGBTQ+ Floodgates are Open
As our nation spirals out of control morally, many things now branded as normal were previously described as being unthinkable. Just look at the grooming that’s taking place with youth from pre-school to high school. School leaders, superintendents, colleges and universities, the many layers of our government, the military, the entertainment industry, sports leagues, and more are “all-in.”
In order to show listeners how the LGBTQ+ floodgates are open, Crosstalk welcomed back Peter LaBarbera. Peter is a reporter for WND.com, a former reporter for the Washington Times, LifeSiteNews.com, and a former contributing editor for Human Events. He’s the founder and president of Americans for Truth.
As our nation spirals out of control morally, many things now branded as normal were previously described as being unthinkable. Just look at the grooming that’s taking place with youth from pre-school to high school. School leaders, superintendents, colleges and universities, the many layers of our government, the military, the entertainment industry, sports leagues, and more are “all-in.”
In order to show listeners how the LGBTQ+ floodgates are open, Crosstalk welcomed back Peter LaBarbera. Peter is a reporter for WND.com, a former reporter for the Washington Times, LifeSiteNews.com, and a former contributing editor for Human Events. He’s the founder and president of Americans for Truth.
Aug 18, 2021: Queerty: Antigay activist banned from Canada is absolutely losing it over how gay Netflix has become
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Peter LaBarbera. The antigay activist hasn’t made too many headlines since he was denied entry into Canada back in 2014 for being too much of a bigot.
Mar 20, 2015: Right Wing Watch: Peter LaBarbera: Gays Following Hitler In 'Recruiting' Children
Peter LaBarbera of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality appeared on the Monday edition of Voice of Christian Youth America’s show “In Focus,” where he spoke to host Jim Schneider about “the ingraining of homosexuality in society.”
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Peter LaBarbera. The antigay activist hasn’t made too many headlines since he was denied entry into Canada back in 2014 for being too much of a bigot.
Mar 20, 2015: Right Wing Watch: Peter LaBarbera: Gays Following Hitler In 'Recruiting' Children
Peter LaBarbera of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality appeared on the Monday edition of Voice of Christian Youth America’s show “In Focus,” where he spoke to host Jim Schneider about “the ingraining of homosexuality in society.”
Feb 19, 2015: Dispatches from the Culture War: LaBarbera: Gays, Murderers, Satan, Blah Blah Blah
Deranged anti-gay bigot Peter LaBarbera went on the Voice of Christian Youth America radio show and delivered his usual litany of false claims, hysterical overreactions and offensive and obnoxious comparisons. Gay people are like murderers, Satan is deceiving them…you know the drill.
Feb 17, 2015: Right Wing Watch: Peter LaBarbera: Gays Can Be Reformed, Just Like Murderers!
Yesterday on "Crosstalk," Peter LaBarbera of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality said that there is still hope for gay people. Just as murderers sitting on death row who repent for their crimes can be saved, LaBarbera said, gay people can similarly repent for their homosexuality and seek deliverance from God.
Feb 5, 2015: Vimeo: Peter LaBarbera: gay activists shake down corporations
Sept 14, 2014: Dispatches from Culture War: LaBarbera on Treating Sin as a Civil Right
I’m always fascinated by how the Christian right bigots find ways to spin their position in ridiculous and hypocritical ways. Here’s Peter LaBarbera on anti-gay laws in Africa, spinning them as attempts to avoid “treating sin as a civil right.”
Deranged anti-gay bigot Peter LaBarbera went on the Voice of Christian Youth America radio show and delivered his usual litany of false claims, hysterical overreactions and offensive and obnoxious comparisons. Gay people are like murderers, Satan is deceiving them…you know the drill.
Feb 17, 2015: Right Wing Watch: Peter LaBarbera: Gays Can Be Reformed, Just Like Murderers!
Yesterday on "Crosstalk," Peter LaBarbera of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality said that there is still hope for gay people. Just as murderers sitting on death row who repent for their crimes can be saved, LaBarbera said, gay people can similarly repent for their homosexuality and seek deliverance from God.
Feb 5, 2015: Vimeo: Peter LaBarbera: gay activists shake down corporations
Sept 14, 2014: Dispatches from Culture War: LaBarbera on Treating Sin as a Civil Right
I’m always fascinated by how the Christian right bigots find ways to spin their position in ridiculous and hypocritical ways. Here’s Peter LaBarbera on anti-gay laws in Africa, spinning them as attempts to avoid “treating sin as a civil right.”
jackson lahmeyer
May 1, 2023: Raw Story: Far right 'Pastors for Trump' trashed by evangelical leaders for flirting with Christian nationalism
"The group, Pastors for Trump, is drawing sharp rebukes from mainstream Christian leaders for being extremist, distorting Christian teachings and endangering American democracy, by fueling the spread of Christian nationalism," reported Peter Stone. "The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based evangelical pastor and businessman Jackson Lahmeyer leads the fledgling Pastors for Trump organization. Lahmeyer told the Guardian it boasts over 7,000 pastors as members and that he will unveil details about its plans on 11 May at the Trump National Doral in Miami, an event Trump will be invited to attend."
"The group, Pastors for Trump, is drawing sharp rebukes from mainstream Christian leaders for being extremist, distorting Christian teachings and endangering American democracy, by fueling the spread of Christian nationalism," reported Peter Stone. "The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based evangelical pastor and businessman Jackson Lahmeyer leads the fledgling Pastors for Trump organization. Lahmeyer told the Guardian it boasts over 7,000 pastors as members and that he will unveil details about its plans on 11 May at the Trump National Doral in Miami, an event Trump will be invited to attend."
richard land |
- Wikipedia -
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Richard D. Land (born 1946) was the president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, a post he had held since July 2013. October 23, 2013: Land announced his intention to retire. Russell D. Moore filled the post.
Apr 29, 2023: The Published Reporter: The Christian Post Wins Awards At Evangelical Press Association Christian Media Convention
Dr. Richard Land, executive editor of CP, won second place for Editorial with his piece, titled “The Will Smith event: Why it matters.” Land said the slap seen by a billion people worldwide was “shocking, painful and inexcusable,” as Smith admitted.
Dr. Richard Land, executive editor of CP, won second place for Editorial with his piece, titled “The Will Smith event: Why it matters.” Land said the slap seen by a billion people worldwide was “shocking, painful and inexcusable,” as Smith admitted.
Baptist News Global: Richard Land says he has ‘read about’ some Christian nationalists but he doesn’t know any
Richard Land insists he’s not a Christian nationalist. The former president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and currently president emeritus at Southern Evangelical Seminary, wants to set the record straight: “I’m not a Christian nationalist. I’ve read about some, but I don’t know any.”
He added: “I think it is a tactic by the Left and their toadies in the media to suppress patriotic beliefs and to suppress the idea that America is a unique country. They hate that, they don’t believe it themselves.” In Land’s imagination there are no Christian nationalists. It’s like arguing there are no Native Americans in our country. It’s like saying there’s no coffee at Starbucks.
9.29.22
Richard Land insists he’s not a Christian nationalist. The former president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and currently president emeritus at Southern Evangelical Seminary, wants to set the record straight: “I’m not a Christian nationalist. I’ve read about some, but I don’t know any.”
He added: “I think it is a tactic by the Left and their toadies in the media to suppress patriotic beliefs and to suppress the idea that America is a unique country. They hate that, they don’t believe it themselves.” In Land’s imagination there are no Christian nationalists. It’s like arguing there are no Native Americans in our country. It’s like saying there’s no coffee at Starbucks.
9.29.22
March 31, 2012: On Richard Land Live!, Land accused the Obama administration and civil rights leaders of using the Trayvon Martin case to deliberately stir up racial tension and "gin up the black vote" for Obama in the 2012 presidential election.
April 14, 2012: Baptist blogger Aaron Weaver discovered that Land's commentary on the Martin case had been lifted almost verbatim and without attribution from a column by Jeffrey Kuhner of The Washington Times. According to Weaver, while Land included a link to the article in show notes that were posted online, he did not disclose that his commentary was based almost entirely on that column. Weaver also discovered that Land had also lifted material in previous broadcasts from other sources as well and passed them off as his own words.
November 19, 2012: At a American Enterprise Institute event on immigration reform, Land stated that he was "ashamed" of the Republican Party in the 2012 presidential election.
April 14, 2012: Baptist blogger Aaron Weaver discovered that Land's commentary on the Martin case had been lifted almost verbatim and without attribution from a column by Jeffrey Kuhner of The Washington Times. According to Weaver, while Land included a link to the article in show notes that were posted online, he did not disclose that his commentary was based almost entirely on that column. Weaver also discovered that Land had also lifted material in previous broadcasts from other sources as well and passed them off as his own words.
November 19, 2012: At a American Enterprise Institute event on immigration reform, Land stated that he was "ashamed" of the Republican Party in the 2012 presidential election.
david lane
David Lane (born c. 1955) is an American political activist who works to increase the political strength of religious groups on the Christian right, to promote social conservative values in the United States.
Funded largely by the American Family Association (AFA), Lane has organized political briefings with appearances by fundamentalist pastors such as David Barton and politicians such as Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann and Haley Barbour. In his behind-the-scenes work for right-wing politics, Lane has been described by The New York Times as "something of a stealth weapon for the right".
Funded largely by the American Family Association (AFA), Lane has organized political briefings with appearances by fundamentalist pastors such as David Barton and politicians such as Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann and Haley Barbour. In his behind-the-scenes work for right-wing politics, Lane has been described by The New York Times as "something of a stealth weapon for the right".
Christian Nationalist Alert
David Lane Files
"God’s enemies—Big Business, Big Tech, Bud Light, Fortune 500, and Big Biden--venerate the golden calves of multiculturalism, political correctness and secularism as they incite instability in the culture, whip up division between races, and promote political upheaval. Deifying wokeism, Critical Race Theory, DEI [diversity, equity, inclusion], and radical environmentalism, the State’s sacrosanct sacraments include abortion, “anti-racism” struggle sessions, vaccines, and obsessive recycling.
As individual freedoms wane, government mandates and edicts are now viewed as the ultimate source of authority. American Christendom meanwhile cowers behind the four walls of the church building, giving center stage to butts, buildings, and budgets instead of getting involved in the culture. Yet it would seem that a focus to ascertain God’s model for cultural transformation would be deemed essential for a healthy church."
--David Lane: Charisma: Like Martin Luther, Today’s Believers Must Destroy Golden Calves; May 28, 2023
As individual freedoms wane, government mandates and edicts are now viewed as the ultimate source of authority. American Christendom meanwhile cowers behind the four walls of the church building, giving center stage to butts, buildings, and budgets instead of getting involved in the culture. Yet it would seem that a focus to ascertain God’s model for cultural transformation would be deemed essential for a healthy church."
--David Lane: Charisma: Like Martin Luther, Today’s Believers Must Destroy Golden Calves; May 28, 2023
Dec 14, 2022: The Independent: Evangelicals may be turning away from Trump, but Christian nationalism isn’t going anywhere
David Lane, the leader of the American Renewal Project, which is dedicated to mobilising evangelical pastors to run for office, wrote in an email to some 70,000 evangelicals following the midterm elections that Trump’s original “mission and the message are now subordinate to personal grievances and self-importance.”
David Lane, the leader of the American Renewal Project, which is dedicated to mobilising evangelical pastors to run for office, wrote in an email to some 70,000 evangelicals following the midterm elections that Trump’s original “mission and the message are now subordinate to personal grievances and self-importance.”
Becky Laney
When we give into "vain imaginations," when we neglect to "bring into captivity" our [natural] thoughts, we set ourselves up for trouble.
In our imaginations we often rewrite things our own way:
We can even bring our imaginations and thoughts into our Bible reading, our prayer, our sermons, our music. That is where it becomes dangerous indeed. When we become so confused, so blinded, that we don't realize that we've substituted the ONE TRUE GOD, the God of the Bible with a "GOD" of our own making, our own vain imaginations. We've replaced his revealed knowledge--THE WORD OF GOD--with our own "knowledge." We've switched from worshipping God to worshipping ourselves in disguise.
--Becky Laney: Operation Actually Read the Bible: Vain Imaginations 9.15.18
In our imaginations we often rewrite things our own way:
- We rewrite who we were, who we are, who we are going to be.
- We rewrite who God is and what he is like.
- We rewrite what we need, what we expect, what we DESERVE.
- We rewrite relationships: how we relate to each other and how we relate to God.
- We rewrite priorities. We make big things little and little things big.
- We rewrite definitions and truths.
- We rewrite "good" and "evil." Isaiah 5:20
- We dismiss the realities we don't like and thrive upon fantasies.
We can even bring our imaginations and thoughts into our Bible reading, our prayer, our sermons, our music. That is where it becomes dangerous indeed. When we become so confused, so blinded, that we don't realize that we've substituted the ONE TRUE GOD, the God of the Bible with a "GOD" of our own making, our own vain imaginations. We've replaced his revealed knowledge--THE WORD OF GOD--with our own "knowledge." We've switched from worshipping God to worshipping ourselves in disguise.
--Becky Laney: Operation Actually Read the Bible: Vain Imaginations 9.15.18
barbara latta
Barbara Latta is a freelance writer with southern roots. She grew up in Arkansas and several addresses later, home is in middle Georgia. She is a member of the Conyers, Georgia chapter of Word Weavers International and is a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild Apprentice program. She completed the first year of study at Charis Bible College in Colorado and is a current student of the Israel Bible Center. She is a contributor to Christian Devotions, Refresh Magazine, CBN.com, and Living by Design. Her articles have appeared in Georgia EMC magazine, The Upson Beacon, The Glenwood Herald, and she currently writes a monthly column in the Pike-Journal Reporter. Barbara has also contributed to the anthologies Pens in the Piedmont, More Christmas Moments, Stupid Moments, Loving Moments, Abba's Promise, and The Power to Make a Difference. Her book, God's Maps, Stories of Inspiration and Direction for Motorcycle Riders was published in 2018.
Paul prayed this prayer for the Ephesians and all believers to receive wisdom and revelation.
After Solomon was anointed king over Israel, he asked Jehovah for wisdom to administer justice among the people (1 Kings 3:9).
We face opportunities to make decisions every day. Some are more important than others, but our response makes a difference in the outcome. We need godly wisdom to avoid emotional and sometimes physical disasters.
---Barbara Latta: Crosswalk: 9 Prayers in the Bible and What They Mean to Us
After Solomon was anointed king over Israel, he asked Jehovah for wisdom to administer justice among the people (1 Kings 3:9).
We face opportunities to make decisions every day. Some are more important than others, but our response makes a difference in the outcome. We need godly wisdom to avoid emotional and sometimes physical disasters.
---Barbara Latta: Crosswalk: 9 Prayers in the Bible and What They Mean to Us
mike law
March 24, 2023: Christian Post: Docs show churches paid up to $100K to be part of Hillsong Family, an alleged honorarium scheme
“Many have claimed that female pastors in the SBC is not a growing problem, but the data says otherwise,” begins a page on the website created to promote the constitutional amendment proposed by Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, Va.
“Many have claimed that female pastors in the SBC is not a growing problem, but the data says otherwise,” begins a page on the website created to promote the constitutional amendment proposed by Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, Va.
July 14, 2023: Christian Headlines: J.D. Greear Supports National African American Fellowships' Challenge of SBC's Ban on Woman Pastors
During the 2023 Annual Meeting in June, SBC messengers voted by a two-thirds majority in approval of a constitutional amendment sponsored by Mike Law, senior pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia, declaring that SBC-affiliated churches "affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture."
During the 2023 Annual Meeting in June, SBC messengers voted by a two-thirds majority in approval of a constitutional amendment sponsored by Mike Law, senior pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia, declaring that SBC-affiliated churches "affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture."
June 30, 2023: Christian Post: Elevation Church withdraws affiliation with Southern Baptist Convention
The amendment proposed by Virginia Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church will become permanent if it gains majority support at the SBC annual meeting in 2024, according to the SBC Constitution.
The amendment proposed by Virginia Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church will become permanent if it gains majority support at the SBC annual meeting in 2024, according to the SBC Constitution.
lanny lawler
Feb 28, 2023: The Herald Bulletin: Saving the Sacred: Indiana church closings cause real estate concerns
In July, Rev. Lanny Lawler, the church’s pastor from 2004 to 2015, called the closing “bittersweet.”
“It’s always sad when a congregation closes its visible ministry,” he said.
In July, Rev. Lanny Lawler, the church’s pastor from 2004 to 2015, called the closing “bittersweet.”
“It’s always sad when a congregation closes its visible ministry,” he said.
paul Lawler |
Christ Church United Methodist (Memphis)
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There is No Holiness but Social Holiness
Why Did John Wesley Say, “No Holiness But Social Holiness?” John Wesley was a theologian who founded the Methodist movement in the 18th century. He believed that the Christian faith should not only be practiced individually but also in community with others. This idea is encapsulated in his famous phrase, “there’s no holiness but social holiness.”
Wesley’s penned words emphasize the importance of social holiness, stating that “true religion was never designed to be confined to solitary retirement or narrow, selfish circles.” He explained that holiness is not just a personal matter but also a social one, requiring Christians to unite and help each other grow in faith.
The phrase “there’s no holiness, but social holiness” became a well-known and oft-quoted expression of Wesley’s emphasis on the importance of Christian community and accountability.
Why Did John Wesley Say, “No Holiness But Social Holiness?” John Wesley was a theologian who founded the Methodist movement in the 18th century. He believed that the Christian faith should not only be practiced individually but also in community with others. This idea is encapsulated in his famous phrase, “there’s no holiness but social holiness.”
Wesley’s penned words emphasize the importance of social holiness, stating that “true religion was never designed to be confined to solitary retirement or narrow, selfish circles.” He explained that holiness is not just a personal matter but also a social one, requiring Christians to unite and help each other grow in faith.
The phrase “there’s no holiness, but social holiness” became a well-known and oft-quoted expression of Wesley’s emphasis on the importance of Christian community and accountability.
charles lawson
Charles Lawson is head pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. His style is serious and intellectual. He Is a hellfire and brimstone type of preacher.
lecrae
Jan 25, 2023: Catholic News Agency: Alabama governor adds another layer of protection to religious freedom
Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae took to his Facebook page to give his condolences over the death of Keller, saying that the notable pastor was there in times of spiritual pain and “he changed my life.”
Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae took to his Facebook page to give his condolences over the death of Keller, saying that the notable pastor was there in times of spiritual pain and “he changed my life.”
mike leake
July 25, 2023: Sight: Church and politics: Some critics see Trump's behaviour as un-Christian. His conservative Christian backers see a hero
In rural south-west Missouri, pastor Mike Leake of Calvary of Neosho – a Southern Baptist church – says support for Trump within the mostly conservative congregation seems to strengthen the more he is criticised and investigated.
“It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation,” Leake said. “So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something.”
In rural south-west Missouri, pastor Mike Leake of Calvary of Neosho – a Southern Baptist church – says support for Trump within the mostly conservative congregation seems to strengthen the more he is criticised and investigated.
“It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation,” Leake said. “So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something.”
Mike Leake
"It further convinces them of their rhetoric that there is a leftist plot to undermine our nation.
So if everybody from the Left hates Trump, well, he must be on to something. Many of his congregation members who strongly support Trump “are not our most dedicated members. Anytime we’ve seen someone go full on MAGA, we lose them. Attendance and involvement drops. Giving drops. It’s all consuming - just as with any other idol.”
--Mike Leake; Calvary of Neosho 7.25.23
brent leatherwood
March 3, 2023: The Pathway: ERLC’s Leatherwood interviews former MBC president about racial reconciliation
In the video, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood converses with Nelson about “the important issue of racial unity in the Southern Baptist Convention,” according to an email announcement from the ERLC..
In the video, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood converses with Nelson about “the important issue of racial unity in the Southern Baptist Convention,” according to an email announcement from the ERLC..
Brent Leatherwood
“Our mission calls us to assist our churches and it is from the service we render that we speak to the important issues of the day. I can think of no one better than Miles Mullin, and the deep well of experience serving churches he draws from, to help us accomplish this vital work. His strengths in leadership and administration will enhance an already strong team at the ERLC. Moreover, he has a deep appreciation for the role of healthy institutions in SBC life and the broader culture. From his time supporting local churches, to the guidance he provided in academia, to his passion for developing leaders, Miles’ knowledge and expertise will help ensure this Commission continues to bring a distinctively Baptist voice into the public square as it has for over a century.” -Brent Leatherwood; ERLC President recommending Miles Mullin for Vice President of ERLC 1.26.23
alyssia lee
Alyssia Lee
Fasting is ultimately a multifaceted spiritual discipline that benefits Christians greatly in many ways.
- Fasting denies the flesh: it denies the desires of the flesh and pushes us to live by the Spirit
- Fasting disciplines the mind: it teaches us that we can push through difficult circumstances when our minds and bodies scream that we are in desperate need, it teaches us that we can handle more than we thought.
- Fasting draws us closer to God: Fasting fixes our eyes on God and helps to focus on Him and pray every time we have the pain of hunger.
- Fasting teaches us to depend on God: our natural instincts are to satisfy anything uncomfortable in us and remove the discomfort, fasting teaches us to run to God rather than earthly comforts.
jack lee
Jack Lee
A person’s worth, value, and identity do not come from sexuality. Rather, our value comes from being made in the image of God. If we boil the human experience down to sexual experience or identity, we debase it; we cheapen it. What is the value of a human soul? Consider the words of the late, R.C. Sproul. In his commentary on The Gospel of Mark, he writes, “We can see the true value of souls by noting how much Jesus was willing to pay for the souls of His people”. God died on the cross to ransom human souls and restore what had previously been broken. We must find our value, our worth, our purpose, and our entire identity here. To live God-glorifying, wholesome life, this cross-centric perspective must shape our worldview. One of the defining elements of being a Christian is that our complete individuality is in the eternity of Christ and His kingdom. In Richard Niebuhr’s classic, Christ & Culture, he elaborates on the “enduring problem” this eternal perspective has given civilizations and cultures. While Christians are called to live in the world, Christian ideals transcend all earthly cultures and values. This is because Christ “enables men to regard this current disaster with a certain equanimity, directs their hopes toward another world, and so seems to deprive them of the motivation to engage in the ceaseless labor of conserving a massive but insecure social heritage” --Jack Lee; Chorus in the Chaos;How Progressive Christians Are Denying The Eternality of the Human Soul 7.27.23
jeff lee
Nov 22, 2023: ENS: Wisconsin Dioceses Launch Cooperative Ministry
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
justin lee
Jan 31, 2023: Christian Post: Andy Stanley to host conference for Christian parents of LGBT-identified kids
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
With a stated goal of helping “parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus,” the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries’ Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee.
stepen lee
Stephen Lee
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.”
--Rev Stephen Lee; an emeritus Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor from his church pulpit; 8.27.23 Lee was indicted with 18 other people in Fulton County, Georgia, for trying to interfere with the 2020 election.
--Rev Stephen Lee; an emeritus Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor from his church pulpit; 8.27.23 Lee was indicted with 18 other people in Fulton County, Georgia, for trying to interfere with the 2020 election.
tim lee
May 5, 2023: Baptist News Global: Paige Patterson praises independent Baptists for focus on evangelism
Patterson’s May 3 post on his personal website tells of him attending an anniversary celebration for evangelist Tim Lee. That event was held at Southfork Ranch north of Dallas — famous for its role in the 1980s TV series “Dallas” — and featured two icons of the religio-political right: Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Col. Oliver North.
Patterson’s May 3 post on his personal website tells of him attending an anniversary celebration for evangelist Tim Lee. That event was held at Southfork Ranch north of Dallas — famous for its role in the 1980s TV series “Dallas” — and featured two icons of the religio-political right: Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Col. Oliver North.
charles lehardy |
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Jean-Yves Leloup
Jean-Yves Leloup is a French theologian, writer, translator of Greek and Coptic language texts, born in 1950 in Angers. He is the author of over ninety books in French, some translated into other languages, including English, German, Spanish and Portuguese.The primary subject of his writings is Christian spirituality.
Jean-Yves LeLoup
“Sometimes we must undergo hardships, breakups, and narcissistic wounds, which shatter the flattering image that we had of ourselves, in order to discover two truths: that we are not who we thought we were; and that the loss of a cherished pleasure is not necessarily the loss of true happiness and well-being.”
― Jean-Yves Leloup, Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic between Buddhism and Christianity
Jean-Yves LeLoup
“The canonical Gospels offer no information as to the specific nature of the seven demons or spirits that initially possess Miriam—that is to say, alienate her from her freedom. However, we might make some surmises about them by referring to other texts that were current in those times. According to Evagrius Ponticus, who made a thorough study of such matters, these logismoï (his term for“negative or destructive thoughts”) act to destroy a person’s orientation toward the nous, and then the orientation of the nous toward the Pneuma. In other words, they act to obstruct peace, contemplation, and the Presence of the Son seeking to establish itself in the person. Lists of such demonic spirits vary. In the West they later become known as the seven deadly orcardinal sins: gluttony, fornication, covetousness, sadness, anger, vainglory, pride. Evagrius adds accidie to the list, meaning a kind of despondency or apathetic rejection of spiritual realities.”
― Jean-Yves Leloup, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
― Jean-Yves Leloup, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
steve lenk
As a man thinks, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. What we think about is crucial to who we are. Scientists don’t agree on how many thoughts we have each day, but all agree there are thousands of them. Who we are is shaped moment by moment by the thoughts we choose to let into our mind and heart. But how can we control the thousands of thoughts that enter our mind each day? What do we do with the thoughts that are not pleasing to God? How can we, in reality, take every thought captive? Often, our thoughts have to be focused on the regular tasks we must accomplish that day. However, as we go through the day, we can catch thoughts and attitudes that are contrary to God’s will and keep them from gaining control of our mind and heart. Paul explains how this is possible: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.’’ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. It is written that we need to battle to keep our thoughts pure, but it is also written that we have weapons to fight with!
--Steve Lenk: Active Christianity: How do I take every thought captive?
--Steve Lenk: Active Christianity: How do I take every thought captive?
carl lentz
Carl Lentz
“I failed miserably...I should have called someone and said I have disqualified myself from ministry.....I let down a lot of good people. I can only apologize and change.....It’s a pretty humbling road to be on every day......My actions are my fault. What I’ve done is my fault. But where this thing started I had no control over. I was a kid."
--Carl Lentz; after being exposed for cheating on his wife 8.1.23
"Often.....megachurches are forced to battle a negative stereotype among a slice of the public that views them as giant moneymaking operations tainted by scandals, such as the one at Hillsong Church, where pastor Carl Lentz admitted to marital infidelity and was fired in 2020 for "moral failures." Because the churches are outsized, their scandals "are broadcast on a larger stage," (Scott) Thumma says. --Scott Neuman; NPR; Megachurches are getting even bigger as churches close across the country 7.14.23
Carl Lentz
"My actions are my fault. What I've done is my fault, but where that thing started, I have no control over. I was a kid.........I am responsible for allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop in my house with someone that worked for us..........Any notion of abuse is categorically false. There were mutual decisions made by two people who lied profusely, mainly to my wife........Typically, the way that Hillsong has handled scandal ... was (by doing) what looks best for the church. Most of the time, it serves everybody to push everything down. You just push it as far under the rug as you can. We choose narrative over truth and that leads to absolute disaster, because the truth doesn't go anywhere just because you cover it up.........Part of the healing from that heartache led us to the decision to be a part of a documentary that we do not control, that we don't have any say in and that we haven't even seen yet," he wrote. "We'll see it when the world does." -Carl Lentz; 5.3023
May 9, 2023:
👉From the "I wonder what else is going on at Hillsong" File: Carl Lentz is facing up to the scandal that brought down his leadership at Hillsong New York City. A newly released teaser trailer for the upcoming FX Networks docuseries, The Secrets of Hillsong, includes clips of the disgraced pastor admitting to "some major lies" in his life. Lentz was fired from Hillsong NYC in November 2020 because of "moral failures" and he admitted at the time to marital unfaithfulness. Despite his adultery, his wife Laura Lentz has stuck by him and she will also appear in the docuseries.
👉From the "I wonder what else is going on at Hillsong" File: Carl Lentz is facing up to the scandal that brought down his leadership at Hillsong New York City. A newly released teaser trailer for the upcoming FX Networks docuseries, The Secrets of Hillsong, includes clips of the disgraced pastor admitting to "some major lies" in his life. Lentz was fired from Hillsong NYC in November 2020 because of "moral failures" and he admitted at the time to marital unfaithfulness. Despite his adultery, his wife Laura Lentz has stuck by him and she will also appear in the docuseries.
From Hillsong's disgraced Carl Lentz, who had multiple affairs with women, to an Indiana pastor who was confronted in front of his entire congregation about his sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl, these are the biggest falls from grace. Carl Lentz, the star pastor who brought the global megachurch Hillsong from Australia to the United States, and once ministered to Justin Bieber and a bevy of other celebrities and sports stars, was exposed in 2020 for cheating on his wife. He was fired from the church in November 2020 after his five-month affair with Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Ranin Karim emerged. Lentz and his wife Laura were also the subject of abuse accusations from another Hillsong pastor. 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. The Christian Post published excerpts of an internal investigation into the Lentzes' behavior, which found that Laura had punched Leona Kimes when she found her snuggled on the sofa with her husband Carl. The investigation into the Lentzes also alleges that while Lentz was seeing Ranin Karim, he also engaged in another 'inappropriate relationship' with a woman he called Germany, who he met in Brooklyn. Lentz was accused of causing workers to suffer mental health problems by belittling and bullying them. Other former church members have compared the church to a cult and detailed incidents of sexual assault. --Andrea Cavallier; 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 3.12.23
josh lesage
Jan 10, 2023: World Magazine: Arizona Christian school sued for firing pro-LGBT teacherAccording to McDorman, Valley Christian High School Principal Josh LeSage found out about the student’s post and met with her along with Chizzy Anderson, the school’s coordinator of student health and wellness.
McDorman objected to the meeting, arguing that LeSage should be more accepting of the LGBT population, especially Valley Christian students, and suggested that a gay pastor from the area be invited to the meeting. LeSage declined. In the meeting, which the student recorded, LeSage was sympathetic toward the student, yet he explained that a homosexual lifestyle was counter to the Bible’s teaching.
LeSage told the female student that God might or might not take away her sexual desire for other girls. “But I believe that in either circumstance, you can honor God with what you choose to do with your body because the Word of God says the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you,” he told her.
McDorman objected to the meeting, arguing that LeSage should be more accepting of the LGBT population, especially Valley Christian students, and suggested that a gay pastor from the area be invited to the meeting. LeSage declined. In the meeting, which the student recorded, LeSage was sympathetic toward the student, yet he explained that a homosexual lifestyle was counter to the Bible’s teaching.
LeSage told the female student that God might or might not take away her sexual desire for other girls. “But I believe that in either circumstance, you can honor God with what you choose to do with your body because the Word of God says the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you,” he told her.
autumn leva
Autumn Leva is an attorney who came to Family Policy Alliance from the state family policy organization Minnesota Family Council, where she served as MFC’s Director of Policy and Communications. She was the spokesperson for a statewide ballot measure in Minnesota, and she has developed policy from within government as a Legislative and Executive Assistant to a U.S. Congressman from Colorado.
Autumn has also served as a summer associate in the Heritage Foundation’s legal center, studied international human rights law in Strasbourg, France, and led a research team in developing a 50-state textbook on civil procedure. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia.
Autumn has also served as a summer associate in the Heritage Foundation’s legal center, studied international human rights law in Strasbourg, France, and led a research team in developing a 50-state textbook on civil procedure. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia.
“A political agenda has taken over what would normally be in the realm of parents and medical professionals. We’ve completely turned that (weaponization) around, and now elected leaders are lining up to make sure they show that they do not stand for children being transitioned.” -Autmn Leva on transgender rights; Baptist News Global; 5.30.23
May 30, 2023: Baptist News Global: Focus on the Family affiliate is the unifying force behind campaign to restrict transgender rights
Autumn Leva, FPA’s senior vice president for strategy, said while the “woke left” and their collaborators in the medical establishment have “weaponized” transgender identity, FPA has set up a “shield of defense” protecting children from treatments that do no good and cause great harm.
Autumn Leva, FPA’s senior vice president for strategy, said while the “woke left” and their collaborators in the medical establishment have “weaponized” transgender identity, FPA has set up a “shield of defense” protecting children from treatments that do no good and cause great harm.
russell j levenson
The Reverend Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. is Rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, and the author of “Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H. W. and Barbara Bush.”
“What’s needed now is full-throated condemnation of the former president from members of his party. By failing to hold Trump to account, they are allowing the party to sink into an abyss and it will pay a high price for ignoring the moral high ground…It may take a generation or more for the party to recover from the looming disaster”. --Rev Dr Russell J Levenson; Opinion: GOP leaders backing Trump are in a moral abyss; 8.1.23
“What’s needed now is full-throated condemnation of the former president from members of his party. By failing to hold Trump to account, they are allowing the party to sink into an abyss and it will pay a high price for ignoring the moral high ground…It may take a generation or more for the party to recover from the looming disaster”. --Rev Dr Russell J Levenson; Opinion: GOP leaders backing Trump are in a moral abyss; 8.1.23
John Lindell
Aug 4, 2021: Assemblies of God: CMN DIRECTOR OPTIMISTIC
John E. Lindell, an ordained Assemblies of God minister who planted James River Church 30 years ago, spoke at the luncheon. James River Church has nearly 13,000 weekly attendees at campuses in Ozark, Springfield, and Joplin, Missouri.
Mar 27, 2015: Charisma: Megachurch Pastor Flatly Tells His Congregation to Stand Against Gay Rights Bill
Megachurch minister John Lindell told his 9,000-plus member congregation to vote "yes" on repealing Springfield, Missouri's, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity law early next month.
John E. Lindell, an ordained Assemblies of God minister who planted James River Church 30 years ago, spoke at the luncheon. James River Church has nearly 13,000 weekly attendees at campuses in Ozark, Springfield, and Joplin, Missouri.
Mar 27, 2015: Charisma: Megachurch Pastor Flatly Tells His Congregation to Stand Against Gay Rights Bill
Megachurch minister John Lindell told his 9,000-plus member congregation to vote "yes" on repealing Springfield, Missouri's, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity law early next month.
Hal Lindsey
Nov 23, 2022: Slacktivist: 11/23 Flashback: 93
Hal Lindsey turns 85 years old today, something that Lindsey himself has spent decades telling us should never come to pass.
Lindsey’s 1970 book, The Late Great Planet Earth — a blockbuster best-seller — told us that the End of the World was nigh. And not just maybe a bit nigh-ish, mind you, but really, really nigh.
Hal Lindsey turns 85 years old today, something that Lindsey himself has spent decades telling us should never come to pass.
Lindsey’s 1970 book, The Late Great Planet Earth — a blockbuster best-seller — told us that the End of the World was nigh. And not just maybe a bit nigh-ish, mind you, but really, really nigh.
Damon Linker
RELIGION ON THE RECORD: Apr 25, 2014: Author, Damon Linker, in an article published in "The Week" ann0unces boldly: "What Christians get wrong about hell." The assumption, from the title might very well be that there is some sort of apologetics or unique Christian epistemology approach. However, no it is not. The basic summation of the article is that Linker thinks that the great theologian, Socrates, has the more intelligent way to think about hell. What? Socrates was a theologian? No, he wasn't. And neither is Linker. In an attempt to rationalize away any suggestion that hell is eternal damnation, Linker attempts to break away from any perception of hell that the bible may conjure by a bunch of Christians who think that "Jumping off from a handful of Gospel passages in which Jesus Christ speaks about "eternal punishment" for sinners in the afterlife, these believers conjure visions of a cosmic torture chamber in which those who reject God or commit grave sins without repentance are subjected to endless torment as punishment for their transgressions. " Read more: Yes, There is an Eternal Hell
Scott lively
Scott Lively is an attorney, pastor, human rights consultant and missionary with service in more than 50 countries. He is the author of eight books including "Redeeming the Rainbow," a textbook on pro-family advocacy and opposition the the LGBT agenda, and his most recent work "The Prodigal Son Prophecy: God's Amazing Plan for the Restoration of the Two Hebrew Houses and the Salvation of the Gentiles."
March 19, 2023: Foreign Policy: How U.S. Evangelicals Helped Homophobia Flourish in Africa
In the early 2000s, American evangelical Scott Lively was part of a series of anti-gay events that culminated in Uganda’s 2009 “Kill the gays” bill, which called for the death penalty for what it described as “aggravated homosexuality.” Lively had written books such as The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party and Seven Steps to Recruit-Proof Your Child against what he described as “pro-homosexual indoctrination.” The bill—which Lively opposed as too harsh—was introduced after Lively spoke at the March 2009 conference organized by Langa that hosted U.S. representatives of the ex-gay movement.
In the early 2000s, American evangelical Scott Lively was part of a series of anti-gay events that culminated in Uganda’s 2009 “Kill the gays” bill, which called for the death penalty for what it described as “aggravated homosexuality.” Lively had written books such as The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party and Seven Steps to Recruit-Proof Your Child against what he described as “pro-homosexual indoctrination.” The bill—which Lively opposed as too harsh—was introduced after Lively spoke at the March 2009 conference organized by Langa that hosted U.S. representatives of the ex-gay movement.
Apr 14, 2022: WND: Scott Lively: WND: When and why American exceptionalism died
March 23, 2014: Kapya Kaoma: Los Angeles Times: Op-Ed: How anti-gay Christians evangelize hate abroad
In March 2009, while in Kampala, Uganda, researching reports of U.S. right-wing evangelical involvement in attacks on LGBTQ equality and reproductive justice, I was invited to a three-day conference on homosexuality hosted by the Family Life Network, which is based in New York. The keynote speaker was Scott Lively from Springfield, Mass., who introduced himself as a leading expert on the “international homosexual agenda.” I filmed Lively over the course of two days as he instructed religious and political leaders about how gays were coming to Uganda from the West to “recruit children into homosexuality.Some of his assertions would have been laughable had he not been so deadly serious. He claimed that a gay clique that included Adolf Hitler was behind the Holocaust, and he insinuated that gay people fueled the Rwandan genocide.
In the United States, Lively is widely dismissed as an anti-gay firebrand and Holocaust revisionist. But in Uganda, he was presented — and accepted — as a leading international authority. The public persecution of LGBTQ people escalated after Lively’s conference, with one local newspaper publishing the pictures and addresses of activists under the headline, “Hang Them.”
Lively was also invited to private briefings with political and religious leaders, and to address the Ugandan parliament during his 2009 visit. The next month, Ugandan lawmaker David Bahati unveiled his Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which in its original form called for the death penalty as punishment for a new crime of “aggravated homosexuality.”
In March 2009, while in Kampala, Uganda, researching reports of U.S. right-wing evangelical involvement in attacks on LGBTQ equality and reproductive justice, I was invited to a three-day conference on homosexuality hosted by the Family Life Network, which is based in New York. The keynote speaker was Scott Lively from Springfield, Mass., who introduced himself as a leading expert on the “international homosexual agenda.” I filmed Lively over the course of two days as he instructed religious and political leaders about how gays were coming to Uganda from the West to “recruit children into homosexuality.Some of his assertions would have been laughable had he not been so deadly serious. He claimed that a gay clique that included Adolf Hitler was behind the Holocaust, and he insinuated that gay people fueled the Rwandan genocide.
In the United States, Lively is widely dismissed as an anti-gay firebrand and Holocaust revisionist. But in Uganda, he was presented — and accepted — as a leading international authority. The public persecution of LGBTQ people escalated after Lively’s conference, with one local newspaper publishing the pictures and addresses of activists under the headline, “Hang Them.”
Lively was also invited to private briefings with political and religious leaders, and to address the Ugandan parliament during his 2009 visit. The next month, Ugandan lawmaker David Bahati unveiled his Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which in its original form called for the death penalty as punishment for a new crime of “aggravated homosexuality.”
jim lo
Feb 24, 2023: CBN: Revival Spreads to Texas A&M, Indiana Wesleyan and LSU: 'It's Not Religion. It's Just Meeting JESUS'
Jim Lo, a professor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in Maron, Indiana, wrote in a Facebook post that "God is doing a work at IWU" as well.
"I've been at IWU since 3am. As I sit in the chapel-auditorium, involved in reflective prayer, the words of Robert Coleman comes to mind. 'Anytime you see a revival, you can be sure it started with prayer'," Lo wrote.
"God is doing a work at IWU. It may not have the proportions of what is happening at Asbury, but students are responding to the touch of the Spirit," he noted.
Jim Lo, a professor in the School of Theology and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in Maron, Indiana, wrote in a Facebook post that "God is doing a work at IWU" as well.
"I've been at IWU since 3am. As I sit in the chapel-auditorium, involved in reflective prayer, the words of Robert Coleman comes to mind. 'Anytime you see a revival, you can be sure it started with prayer'," Lo wrote.
"God is doing a work at IWU. It may not have the proportions of what is happening at Asbury, but students are responding to the touch of the Spirit," he noted.
jim logan |
Jim Logan is a counselor at Deeper Walk International. He spent more than 20 years as a pastor and has taught at several Bible colleges. He is the author of Reclaiming Surrendered Ground: Protecting Your Family from Spiritual Attacks
Jim Logan Files
After cautioning us not to let our anger simmer overnight, Paul says, "Neither give place to the devil." The word translated place here is the Greek word topos. This word might look familiar to you even in its original form. It's at the root of English words like topography, and refers to the ground or a specific spot or location.
So giving place to Satan in our lives is giving him a ground, a "foothold" according to the New International Version of the Bible, an "opportunity" (NASB and Revised Standard Version). a "chance" (Today's English Version). On the other side, one commentator describes Paul's admonition as allowing the devil "no leeway...no room to move." ----Jim Logan "Reclaiming Surrendered Ground" p. 33
So giving place to Satan in our lives is giving him a ground, a "foothold" according to the New International Version of the Bible, an "opportunity" (NASB and Revised Standard Version). a "chance" (Today's English Version). On the other side, one commentator describes Paul's admonition as allowing the devil "no leeway...no room to move." ----Jim Logan "Reclaiming Surrendered Ground" p. 33
jesse lomax
Sept 14, 2022: Messenger: Grapeland Church Sends Water to Help Struggling Jackson, Mississippi
On Monday, Deacon Jesse Lomax and Pastor’s Aide Sandra Walker were busy working at the back entrance of the church as people came and went bringing cases of bottled water and donations for the cause.
On Monday, Deacon Jesse Lomax and Pastor’s Aide Sandra Walker were busy working at the back entrance of the church as people came and went bringing cases of bottled water and donations for the cause.
thomas g long
May 2, 2018: Christianity Today: Tim Keller, John Piper, and Andy Stanley Among the 12 ‘Most Effective’ Preachers
Thomas G. Long, professor emeritus of preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Long described his preaching process in a 1991 CT Pastors interview, urging pastors to stick to “one-point sermons” and admitting his own critical eye towards his preaching: “I think serious preachers, preachers who give themselves to this task, need to learn how to forgive themselves for not producing masterpieces every week.”
Thomas G. Long, professor emeritus of preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Long described his preaching process in a 1991 CT Pastors interview, urging pastors to stick to “one-point sermons” and admitting his own critical eye towards his preaching: “I think serious preachers, preachers who give themselves to this task, need to learn how to forgive themselves for not producing masterpieces every week.”
Fr Dwight Longenecker |
Fr. Dwight Longenecker was brought up as an Evangelical, studied at fundamentalist Bob Jones University, and later was ordained an Anglican priest in England. After ten years in the Anglican ministry as a curate, a chaplain at Cambridge, and a country parson, he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1995. He is the author of more than twenty books on apologetics and Catholic faith and culture and has published hundreds of articles on websites, in magazines, and in newspapers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States
Fr Dwight Longenecker Files
There’s the line in The Death of a Salesman where Willy Loman’s wife Linda says, “Life is a casting off.” I love that line.
Life means casting off and leaving everything behind, not clinging to everything. That stands things on their head– yes?
We do the opposite we cling to our children, cling to our spouses, cling to our houses, cling to our status, cling to our possessions, cling to our security, cling to our friends, cling to all these things.
But life is a casting off.
It is also a casting off as in casting off from the shore. Casting off from the dock. We’re on the long voyage home, across the Western Seas until we meet the dawn and wade in the warm shallows to the real Narnia.
Do you have to cast off even from your family? ‘Fraid so. I remember talking to my dying father who said, “I have tried to show how to live for Christ. Now I want to show how to die in Christ.” He was casting off.
What about families here and now? I sometimes think this verse has a bearing on the difficult decisions we face when family members and friends depart from the way of following Christ.
What do you do when a family member divorces, remarries, goes down the path of an addiction or in some other way behaves in a way that is intolerable? If they are repentant and want to return they are always welcome, but if they persist in a life that is contrary to the gospel and their choices threaten your own walk with Christ and the example and witness and purity of your family then to be Christ’s disciple you may have to “hate your father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children” to be his disciple.
It’s a tough one, but sometimes you have to simply walk away–not because you condemn anyone, but because you are simply walking on a different path to a different destination. It’s not so much that you hate them, but that you love Christ more.
This choice has been made countless times by countless disciples down through the ages. It was made by any young man or woman entering the religious life. It was made by countless missionaries who went abroad never to be seen again by their families. It was made by many who sought to follow Christ when they converted to the fullness of the faith in the Catholic Church. It’s there in the True Grit version of the gospel. If we ignore it our expectations will be skewed and when the separation is demanded we will be resentful and perhaps disobedient. If we realize that demand is there we may face such separations with a bit more fortitude, faith and resilience.
My friend asked that I pray that she not break down and cry uncontrollably when the baby sister went inside to become a bigger sister.
I advised that she cry her eyes out, for that was the healthy response, and after that to dry her tears and thank God for the great graces that will be unfolded as her sister’s life is yielded to that Divine Mercy which is at once tender and severe. - Fr. Dwight Longenecker; Life is a Casting Off; 11.12.18
Life means casting off and leaving everything behind, not clinging to everything. That stands things on their head– yes?
We do the opposite we cling to our children, cling to our spouses, cling to our houses, cling to our status, cling to our possessions, cling to our security, cling to our friends, cling to all these things.
But life is a casting off.
It is also a casting off as in casting off from the shore. Casting off from the dock. We’re on the long voyage home, across the Western Seas until we meet the dawn and wade in the warm shallows to the real Narnia.
Do you have to cast off even from your family? ‘Fraid so. I remember talking to my dying father who said, “I have tried to show how to live for Christ. Now I want to show how to die in Christ.” He was casting off.
What about families here and now? I sometimes think this verse has a bearing on the difficult decisions we face when family members and friends depart from the way of following Christ.
What do you do when a family member divorces, remarries, goes down the path of an addiction or in some other way behaves in a way that is intolerable? If they are repentant and want to return they are always welcome, but if they persist in a life that is contrary to the gospel and their choices threaten your own walk with Christ and the example and witness and purity of your family then to be Christ’s disciple you may have to “hate your father and mother, brothers and sisters, wife and children” to be his disciple.
It’s a tough one, but sometimes you have to simply walk away–not because you condemn anyone, but because you are simply walking on a different path to a different destination. It’s not so much that you hate them, but that you love Christ more.
This choice has been made countless times by countless disciples down through the ages. It was made by any young man or woman entering the religious life. It was made by countless missionaries who went abroad never to be seen again by their families. It was made by many who sought to follow Christ when they converted to the fullness of the faith in the Catholic Church. It’s there in the True Grit version of the gospel. If we ignore it our expectations will be skewed and when the separation is demanded we will be resentful and perhaps disobedient. If we realize that demand is there we may face such separations with a bit more fortitude, faith and resilience.
My friend asked that I pray that she not break down and cry uncontrollably when the baby sister went inside to become a bigger sister.
I advised that she cry her eyes out, for that was the healthy response, and after that to dry her tears and thank God for the great graces that will be unfolded as her sister’s life is yielded to that Divine Mercy which is at once tender and severe. - Fr. Dwight Longenecker; Life is a Casting Off; 11.12.18
frank lopez
Jan 23, 2023: New Republic: The Rise of Spirit Warriors on the Christian Right
In heavily Latino Miami-Dade County—the largest county in what was once considered the biggest “swing state” in the nation—President Joe Biden won only 53 percent of the vote, compared with the 63 percent share won by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the 62 percent share won by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Pastor Frank Lopez, who heads the Jesus Worship Center, a Miami-based church with two campuses that is allied with KCIA, “an alliance of apostles and prophets,” has characterized Biden as “an ignorant leader with a destructive agenda” who is “rebelling against God.” Lopez is hardly a voice in the wilderness; he hosts prominent Latin American conservatives on his YouTube show and serves on the board of directors of the Asociación de Ministros Hispanos del Sur de la Florida, a Miami-based association of pastors that has collaborated with Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition.
In heavily Latino Miami-Dade County—the largest county in what was once considered the biggest “swing state” in the nation—President Joe Biden won only 53 percent of the vote, compared with the 63 percent share won by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the 62 percent share won by former President Barack Obama in 2012. Pastor Frank Lopez, who heads the Jesus Worship Center, a Miami-based church with two campuses that is allied with KCIA, “an alliance of apostles and prophets,” has characterized Biden as “an ignorant leader with a destructive agenda” who is “rebelling against God.” Lopez is hardly a voice in the wilderness; he hosts prominent Latin American conservatives on his YouTube show and serves on the board of directors of the Asociación de Ministros Hispanos del Sur de la Florida, a Miami-based association of pastors that has collaborated with Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition.
randy loubier
|
Apr 13, 2022: Jerusalem Post: Army of evangelists aims to turn spiritual tide in New Hampshire
To better understand how the Evangelical community is addressing the issue in New Hampshire and the surrounding area, The Jerusalem Post spoke with Pastor Randy Loubier of Chestnut Hill Chapel in New Boston, New Hampshire. Along with his role at Chestnut Hill Chapel, Loubier is a best-selling author and the founder of 603 Witness, a movement that aims to rally New Hampshire evangelists. The mission is to raise, train and then deploy a new "army of evangelists" into churches throughout the state, he explained. |
“Many have tried to find characteristics in our culture that would explain it, but without success,” Loubier said. “New Hampshire people are not much different than the average person in the US. The Bible says we don’t battle against flesh and blood. Truly, the only valid explanation for New Hampshire being last in the nation is spiritual. The battle in the heavenlies touched down in New Hampshire a long time ago and has settled here.” 4.13.23 |
Jeffery Jay Lowder
Sept 17, 2020: Philosophy of Religion Blog: Response to Jeffrey Jay Lowder on God and Consciousness
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available.
Jeffery Jay Lowder is President Emeritus of Internet Infidels, Inc., which he co-founded in 1995. He is also co-editor of the book, The Empty Tomb: Jesus Beyond the Grave.
Lowder has written a post on the argument from consciousness for the existence of God. His argument, if sound, would establish consciousness as being a piece of evidence that lowers the probability of naturalism; however, it would not show that theism gets a boost in probability because theism and naturalism are not the only hypotheses available.
Jeffery Jay Lowder is President Emeritus of Internet Infidels, Inc., which he co-founded in 1995. He is also co-editor of the book, The Empty Tomb: Jesus Beyond the Grave.
john lowe ii
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
Pastor John Lowe II stepped down from the New Life Christian Church in Indiana in May 2022 after admitting in front of his entire congregation that he had an affair with a 16-year-old girl.
In a shocking moment, the pastor was confronted on stage by Bobi Gephart, a 43-year-old woman who came forward with a microphone to tell their church in Warsaw, Indiana, how he'd groomed her as a teen, starting when she was 16 - the legal age of consent in the state.
Pastor Lowe II had told the church that he 'sinned' 20 years ago by committing adultery, without mentioning how old the woman or girl was at the time. He begged for the church's forgiveness, then received a standing ovation.
Bobi then stormed towards the stage with her husband, Nate, to say it 'was not just adultery' because she was so young at the time.
She said to Lowe: 'I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do.
'You did things to to my teenage body that should have never been done. If you can't admit the truth, you have to answer to God. You are not the victim here.'
Her husband then presented a pearl necklace that his wife had been given by the church and a 'purity ring' that he said the pastor gave her during their affair.
Lowe has stepped down from the church and been scrubbed from its website.
Pastor John Lowe II stepped down from the New Life Christian Church in Indiana in May 2022 after admitting in front of his entire congregation that he had an affair with a 16-year-old girl.
In a shocking moment, the pastor was confronted on stage by Bobi Gephart, a 43-year-old woman who came forward with a microphone to tell their church in Warsaw, Indiana, how he'd groomed her as a teen, starting when she was 16 - the legal age of consent in the state.
Pastor Lowe II had told the church that he 'sinned' 20 years ago by committing adultery, without mentioning how old the woman or girl was at the time. He begged for the church's forgiveness, then received a standing ovation.
Bobi then stormed towards the stage with her husband, Nate, to say it 'was not just adultery' because she was so young at the time.
She said to Lowe: 'I was just 16 when you took my virginity on your office floor. Do you remember that? I know you do.
'You did things to to my teenage body that should have never been done. If you can't admit the truth, you have to answer to God. You are not the victim here.'
Her husband then presented a pearl necklace that his wife had been given by the church and a 'purity ring' that he said the pastor gave her during their affair.
Lowe has stepped down from the church and been scrubbed from its website.
keith loy
Feb 16, 2023A: Argus Leader: Christian film 'Jesus Revolution' to debut in Sioux Falls with Celebrate Church connection
The Sioux Falls debut arose from Celebrate Community Church Pastor Keith Loy's relationships with several people within the Christian film industry.
“Opportunities like this create interest and awareness for faith-based movies, which empowers producers to write and fund more Christian films," Loy said in a statement. "Those movies are leading to a cultural shift in the industry and giving families new entertainment options."
The Sioux Falls debut arose from Celebrate Community Church Pastor Keith Loy's relationships with several people within the Christian film industry.
“Opportunities like this create interest and awareness for faith-based movies, which empowers producers to write and fund more Christian films," Loy said in a statement. "Those movies are leading to a cultural shift in the industry and giving families new entertainment options."
sally lloyd-jones
Dec 7, 2013: Huffington Post: Sally Lloyd-Jones, 'Jesus Storybook Bible' Author, Sells Over 1,000,000 Books
“People often ask me, ‘What’s your theological training?’” said Lloyd-Jones, who reads works by John Stott and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and attends Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. “I’ve been at ‘Tim Keller university.’ I had been hearing how Jesus is in every story for several years.” Keller wrote the forward to her 2012 book, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing,” and his wife, Kathy Keller, said she gives “The Jesus Storybook Bible” to everyone from university presidents to car salesmen because anyone can understand it.
“People often ask me, ‘What’s your theological training?’” said Lloyd-Jones, who reads works by John Stott and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and attends Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. “I’ve been at ‘Tim Keller university.’ I had been hearing how Jesus is in every story for several years.” Keller wrote the forward to her 2012 book, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing,” and his wife, Kathy Keller, said she gives “The Jesus Storybook Bible” to everyone from university presidents to car salesmen because anyone can understand it.
scot loyd
Scot Loyd
Donald Trump once famously claimed that even if he shot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York City, his supporters wouldn’t abandon him. A recent survey by CBS News suggests he might be right. The survey, conducted during the week of August 16th, 2023, focused on people likely to vote for Trump in the Republican Presidential Primaries. It found that these voters trust Trump’s words more than other sources like conservative media, religious leaders, or even their own friends and family. This strong support for Trump doesn’t surprise me anymore, but it still disappoints me that many American evangelicals continue to back him in his third run for the Presidency.
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics. --Scot Loyd; Faith On View; Challenging the influence of Trump and Tuberville with the love of Christ 8.29.23
Like 2016 and 2020, when about 80% of evangelicals reportedly voted for Trump, it appears that a significant number of them are again planning to support him in 2024. And now as Trump takes a commanding lead in the GOP Primary polls, even among four criminal indictments to date, I’m reminded of a question an ancient leader asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Jesus, the embodiment of truth, was asked this by Pontius Pilate, and unlike some American Christians and most politicians today who claim to follow him, Jesus didn’t feel the need to defend himself. The disposition of Jesus contrasts sharply with the behavior of many of his supposed followers in American evangelicalism.
For instance, Russell Moore of Christianity Today recently spoke with NPR and expressed his frustration with the current state of GOP politics that are so closely aligned with evangelicalism. Moore reported that many pastors citing the Sermon on the Mount in their sermons would then have those messages dismissed by some parishioners as “liberal talking points.” Considering this admission and the CBS News Poll results, it seems that many Trump supporters trust Trump’s words more than they do the teachings and example of Jesus.
I believe most of the people who support Trump mean well, but they’ve been influenced by years of fear-driven messages. These messages have convinced them that their faith, status, and safety are under threat. These perceived threats are often categorized as an “attack on religious liberty,” which politicians use to rally support for themselves or their policies. This is true for Trump and those who share his views. They tap into the fears of white majorities who feel their power is diminishing amidst changing American demographics. --Scot Loyd; Faith On View; Challenging the influence of Trump and Tuberville with the love of Christ 8.29.23
- Tim Lucas - Ron Luce - Jo Luehmann - Peter Lumpkins - Stacey Lundy -