P-4 PEOPLE-FILES
- Michael Pfleger - Michael Pham - Richard Phillips - Rob Phillips - Rick Pidcock - Chuck Pierce - Duncan Edward Pile - Jerry Pillay - Karen Pimpo - Jose Pinero - Everett Piper - Vance Pitman - Cornelius Plantinga - Daniel Ploof -
==michael pfleger======
Opinion: The weaponization of Christianity“
If our history has taught us anything, it’s that our great American spirit is too grand to allow itself to be silenced, nullified or codified into any ideology that erases diversity, ignores equality and resists inclusion. Perhaps this is why Chicago priest, Rev. Pfleger, said, “I believe it’s time for the churches to lead the revolution, a spiritual revolution to stand up to this fascism, or the streets are going to do a revolution and it’s going to be bloody and ugly.” I pray for a spiritual revolution. Yet, who will emerge victorious? The slave trader deciding who is worthy and who is not, or those touched by grace ready to reignite the torch of our Lady, the beacon of light for the world? (Concord Monitor; 12.17.25)READMORE>>>>>
If our history has taught us anything, it’s that our great American spirit is too grand to allow itself to be silenced, nullified or codified into any ideology that erases diversity, ignores equality and resists inclusion. Perhaps this is why Chicago priest, Rev. Pfleger, said, “I believe it’s time for the churches to lead the revolution, a spiritual revolution to stand up to this fascism, or the streets are going to do a revolution and it’s going to be bloody and ugly.” I pray for a spiritual revolution. Yet, who will emerge victorious? The slave trader deciding who is worthy and who is not, or those touched by grace ready to reignite the torch of our Lady, the beacon of light for the world? (Concord Monitor; 12.17.25)READMORE>>>>>
==michael pham======
Archbishop's win at 'Alligator Alcatraz' exposes GOP religious freedom hypocrisy
It is good that the Archdiocese of Miami has, at last, been able to minister to detainees in the “Alligator Alcatraz.” More than welcome good news for detainees, it also proves that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be held accountable when religious leaders bring pressure. That lesson is good. But it needs to be taken several steps further. On July 22, Religion News Service reported that Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski had joined a protest calling attention to how detainees in “Alligator Alcatraz” were being denied access to religious services. The problem was not confined to Florida, nor was it particularly new. Archbishop Wenski’s direct involvement, like San Diego Bishop Michael Pham’s urging of priests to bear witness at immigration courts, reflects a new moment in Catholic activism. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has opened a new moment in Catholic activism in the United States, even at the church’s highest levels. This is something to pay attention to. It is showing results.
(Religion News Service 8/7/25) READMORE>>>>>
It is good that the Archdiocese of Miami has, at last, been able to minister to detainees in the “Alligator Alcatraz.” More than welcome good news for detainees, it also proves that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be held accountable when religious leaders bring pressure. That lesson is good. But it needs to be taken several steps further. On July 22, Religion News Service reported that Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski had joined a protest calling attention to how detainees in “Alligator Alcatraz” were being denied access to religious services. The problem was not confined to Florida, nor was it particularly new. Archbishop Wenski’s direct involvement, like San Diego Bishop Michael Pham’s urging of priests to bear witness at immigration courts, reflects a new moment in Catholic activism. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has opened a new moment in Catholic activism in the United States, even at the church’s highest levels. This is something to pay attention to. It is showing results.
(Religion News Service 8/7/25) READMORE>>>>>
==Richard D Phillips====== |
- Right Now Media -
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Dr. Richard Phillips is the Senior Minister of the Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville in South Carolina. He attended Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and, after graduation, joined the pastoral staff of the church where he came to faith, Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. There, Rick was mentored by the well-known Bible teacher, Dr. James Montgomery Boice, and began his calling as a weekly preacher of God's Word. After serving at Tenth Presbyterian from 1995-2002, Rick accepted the call to be Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Coral Springs, Florida. After five years there, he moved to Greenville to serve Second Presbyterian. His ministry is widely heard on the radio and the internet and Rick is frequently called upon to speak at conferences on the Bible and Reformed theology. He further serves the church by authoring books, with over twenty-five currently in print. Among his many activities, he serves on the board and council of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the council of The Gospel Coalition, and the board of trustees of Westminster Theological Seminary. Together with Philip Graham Ryken, he is series coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, Rick holds degrees from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Doctor of Divinity), the University of Pennsylvania (M.B.A.) and the University of Michigan (B.A.). Rick is married to Sharon, and they have five children.
==rob phillips======
Rob Phillips is a Christian apologetics instructor with more than 30 years of experience in preaching, teaching, and training Christians to “earnestly contend for the faith … once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). He
serves as director of ministry support and apologetics for the Missouri Baptist Convention. Phillips has
extensive corporate communications experience, having worked for several FORTUNE 500 companies and a national Christian non-profit organization. He also served for 14 years as associate pastor of Bartlesville (Okla.) Southern Baptist Church. Phillips also has participated in mission projects in Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, the Philippines, and Malaysia. He is the author of 12 books, including The Apologist’s Tool
Kit, What Every Christian Should Know about the Trinity, and, most recently, What Every Christian Should Know about the Return of Jesus.
serves as director of ministry support and apologetics for the Missouri Baptist Convention. Phillips has
extensive corporate communications experience, having worked for several FORTUNE 500 companies and a national Christian non-profit organization. He also served for 14 years as associate pastor of Bartlesville (Okla.) Southern Baptist Church. Phillips also has participated in mission projects in Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, the Philippines, and Malaysia. He is the author of 12 books, including The Apologist’s Tool
Kit, What Every Christian Should Know about the Trinity, and, most recently, What Every Christian Should Know about the Return of Jesus.
March 1, 2023: ABC News: Christian school that embraced the LGBTQ community is forced to close its doors
As Rob Philips of the Missouri Baptist Convention, a network of 1,800 churches in the state, explained to ABC News, "to embrace desires and behaviors that are outside of scripture is not ultimately loving and caring." Philips said it is unlikely that any of the convention’s member churches would have supported the school.
As Rob Philips of the Missouri Baptist Convention, a network of 1,800 churches in the state, explained to ABC News, "to embrace desires and behaviors that are outside of scripture is not ultimately loving and caring." Philips said it is unlikely that any of the convention’s member churches would have supported the school.
The word serpent appears twenty-four times in twenty-three verses in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). Ten applications are clear references to Satan (Gen. 3:1, 2, 4, 13, 14; 2 Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9, 14, 15; 20:2). Three times serpent appears in the confrontation between Moses and the magicians of Pharaoh’s court (Exod. 7:9, 10, 12). Three references are to a sea serpent or Leviathan, a mystical deity over which the Lord has absolute power (Job 26:13; Isa. 27:1; Amos 9:3).
Twice, there are mentions of a “flying serpent,” either an analogy of Assyria (Isa. 14:29) or a reference to one of the wild beasts in the Negev (Isa. 30:6). Singular references include: an analogy of an enemy’s wine (“serpent’s venom,” Deut. 32:33); a place (“Serpent’s Well,” Neh. 2:13); predators who lie in wait (Ps. 91:13); animal food in the new creation (“the serpent’s food will be dust!” Isa. 65:25); and Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to take prudent action in light of coming persecution (Matt. 10:16; cf. 21-23).
Old Testament writers use three different Hebrew words translated “serpent” in these passages. The most common is nachash, meaning “serpent” or “snake.” The word even makes a hissing sound when spoken. The word tanniyn (used in Exod. 7; Deut. 32:33; Neh. 2:13; and Ps. 91:13) has a broader application and can mean “serpent, venomous snake,” “sea or river monster,” or “dragon or dinosaur.” The third word, saraph, is used only once (Isa. 30:6) and may be translated “serpent,” “fiery serpent,” or “poisonous serpent.” It’s also the word from which we get seraphim, the six-winged heavenly creatures Isaiah sees above the throne in his vision of God (Isa. 6).
In the CSB New Testament, the Greek word ophis is used more than a dozen times and is translated “snake” or “serpent.” It may refer to an actual snake (Matt. 7:10; John 3:14-15; cf. Num. 21:8-9), or it may be used figuratively to illustrate certain traits or qualities. For example, Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees “snakes” because of their venomous hypocrisy (Matt. 23:33). After sending his disciples to proclaim the gospel, Jesus tells them to be “as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
Other references are directed more toward the demonic realm. Believers are promised authority over snakes, demonstrating their power over Satan and his agents (Luke 10:19). And Paul warns the Corinthians that the ancient serpent continues to strike with lethal intent: “But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).
As you can see, the writers of Scripture employ numerous Hebrew and Greek terms to depict a variety of creatures associated with serpents. Andrew Naselli notes that serpent is an umbrella term – a “big category” – that includes both snakes and dragons. Further, he writes that a serpent has two major strategies that become evident in Scripture: to deceive and devour:
As a general rule, the form a serpent takes depends on its strategy. When a serpent in Scripture attempts to deceive, it’s a snake. When a serpent attempts to devour, it’s a dragon. Snakes deceive; dragons devour. Snakes tempt and lie; dragons attack and murder. Snakes backstab; dragons assault.
The Serpent and the Serpent SlayerFor our purposes, we focus primarily on depictions of Satan as the serpent in Genesis and Revelation. --Rob Phillips; What Every Christian Should Know About Satan; High Street Press (August 20, 2021)
Twice, there are mentions of a “flying serpent,” either an analogy of Assyria (Isa. 14:29) or a reference to one of the wild beasts in the Negev (Isa. 30:6). Singular references include: an analogy of an enemy’s wine (“serpent’s venom,” Deut. 32:33); a place (“Serpent’s Well,” Neh. 2:13); predators who lie in wait (Ps. 91:13); animal food in the new creation (“the serpent’s food will be dust!” Isa. 65:25); and Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to take prudent action in light of coming persecution (Matt. 10:16; cf. 21-23).
Old Testament writers use three different Hebrew words translated “serpent” in these passages. The most common is nachash, meaning “serpent” or “snake.” The word even makes a hissing sound when spoken. The word tanniyn (used in Exod. 7; Deut. 32:33; Neh. 2:13; and Ps. 91:13) has a broader application and can mean “serpent, venomous snake,” “sea or river monster,” or “dragon or dinosaur.” The third word, saraph, is used only once (Isa. 30:6) and may be translated “serpent,” “fiery serpent,” or “poisonous serpent.” It’s also the word from which we get seraphim, the six-winged heavenly creatures Isaiah sees above the throne in his vision of God (Isa. 6).
In the CSB New Testament, the Greek word ophis is used more than a dozen times and is translated “snake” or “serpent.” It may refer to an actual snake (Matt. 7:10; John 3:14-15; cf. Num. 21:8-9), or it may be used figuratively to illustrate certain traits or qualities. For example, Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees “snakes” because of their venomous hypocrisy (Matt. 23:33). After sending his disciples to proclaim the gospel, Jesus tells them to be “as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
Other references are directed more toward the demonic realm. Believers are promised authority over snakes, demonstrating their power over Satan and his agents (Luke 10:19). And Paul warns the Corinthians that the ancient serpent continues to strike with lethal intent: “But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).
As you can see, the writers of Scripture employ numerous Hebrew and Greek terms to depict a variety of creatures associated with serpents. Andrew Naselli notes that serpent is an umbrella term – a “big category” – that includes both snakes and dragons. Further, he writes that a serpent has two major strategies that become evident in Scripture: to deceive and devour:
As a general rule, the form a serpent takes depends on its strategy. When a serpent in Scripture attempts to deceive, it’s a snake. When a serpent attempts to devour, it’s a dragon. Snakes deceive; dragons devour. Snakes tempt and lie; dragons attack and murder. Snakes backstab; dragons assault.
The Serpent and the Serpent SlayerFor our purposes, we focus primarily on depictions of Satan as the serpent in Genesis and Revelation. --Rob Phillips; What Every Christian Should Know About Satan; High Street Press (August 20, 2021)
Rob Phillips Files
The writer of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 95 and attributes the words to the Holy Spirit. Together, the psalmist and the voice of Yahweh make it clear that if the punishment for disobedience of the law was severe, then the penalty for rejection of the gospel would be far worse. -Rob Phillips; The Pathway; 4.14.22
The writer of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 95 and attributes the words to the Holy Spirit. Together, the psalmist and the voice of Yahweh make it clear that if the punishment for disobedience of the law was severe, then the penalty for rejection of the gospel would be far worse. -Rob Phillips; The Pathway; 4.14.22
Rob Phillips Files
Jesus repeats the Father’s self-description as “the Alpha and the Omega” and applies it to himself in Revelation 22:13. Further, Jesus refers to himself as “Lord” in the Gospels (e.g., Matt. 12:8; John 13:13-14), and eyewitnesses of Jesus ascribe to him the same title (e.g., John 20:28; Acts 2:36). Jesus and the New Testament writers also affirm the deity of Christ, which includes his transcendence and omnipotence. Thus, both the Father and the Son may rightly lay claim to being “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
--Rob Phillips; John’s testimony from Patmos; 12.21.21
--Rob Phillips; John’s testimony from Patmos; 12.21.21
Apr 1, 2015: Rick Phillips: : Reformation 21: More PCRT Q/A: Does Christian Marriage Require a Civil License? -
Dec 3, 2012: Tullian Tchividjian: Sin Remains: My Response To Rick Phillips
This is nothing more and nothing less than classic Reformed theology, which is why I was surprised that Rick Phillips wrote a critique of my post.
Dec 3, 2012: Tullian Tchividjian: Sin Remains: My Response To Rick Phillips
This is nothing more and nothing less than classic Reformed theology, which is why I was surprised that Rick Phillips wrote a critique of my post.
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"Few of us are eager to proclaim ourselves prophets, and yet is the duty of Christians — and especially of ministers in the church — to serve in the office of prophets, voicing truth from God's Word to the church. Yet there is a great principle of deformation that always opposes this calling, a principle that is especially influential in our own day. This is the idea that it is more important to be winsome, more excellent to be pleasing in the sight of men, regardless of what you do or say, than it is to guard and proclaim the truth of God. Just as in Jeremiah's day, the pragmatists and the lovers of the new and the allies of the world hate and attack the prophetic voice because it unsettles the people. "Your words mark you as a traitor," they said to Jeremiah, and so they still say today.
If there is one certainty in the Evangelical Movement today, it is that those who confront error and compromise, those who deliver bad though biblical news, just like those reformers the prophets, will be cast aide, will be mocked and abused, will be denied access to major media, will be ridiculed and marginalized, just as the prophets of old were put to death with stones and cast into cisterns. Indeed, as Jesus Himself lamented, this treatment of prophets is veritably the spectator sport of deformation history" - Richard D. Phillips, Turning Back the Darkness: The Biblical Pattern of Reformation, (Crossway Books, Wheaton, Il, USA, 2002), p. 107-108 |
The Gospel is relevent; it is always relevent, as long as there are sinners, as long as God sits upon a holy throne of judgment, as long as lawbreakers are under the condemnation and in the bondage of sin. The Gospel is relevent to the ultimate and greatest needs of every man and woman, needs that do not change with the generations or intellectual fashions."
- Richard D. Phillips, Turning Back the Darkness: The Biblical Pattern of Reformation, (Crossway Books, Wheaton, Il, USA, 2002), p. 167 |
===rick pidcock============
Rick Pidcock is a 2004 graduate of Bob Jones University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible. He’s a freelance writer based in South Carolina and a former Clemons Fellow with BNG. He recently completed a Master of Arts degree in worship from Northern Seminary. He is a stay-at-home father of five children and produces music under the artist name Provoke Wonder.
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As MAGA pastors gain influence, let’s talk about peace instead of power Paul Washer declares: “God saved you from God. It was God who was arrayed in the armor and weaponry of a soldier coming after you. In his holiness and his justice God coming after you to do vengeance against you to cause you to pay for all that you have done against him.” By feeling this way about their past selves, white evangelicals are shaped to feel this way against their non-evangelical neighbors. Washer explains, “You are so desperately wicked and vile and grotesque before not only a holy God, but the holy inhabitants of heaven, that the last thing you will hear when you take your first step into hell is all of creation standing to its feet and applauding God because he has rid the earth of you.” In other words, God is a strong man, a soldier who pursues justice by vengeance against the enemy. And evangelicals will celebrate with violent delights when these enemies are gotten rid of. What politician is more clearly promoting violent vengeance against conservative evangelicals’ enemies than Trump? (Baptist News Global 1/19/24) READMORE>>>>> |
October 8, 2025: Rick Pidcock: Baptist News GlobalDear white evangelicals, I was wrong |
Rick Pidcock
We all recognize what’s going on here. Sure, there are some nuances between the Duggars, Bill Gothard, IBLP, The Gospel Coalition, fundamentalists, John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Al Mohler, and all the organizations they write for or denominations they are members of. But they’re not fundamentally different from one another. They’re simply contractors building the same tower, with different assignments. So let’s stop pretending like the entire tower doesn’t need to be taken down. --Rick Pidcock; Baptist News Global; How to connect the dots while watching Shiny Happy People 6.7.23
==Chuck Pierce======
Charles D. "Chuck" Pierce serves as President of Global Spheres, Inc. (GSI) in Corinth, Texas. This is an apostolic, prophetic ministry that is being used to gather and mobilize the worshipping Triumphant Reserve throughout the world. Pierce leads an apostolic and prophetic ministry in Corinth, Texas. He is President of Glory of Zion International, Kingdom Harvest Alliance. The three ministries are housed at Global Spheres Center, which also includes Beulah Acres and the Israel Prayer Garden. He continues to gather and mobilize the worshipping Triumphant Reserve throughout the world. The ministries located at Global Spheres Center participate in regional and national gatherings to develop new Kingdom paradigms. Dr. Pierce also serves as a key bridge between Jew and Gentile as the Lord raises up One New Man. He is known for his accurate prophetic gifting which helps direct nations, cities, churches, and individuals in understanding the times and seasons in which we live. He has written numerous best-selling books, and has a degree in Business from Texas A&M, Master’s work in Cognitive Systems from the University of North Texas, and a D. Min. from the Wagner Leadership Institute.
July 11, 2023: Bucks County Beacon: Pennsylvania’s Prayer Warrior: Abby Abildness And Her Dominionist Crusade In The Commonwealth
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
We initially reported on the NAR in August last year. As stated in that report, some of the NAR’s most prominent leaders include: Cindy Jacobs, John Benefiel, Lance Wallnau, Abby Abildness, Dutch Sheets, Chuck Pierce, Ché Ahn, Lou Engle, Jim Garlow, Steve Strang (Charisma News), Steve Shultz (Elijah List).
==duncan edward pile======
Duncan Edward File
The fear of the Lord is a basic acknowledgement of the difference between God and us – he is Almighty, while we are limited in power; he is immortal, but our flesh will die; he is all-knowing, while human perspective is limited. In other words, God is God, and we are not.
This fundamental acknowledgement of the way things are is the beginning of our response to God, who in terms of ability is infinitely above us. The fact of the matter is that God so exceeds us in power, that if he chose to make our lives unbearable, we would have no ability to deny him, or even voice to complain. If God were a cruel, self-important despot, the lives of his creations would be unrelentingly miserable.
It is healthy to dwell on this, from time to time, as a point of context.
-Duncan Edward Pile; Seekers Corner; The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom; 12.21.21
This fundamental acknowledgement of the way things are is the beginning of our response to God, who in terms of ability is infinitely above us. The fact of the matter is that God so exceeds us in power, that if he chose to make our lives unbearable, we would have no ability to deny him, or even voice to complain. If God were a cruel, self-important despot, the lives of his creations would be unrelentingly miserable.
It is healthy to dwell on this, from time to time, as a point of context.
-Duncan Edward Pile; Seekers Corner; The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom; 12.21.21
==jerry pillay======
WCC general secretary: “WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support”
In a report to the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay offered an overview of the many ecumenical commemorations and celebrations in 2025, which led to a fulfilling year of ecumenical visibility, vitality, unity, and strength. The WCC executive committee is convening in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November, at the invitation of the China Christian Council. Pillay also acknowledged that the WCC continues its work in a very challenging time. “Globally, we see a troubling rise in authoritarianism, with shrinking civic space, disinformation, and threats to basic freedoms,” said Pillay. “Yet, in this regression, young people are standing up with courage and creativity, demanding truth and justice.” Pillay acknowledged that it is unfortunate that so many countries are facing conflicts, challenges, and crises at different levels. “While nations pursue political ambitions, the climate crisis deepens,” he said. “We continue to call for a transformation of hearts and systems.”
(World Council of Churches 11/20/25) READMORE>>>>
In a report to the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay offered an overview of the many ecumenical commemorations and celebrations in 2025, which led to a fulfilling year of ecumenical visibility, vitality, unity, and strength. The WCC executive committee is convening in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November, at the invitation of the China Christian Council. Pillay also acknowledged that the WCC continues its work in a very challenging time. “Globally, we see a troubling rise in authoritarianism, with shrinking civic space, disinformation, and threats to basic freedoms,” said Pillay. “Yet, in this regression, young people are standing up with courage and creativity, demanding truth and justice.” Pillay acknowledged that it is unfortunate that so many countries are facing conflicts, challenges, and crises at different levels. “While nations pursue political ambitions, the climate crisis deepens,” he said. “We continue to call for a transformation of hearts and systems.”
(World Council of Churches 11/20/25) READMORE>>>>
WCC expresses solidarity with peace efforts in Bangladesh
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the peace and justice efforts from Bangladesh’s interim government. "We are here to express our support and solidarity with your leadership,” Pillay said after meeting with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on 13 April. Yunus has been chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh since 8 August 2024. "This visit reflects our continued commitment to Bangladesh,” said Pillay. “Like you, we believe in unity, peace, and a just society—and we see your interim government working hard to achieve exactly that.”
(World Council of Churches 4/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the peace and justice efforts from Bangladesh’s interim government. "We are here to express our support and solidarity with your leadership,” Pillay said after meeting with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on 13 April. Yunus has been chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh since 8 August 2024. "This visit reflects our continued commitment to Bangladesh,” said Pillay. “Like you, we believe in unity, peace, and a just society—and we see your interim government working hard to achieve exactly that.”
(World Council of Churches 4/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
==karen pimpo======
Karen Pimpo adopted Grand Rapids, Michigan, as her home. She works in project management in the world of marketing communications, helping for-profit and nonprofit organizations tell their stories in a compelling way. Karen is a contributing author to YMI and a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. Contributing Writer to Our Daily Bread Ministries.
Karen Pimpo Files
Sara lost her mother when she was just fourteen years old. She and her siblings lost their house soon after and became homeless. Years later, Sara wanted to provide her future children with an inheritance that could be passed down from generation to generation. She worked hard to purchase a house, giving her family the stable home she never had.
Investing in a home for future generations is an act of faith toward a future you don’t yet see. God told the prophet Jeremiah to purchase land just before the violent siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 32:6–12). To the prophet, God’s instructions didn’t make a lot of sense. Soon all their property and belongings would be confiscated.
But God gave Jeremiah this promise: “As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them” (v. 42). The prophet’s investment in property was a physical sign of God’s faithfulness to someday restore the Israelites to their homeland. Even in the midst of a terrible attack, God promised His people that peace would come again—homes and property would be bought and sold again (vv. 43–44).
Today we can put our trust in God’s faithfulness and choose to “invest” in faith. Although we may not see an earthly restoration of every situation, we have the assurance that He’ll someday make everything right.
-- Karen Pimpo; Daily Devotions News & Information
Investing in a home for future generations is an act of faith toward a future you don’t yet see. God told the prophet Jeremiah to purchase land just before the violent siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (Jeremiah 32:6–12). To the prophet, God’s instructions didn’t make a lot of sense. Soon all their property and belongings would be confiscated.
But God gave Jeremiah this promise: “As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them” (v. 42). The prophet’s investment in property was a physical sign of God’s faithfulness to someday restore the Israelites to their homeland. Even in the midst of a terrible attack, God promised His people that peace would come again—homes and property would be bought and sold again (vv. 43–44).
Today we can put our trust in God’s faithfulness and choose to “invest” in faith. Although we may not see an earthly restoration of every situation, we have the assurance that He’ll someday make everything right.
-- Karen Pimpo; Daily Devotions News & Information
==jose pinero=====
Venezuelan Evangelicals respond to US capture of Maduro
Evangelical leaders in Venezuela and abroad reacted to the events with caution and calls for prayer.
In a statement signed by Pastor José G. Piñero, executive director of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela, the organization expressed its concerns for the nation and renewed its calls for prayer and a focus on facilitating peace. "We extend our prayer and solidarity to all brothers and fellow citizens who are going through moments of uncertainty or fear," the Evangelical Council of Venezuela said. "We reaffirm our confidence in the sovereignty of God, who reigns over the nations and guides history according to his eternal purpose."
(Christian Post; 1.3.26) READMORE>>>>>
Evangelical leaders in Venezuela and abroad reacted to the events with caution and calls for prayer.
In a statement signed by Pastor José G. Piñero, executive director of the Evangelical Council of Venezuela, the organization expressed its concerns for the nation and renewed its calls for prayer and a focus on facilitating peace. "We extend our prayer and solidarity to all brothers and fellow citizens who are going through moments of uncertainty or fear," the Evangelical Council of Venezuela said. "We reaffirm our confidence in the sovereignty of God, who reigns over the nations and guides history according to his eternal purpose."
(Christian Post; 1.3.26) READMORE>>>>>
==everett piper======
Everett Piper (born 1959) is an American writer, retired university administrator, and conservative commentator. He is the author of Not a Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth and a columnist for The Washington Times. He served as President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University from August 2002 until his retirement in May of 2019.
January 30, 2023: New Republic reported: “Donald Trump has to go,” conservative evangelical Everett Piper wrote for The Washington Times in November. “If he’s our nominee in 2024, we will get destroyed.” Some of her peers evidently agree. An unnamed evangelical leader told Vanity Fair last month that if Trump wins the GOP nomination, Republicans will “get crushed in the general.” Speaking with The Washington Post, Baptists for Biblical Values founder Brad Cranston disparaged the former president and said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had the “best chance."
May 1, 2023: Raw Story reported: “Dr Everett Piper, the ex-president of a Christian university, in November wrote an op-ed entitled 'It’s time for the GOP to say it: Donald Trump is hurting us, not helping us.' Piper wrote that in the 2022 midterms Trump 'hindered rather than helped the much-anticipated ‘red wave’,' said the report. "Likewise, the Iowa based president and CEO of the Family Leader Bob Vander Plaats, has tweeted about Trump that 'It’s time to turn the page. America must move on. Walk off the stage with class.'"
==vance pitman======
Vance Pitman is the president of North American Mission Board's Send Network. Previously he served as founder and pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 20 years. From a small group of eighteen adults in a living room, Hope's fellowship has grown to 4,000 people in small groups desiring to connect people to live the life of a Jesus follower. Vance holds a bachelor's degree with a major in history and a minor in business management from the University of North Alabama, and a master's degree in divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.
Jan 24, 2023: Sentinel: Dose of Truth
Brown’s remarkable story was used by author Vance Pitman to begin his book, “The Stressless Life.” How we deal with stress is important but tragically, most of us do not handle it well. Consider these troubling statistics from his book and originally reported in a March 2014 Miami Herald article by Deborah Hartz-Seeley entitled, “Chronic Stress Linked to the Six Leading Causes of Death.”
Brown’s remarkable story was used by author Vance Pitman to begin his book, “The Stressless Life.” How we deal with stress is important but tragically, most of us do not handle it well. Consider these troubling statistics from his book and originally reported in a March 2014 Miami Herald article by Deborah Hartz-Seeley entitled, “Chronic Stress Linked to the Six Leading Causes of Death.”
- 43% of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
- 75% to 90% of all visits to doctor’s offices are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
- Stress costs American industries more than $300 billion each year through health-care expenses. (That’s more than the gross domestic product of over 160 nations!)
Dec 28, 2022: Baptist Press: NAMB’s 2022 highlights church planting gains, compassion ministry expansion
Southern Baptists and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) had a record-setting church planting year in 2022 as Send Network entered its next phase of ministry during Vance Pitman’s first year as president of NAMB’s church planting arm.
Southern Baptists and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) had a record-setting church planting year in 2022 as Send Network entered its next phase of ministry during Vance Pitman’s first year as president of NAMB’s church planting arm.
Vance Pitman
“The size of the church does not determine its significance. The size of the mission determines its significance – and the mission is big. Whether your church runs 10 or 10,000, both have the responsibility for the same mission, which is to locally engage their city with the Gospel and globally engage people and nations with the Gospel........Evangelism and missions is not the highest realm of spiritual service. It’s simply the overflow of Christ in us living His life through us. So if I’m not engaged in missions and evangelism, it’s really not a missions and evangelism issue. It’s an issue of Christlikeness in my life being fleshed out....The first followers of Jesus didn’t have influence. They didn’t have resources. They didn’t have money. They didn’t have education. They didn’t have societal prestige. They had none of that. But what they did have is Christ in them and the empowering of the Holy Spirit manifesting the life of Christ through them – and so every one of them embraced the mission personally. Every one of them embraced [the command] that ‘you will be my witnesses...........We’re not a holy huddle in the midst of a dying world. We’re an army that’s been sent out to accomplish a mission that is so much bigger than us. The reality is, God’s alive and at work in the world and he’s invited us to get in on it with Him.” --Vance Pitman; Southern Baptist Texan;
==Cornelius Plantinga======
Rev. Dr. Cornelius Plantinga is Senior Research Fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and president emeritus of Calvin Theological Seminary (2001-2011) where he also served as a professor (1979-1996). Plantinga was Dean of the Chapel at Calvin University from 1996 to 2001. His publications include Morning and Evening Prayers (Eerdmans) and Under the Wings of God (Baker).
Cornelius Plantinga
In the first book of his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion Calvin treats God’s providence. To Calvin, God’s providence for creation is as impressive as creation itself. God launches the creation and then ”sustains, nourishes, and cares for” everything. There is no chance or luck.
How should we creatures receive the knowledge of God’s providence? Calvin sums up his thought in a key sentence: “Therefore no one will weigh God’s providence properly and profitably but him who considers that his business is with his maker [negotium cum Deo] and the Framer of the universe, and with becoming humility submits himself to fear and reverence”.
For us human beings, the proper response to God is humility. Humility fits us, suits us. It’s “becoming” to us, says Calvin. The humble person knows God is their superior and they let God be God. They know the rest of us are on a par with them, and they let us be their equals. Humble people don't pretend to be more than they are.&
Our problem, says Calvin, is that we try to judge God as if God were merely human—as if we had a right to judge God. We should listen to Paul in Rom. 11:33-34: “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and how inscrutable his ways!."
--Cornelius Plantinga; Reformed Worship; Negotium Cum Deo: Our Business is with God 9.18.23
How should we creatures receive the knowledge of God’s providence? Calvin sums up his thought in a key sentence: “Therefore no one will weigh God’s providence properly and profitably but him who considers that his business is with his maker [negotium cum Deo] and the Framer of the universe, and with becoming humility submits himself to fear and reverence”.
For us human beings, the proper response to God is humility. Humility fits us, suits us. It’s “becoming” to us, says Calvin. The humble person knows God is their superior and they let God be God. They know the rest of us are on a par with them, and they let us be their equals. Humble people don't pretend to be more than they are.&
Our problem, says Calvin, is that we try to judge God as if God were merely human—as if we had a right to judge God. We should listen to Paul in Rom. 11:33-34: “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and how inscrutable his ways!."
--Cornelius Plantinga; Reformed Worship; Negotium Cum Deo: Our Business is with God 9.18.23
==daniel ploof======
Daniel Ploof
No matter what difficulties we’re facing, the simple reassurance that tomorrow is a fresh opportunity to begin anew can mean the difference between surviving seasons of trials and tribulations vs. throwing in the towel and surrendering to fear, hopelessness, and despair.
Oftentimes, we become so focused on the storms surrounding us that we lose sight of how temporary they truly are. Yes, we live in a fallen world, and as such, life will bring incredible challenges and pain. However, that does not mean we have any reason to accept final defeat.
Regardless of the destructive waves which crash upon the foundation of our faith, as born-again followers of Jesus Christ, we know our joy will be permanently restored the day we embark upon eternity and see our Savior face to face.
Therefore, it does not matter what afflictions we face in the present or future. For as the writer of Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, tomorrow promises continual blessing to those who place their eternal faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ. --Daniel Ploof; Wilderness Survival; Lamentations 3:22-23 (Faithfulness) 1.25.23
Oftentimes, we become so focused on the storms surrounding us that we lose sight of how temporary they truly are. Yes, we live in a fallen world, and as such, life will bring incredible challenges and pain. However, that does not mean we have any reason to accept final defeat.
Regardless of the destructive waves which crash upon the foundation of our faith, as born-again followers of Jesus Christ, we know our joy will be permanently restored the day we embark upon eternity and see our Savior face to face.
Therefore, it does not matter what afflictions we face in the present or future. For as the writer of Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, tomorrow promises continual blessing to those who place their eternal faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ. --Daniel Ploof; Wilderness Survival; Lamentations 3:22-23 (Faithfulness) 1.25.23
Daniel Ploof
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1–2a).
Our souls crave deeper intimacy with the Lord, but unfortunately, we often don’t know where to begin. We’re pulled in countless directions with busyness to the point where we assume we don’t have any time available to invest into our spiritual growth, but is that entirely true? Does our greatest problem simply boil down to a lack of time or could it actually be a priority issue instead? Do we not have the ability to think creatively and carve out time for God in our daily schedules even if we only have a few minutes?
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
If we’re honest, our struggle is NOT time. Rather, our problem begins and ends with treating our spiritual well-being as a chore. It all comes down to perspective, but our attitude determines our spiritual growth or starvation based on how we view quality time with God. In other words, do we treat spiritual disciplines as burdens we’re expected to do or privileges we get to do? Whether we realize it or not, our souls are crying out for life-giving truth from God’s Word on a daily basis, yet we ignore our hungers pangs and choose to starve instead.
--Daniel Ploof; Wilderness Survival; How to Find Rest for a Weary Soul; 1.25.23
Our souls crave deeper intimacy with the Lord, but unfortunately, we often don’t know where to begin. We’re pulled in countless directions with busyness to the point where we assume we don’t have any time available to invest into our spiritual growth, but is that entirely true? Does our greatest problem simply boil down to a lack of time or could it actually be a priority issue instead? Do we not have the ability to think creatively and carve out time for God in our daily schedules even if we only have a few minutes?
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
If we’re honest, our struggle is NOT time. Rather, our problem begins and ends with treating our spiritual well-being as a chore. It all comes down to perspective, but our attitude determines our spiritual growth or starvation based on how we view quality time with God. In other words, do we treat spiritual disciplines as burdens we’re expected to do or privileges we get to do? Whether we realize it or not, our souls are crying out for life-giving truth from God’s Word on a daily basis, yet we ignore our hungers pangs and choose to starve instead.
--Daniel Ploof; Wilderness Survival; How to Find Rest for a Weary Soul; 1.25.23
