One News Now and Agape Press
Perspectives: Safer sex and responsible drinking messages: Is there a parallel? — 8/22/2007
What happens when someone in broad Christian circles today begins talking boldly and unapologetically against alcohol use? Unfortunately, such is often met with reservation or disdain.
A Baby's Blood Cries Out — 7/26/2007
The website justice4jenna.org describes "an amazing and wonderful" young woman who was a "talented pianist, dancer and singer." The site's photo gallery shows a series of pictures of Jenna Nielsen, 22, as playful and humorous -- someone who obviously relished in being a wife and mother.
What's An 'AWOL Machine'? — 6/29/2007
Ignorance about these popular -- and dangerous -- hand-held alcoholic vaporizers led me to find out more about what they are. Now banned in 22 states, these "ultimate party toys" are being marketed to our young people. Please, get educated about the risk that "AWOL" devices pose -- then do whatever you can to get them banned in your state.
Universal Health Care -- Unbiblical Socialism — 3/21/2007
The prospect of government-funded universal health care is another example of America's departure from its strong Judeo-Christian roots and its love affair with socialism. Economic systems that perpetuate or construct dependence or reward sloth strike at the very heart of what it means to be human.
A Shameful and Humiliating End — 2/3/2007
Those who trust Christ alone for salvation and not their good works, the Bible teaches, are spiritually born anew and come to know Him. All those who trust in their own righteousness — their own merits — as their hope of heaven will at the final Judgment come to a shameful and humiliating end.
A Christian Response to Death Penalty Issues — 1/18/2007
In a day when crime is largely blamed on Freudian and secularist concepts of evil, the biblical doctrine of retribution has fallen on hard times. Yet God has ordained it that when humanity chooses, for whatever reason, to violate His law, a just penalty must be exacted.
Wanted: More Ministers Like Vincent Fields — 12/21/2006
Would that all of America's pastors were like Vincent Fields — spiritual leaders who provide a moral compass for the nation; clergy who are bold enough to say with the prophets of old, "Thus saith the Lord."
He Bought Up the Records — 12/11/2006
God bought up all of life's records and forever put them away — never to be played — for everyone who trusts Him for forgiveness and receives Him as Lord.
Who Shall Care for the Nation's Soul? — 11/3/2006
Make no mistake about it, the November 7 midterm elections are really about to whom Christians will leave the care of America's soul — which begs several questions.
Visiting An 'Old-fashioned Woodshed' — 10/18/2006
Children need to be taught a healthy fear (reverential respect and awe) for God and authority figures in life. No one can better administer these lessons than parents.
The Role of Faith in Conservative American Politics — 10/4/2006
Faith is the source of conservative values. Progressives may often assert that faith is also the premise for their values. But it should be realized, as one author put it, that "progressives embrace the view that 'moral and spiritual truth can only be conditional and relative.'"
Real Hope for Stem-Cell Research — 9/7/2006
It seems that the direction of stem-cell research has turned a corner. Recent research indicates a growing interest in a more ethical approach — perhaps even discomfort with destroying human embryos for stem cells.
Alcohol and the Mel Gibson Saga — 8/22/2006
Mel Gibson's alcohol problem is simply a reflection of a much deeper national issue. As evident in this case, America's focus is blurred by its love for booze.
North Carolina Judge Lowers Great Moral Standard — 7/25/2006
Given an ultimatum, a county employee chose to quit her job instead of marrying her live-in boyfriend or moving out. The ACLU took up the woman's case, a judge ruled in her favor — and the most egregious effect of the ruling was that it lowered a great moral standard.
Out-of-Bounds Campus Drinking — 7/6/2006
Eliminating alcohol outlets, not adding them on college property, is a proven, successful strategy for protecting students.
A Father's Influence Extends to Generations — 6/16/2006
There's no escaping it. Dads either build a place of blessing for their children, or they build a prison. They either grow weeds — or roses.
'Lost' Spells Tragedy — 6/8/2006
Whether it's one's health, mental state, status, job, home, family, friends, etc. — to be "lost" is to be cut off. Apply the word to one's soul and it is the worst of tragedies — to be cut off from God is hell.
When God Wrote His Message In the Sky — 6/1/2006
It seems as though God anticipated the question, as well as sought to answer it, when Pope Benedict recently inquired about God's "silence" during the Holocaust.
Perhaps a Better Prayer — 5/23/2006
Government today has become the opiate of the people. We look to it to solve all our problems — but in doing so we preempt the genius of private enterprise, the power of private charity, and the profound influence of the church.
Before Nicea, the Voice of the Martyrs: 'Jesus Alone Is Lord!' — 5/16/2006
One all-consuming conviction has driven thousands upon thousands of men and women to give their lives in sacrifice for Christ since Christianity's beginning: Jesus is the Lord God Almighty — despite what The Da Vinci Code would want you to believe.
The Gospel of Judas: A Betrayal of the Truth — 4/20/2006
It's being hailed as the greatest archaeological find in the last 60 years. But those who either promote or embrace extra-biblical revelation such as the Gospel of Judas betray the truth, even as the real Judas Himself did, and crucify the Son of God afresh.
Why Such a Hard Time with Miracles? — 4/12/2006
The fact that some miracles — such as those found in Greek and Roman mythology — are counterfeits doesn't mean all are a sham. It's incredibly unscientific to throw out the miracles of the Bible based on "guilt by association."
Seed Magazine Writes About the 'Clergy Letter Project' — 3/31/2006
A recent article in this magazine was skewed, not surprisingly, toward evolution. Only a smidgen of my interview answers were used in the piece — hopefully, God might use the entirety of my response (contained herein) as a means of defending and furthering the truth.
NC Judge Ignores Scandalous Dealings, Dismisses Lottery Lawsuit — 3/28/2006
It was a sad day for justice in North Carolina. Instead it was an illegitimate victory for a legislature that overstepped its constitutional parameters, and for the gambling industry which on Thursday intends to start fleecing the citizens of the Tar Heel State.
The Need for Wisdom in an Age of Intellectual and Spiritual Insanity — 3/20/2006
Never has there been a day when wisdom, both intellectual and practical, was more needed than today. Yet, we're not seeing much wisdom. In fact, we're seeing just the opposite.
Was Jesus Political? — 3/13/2006
The thrust of Christ's ministry was regeneration — the saving of souls. His message was essentially a spiritual one. Nevertheless, when Jesus' message is applied to all of life as He intended, the results are nothing less than revolutionary.
Rebuking the 'Clergy Letter Project' — 2/24/2006
It is most unfortunate so many Christian leaders have concluded that evolution is scientific, whereas creationism and intelligent design are simply religious — when, in fact, evolution is incapable of being scientifically proven.
Comparing Islamic Fascists to Christian Conservatives — 2/13/2006
The media has often compared Christian conservatives in America to violent Islamic radicals. Such comparisons are common today by those on the left, but nothing less than asinine — and recent events on the world stage prove it.
When Bigger is Better — 2/6/2006
Only a nation that has completely embraced contraception would baulk at a couple having more than two or three children, and be absolutely horrified at the thought of having 17 like Vladimir and Zynaida Chernenko. Yet this is the current situation in America.
The Book of Daniel: A Form of Godliness, But Denying the Power — 1/12/2006
Wrapped in the garb of professed good intentions, NBC's The Book of Daniel is really a slight on genuine faith in Christ. It highlights and emphasizes "a form of godliness," but denies the power of the Gospel to transform a life.
O Come, Let Us Ignore Him — 12/16/2005
A message to some of America's mega-churches: What better opportunity to demonstrate "Jesus is the reason for the season" than by being in church on a day when the celebration of Christ's birth happens to fall on a Sunday?
Hawaii Supreme Court: The Unborn Are 'Not Human Beings' — 12/5/2005
The ruling in the case and Hawaii's penal code clearly define personhood on the basis of functionalism. The Holy Scriptures, however, define one's personhood not by what one does but by what one is.
A Lighthouse for the Great Ships of Zion — 11/28/2005
Few sins have done more of late to wreak havoc among God's people as homosexuality. The State Baptist Convention of North Carolina recognizes that, and has essentially agreed that no member church should ever show sympathy to the homosexual agenda.
Prohibition and the Legalization of Drugs — 11/22/2005
It is somewhat ironic that proponents of drug legalization often use the repeal of Prohibition against alcohol sales to bolster their argument. For those who really know the facts, however, fewer examples better refute their position.
Seeing Islam Through 'Condi-Colored Glasses' — 11/8/2005
The fact of the matter is that violent jihad warfare against non-Muslims is at the heart of Islamic theology. And it is the mother of all politically correct myths to believe otherwise.
Riding the Bus as Equals — 11/2/2005
Racism in any form ought not to ever be named among the people of God. By definition racism exalts itself above God and projects itself as God. Still many conservative evangelical churches are some of the most segregated places left in the country.
'Cheap Grace' Is No Grace at All — 10/24/2005
Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined a phrase to address the self-delusion of Lutheran Church members in Germany in his day. In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonohoeffer spoke of those who had only experienced "cheap grace."
Natural Disasters: When Nations Neglect God's Business for Their Own — 10/18/2005
The Old Testament book of Haggai describes a time not unlike ours, when the people of Israel were wondering why so many natural calamities had befallen them. Like us, they had thought of every reason but God.
A Fool Nation — 10/5/2005
It's incredibly moving. Each time I hear it, tears well up in my eyes. I'm talking about Red Skelton's rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance.
North Carolina Enacts a State Lottery — 9/7/2005
The Tarheel State has now entered the gambling business' world of vice and deception. Mark Creech of the North Carolina-based Christian Action League says only a miracle in the courts could possibly change matters.
A Rebuttal, Promises, and Challenge to the Raleigh News and Observer — 8/23/2005
Columnist Mark Creech responds to charges from a North Carolina newspaper that he misinformed readers and thereby created "negative perceptions of traditional media."
God's Name Is Not to Be Misused — 8/1/2005
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." It's the third of God's Ten Commandments and Bill Grantlin, a retired insurance salesman of Raleigh, North Carolina, takes it seriously.
Preaching a 'Celebrity Gospel' — 7/5/2005
A "celebrity gospel" is when a preacher compromises the gospel of Christ in order to achieve or sustain a celebrity status. Columnist Mark Creech offers two examples of preachers he says are proclaiming a celebrity gospel of late.
The Ultimate End of Progressive Thought: Injustice — 6/27/2005
Progressives or liberals have essentially identified justice with material equality. Thus, a "just" society is one where wealth is equally distributed and everyone has access to life's basic needs. This approach, however desirable it may be, cannot possibly be defined as justice.
'Thou Shalt Commit Sexual Immorality' — 6/20/2005
Most people don't usually think of the Bible as a wicked document. But that's exactly what people thought of the 1631 edition of the King James Version. It seems when the printers went to print that particular edition, an error was made, and the word "not" was left out of the Seventh Commandment.
The Cross Is Not a Symbol of Racism — 6/13/2005
Regardless if racism is supported by racial mythology, economic privilege, or even perversions of biblical references to different people groups, God has declared over and again that racism, prejudice, and bigotry are sins.
Despoiling Holy Writ — 6/6/2005
I can't understand why there hasn't been, at least by the Christian church itself, shock and outrage at radical feminism's new translation of the Scriptures that depicts Christ as a woman, named "Judith Christ," and God as a female. Could there be any more open and flagrant despoiling of Holy Writ?
'Let us Vote! Let Us Vote! Let Us Vote!' — 5/24/2005
That was the cry heard outside the North Carolina State Legislature recently during a rally in favor of a State Constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the Tar Heel State.
'The One Supreme Asset of the National Life' — 5/11/2005
Echoing the words of the great preacher Peter Marshall, columnist Mark Creech says "a mother's role in the family is pivotal to the nation." Indeed ... moms are, as Marshall stated, the "keepers of the springs."
A Dark Day for North Carolina — 4/11/2005
It was certainly one of the saddest days of my life. The arguments made by certain lawmakers on the floor of the North Carolina House in favor of the lottery were unbelievably shallow and morally bankrupt!
Which Is the Greater Sin? — 4/4/2005
As the debate for a state-operated lottery in North Carolina intensifies, one rationale by certain lawmakers in favor of the measure contends: "If you think the lottery is sinful, it's more sinful not to educate our children." This approach to morality can be extremely dangerous.
Helping Henry — 3/28/2005
The most critical matter in the debate over an increased cigarette tax still seems to elude most elected officials: the cigarette tax is supposed to be about public health — not new revenue streams, big government, or "no tax hike" pledges.
State-Operated Lotteries: The Sleaze Factor — 3/21/2005
The business of government is to suppress evil, not to supervise it. Yet the argument often made in favor of state-operated lotteries is that the vice of gambling can be managed and made into something virtuous for the public. Hogwash!!!
Be of Good Cheer — 3/14/2005
You know how short of the glory of God you fall. You know it's a laugh to think you can get along in life without Him. It's also a source of endless joy knowing God lovingly rules and reigns in the circumstances of all who put their trust in Christ.
Juvenile Murderers: They Couldn't Have Known Better — 3/7/2005
Tuesday, March 1, 2005, was not a good day for justice. Sally Satel, who is a medical doctor, a practicing psychiatrist, and a lecturer at Yale Medical School, said the decision by the Supreme Court to abolish the death penalty for juveniles was an assault on personal responsibility.
Protecting Christian Health-Care Providers — 3/1/2005
What happens if a pharmacist elects not to sell the "morning-after pill"? If over-the-counter sales of the drug become legal, will they be forced to provide it? Amazingly, pharmacists across the country are already dealing with this issue because they have decided not to fill birth-control pills.
Racism, Abortion and Black Genocide — 2/21/2005
One form of racism that has largely gone unnoticed by the African-American community is abortion. Since Roe v. Wade in 1973, about 15 million African Americans have been removed from the population who can never make any contribution to their race or their country.
'There is a Lad Here' — 2/11/2005
Because of some of their moral practices, the Boy Scouts have been attacked by local governmental bodies, school systems, the United Way and radical groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. Yet in the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus demonstrated that some of the highest hopes of a nation are predicated on the presence of its boys.
Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales Could Prove to Be Disastrous — 1/31/2005
To allow interstate wine sales for wineries that want to directly ship their products would likely produce a host of problems. But the worst of them would certainly be to exacerbate the current dilemma of underage drinking.
The Left's 'Collective Conniption' — 1/26/2005
President Bush recently stated: "I don't see how you can be president, at least from my perspective, without a relationship with the Lord." Were those remarks terribly removed from the statements of previous presidents? Were they far removed from our nation's heritage? Hardly!
The 'Monkey See, Monkey Do' Approach to Science — 1/17/2005
The scientific community and the public educational system have essentially embraced a "monkey see, monkey do" approach to science, which is justified by a court's distortion of the First Amendment that establishes evolutionary humanism as the quasi-official religion of the public schools.
Tsunami — Why God, Why? — 1/10/2005
If God is a loving and merciful God, why would He allow such a disaster? The Scriptures teach God didn't create the world in the state in which it is today; suffering was the result of man's rebellion against God.
Coping with Stress in the New Year — 1/4/2005
It's clear that stress is a killer. The question, however, is what can be done to reduce the ravages of stress? Fortunately, the Bible offers solutions that can be applied here and now.
What's Really Behind the First Noel? — 12/22/2004
Why does the Christmas story hold a place of adoration in the hearts of millions throughout the world? I suggest it is because the evidence in favor of its truth claims far outweighs the declarations of skeptics.
Public Schools: Are They Missing the Baby Jesus? — 12/13/2004
There are few issues more fraught with misunderstanding today than the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and religion. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in what often transpires in the public school system during this season of the year.
Christians Who Gamble Commit a Grievous Sin — 12/6/2004
Just as God would deny anyone the means for entertaining or generating the sin of sexual lust, God would also deny the means for facilitating the sin of covetousness. Gambling is essentially an expression of a covetous spirit.
Forgiveness: No Fishing Allowed — 11/29/2004
Too often, we do "go fishing" for other people's sins. But one of the wonderful aspects of God's forgiveness is that He promises to remember our sins no more. What God forgives, He also forgets.
Thankfulness or Thanklessness: Where Virtue Begins or Ends — 11/22/2004
Cicero once wrote, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but also the parent of all the others." I couldn't agree more with the great philosopher. But if thankfulness is at the heart of all virtue, certainly thanklessness is the mother of all sins.
Helping Cops Keep the Faith — 11/15/2004
A South Carolina police officer, very aware of the pitfalls in the law enforcement field, has accepted what he believes to be a calling from God to help his colleagues fight the frustration and disparagement that comes with time on the beat. His name is Ray Nash.
Freedom's Hardest Work: A Veteran's Day Salute — 11/9/2004
How easy it is to take our freedom for granted! But freedom is not free. It has an exacting price, one that requires the beneficiaries of freedom to do its work.
Forgotten by Men and Nations — 11/1/2004
America is a deeply divided nation. Why are we so fractured? I suggest it is because we no longer have a point of reference for morality. We live in a time when every man does that which is "right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).
No Middle Ground Here — 10/25/2004
The Bible teaches the nation that forgets God shall be turned into hell. Quite frankly, the question every American should be asking this election is this: "Is my vote supporting what God demands of the state?"
Fighting Terrorism: What's at Stake? — 10/18/2004
Critical to understanding the war on terror is the recognition there is a powerful sect of Muslims who are determined to rule the world according to their religious worldview. This worldview is based on the premise there are only two alternatives in life for all "unbelievers": death or slavery.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month — 10/14/2004
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine" (I Tim. 5:17). It's interesting to note that the Bible mentions several groups to whom honor is due, but only one is to receive double honor — those who have been designated by God to teach and lead the church.
A Tragedy the World Does Not Know — 10/4/2004
It's truly disturbing that if we went entirely by the news provided by the mainstream media, we would be convinced the prognosis for success in Iraq is hopeless. But there are sources where the truth is getting out.
Welcoming Life With Cheers — 9/27/2004
The small ad read: "The staff of LeRoy's Keepsake Diamond Center wishes to congratulate our office girl on the birth of her baby boy which weighed in at 18,176 carats." It's hard to understand what might move a woman to throw away something so priceless as a baby.
Protecting the Public from Satan's Smoke — 9/20/2004
Some will argue giving the FDA authority over tobacco sales would give the government too much control. Even some Christians argue in this fashion, saying we need less government not more. But it needs to be remembered that the God-ordained purpose of government, as outlined in Romans 13:1-5, is to protect the welfare of the citizenry and to suppress evil.
North Carolina Death Penalty Moratorium: Is It Really About Fairness and Innocence? — 9/14/2004
While most North Carolinians support capital punishment, the recent release of two death row inmates has caused many to consider the possibility the system is flawed and needs fixing. These concerns, however, are largely based on distortions.
God's Amazing Grace — 9/8/2004
No utterance in all of human language is more beautiful or profound in meaning than the word, grace! How are we to do justice to such a lofty concept as grace? I fear most of us have too high an opinion of ourselves to even understand grace, much less to really appreciate it.
UNC-Chapel Hill: High Priests of the New Tolerance — 8/23/2004
Traditionally, tolerance values, respects, and accepts the views of others without necessarily approving of or participating in their beliefs or behaviors. But today's tolerance advocates that all truth claims are equally valid.
The Inevitable Result of Secular Humanism — 8/17/2004
The rejection of God in our culture has left us looking to the beasts and becoming increasingly like them. Indeed, in our denial of the Creator and His ways, we have suppressed the truth and worshipped the creature. In some respects, we are even worse than animals.
Simply Rearing Pagans — 5/17/2004
Between 12 and 15 million evangelical Christian children attend public schools. If the mass majority of these students were to leave public education, it would cripple the one system that is doing more harm to our nation than any single thing except perhaps the popular media.
The Discovery of Noah's Ark: Would It Be A Sign? — 5/10/2004
Will an expedition this summer actually discover Noah's Ark? No one knows but God. Perhaps it would be a tangible witness to our own coming judgment. It's a principle with God that the more degenerate the times, the more definite the testimony.
Moms Rule — 5/3/2004
It's been said that no other force in life is as great as that of a mother. Truly, a mother's influence can be marvelously seen in the lives of some of the most famous people from every strata of social order.
Church Discipline: An Ignored Truth — 4/27/2004
Church discipline ought to be understood for what it's really about. It's not about hatred or bigotry or punishment or pushing people away from the church. It's really about love — church discipline can and should be a demonstration of affection for congregants who have gotten on the wrong side of life.
What Is Your Ancestry? — 4/20/2004
Believing homosexual behavior is inborn or that we are all the children of God are two critical mistakes that can result in the worst of consequences. They could especially be costly when espoused by someone who might become the leader of the free world.
The Gospel for Skeptics — 4/12/2004
Nearly everyone understands the difference between a believer and a skeptic, but I'm not sure everyone knows the difference between an honest skeptic and a dishonest one.
Decrying the Left's Double Standard — 4/5/2004
Homosexual activists and their sympathizers will whine and cry foul whenever someone gives them a black eye in politics or debate. Yet gay activism should be seen for the aggressor it really is.
The Sexual Assault on America — 3/29/2004
The defying of marriage laws by gays and lesbians in California, New York, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oregon is an attempted gang rape of our culture. Moreover, America demonstrates all the symptoms and needs of a victim of sexual assault.
It's Not the Economy, Stupid! — 3/18/2004
No one can rightly deny the importance of economic matters to the country. However, when a culture measures and considers everything in terms of dollars and cents, it's subject to lose its soul. Bill Clinton is a case in point. No president ever did more to assault American ideals.
No Time to Despair — 3/4/2004
It appears that Christians are losing on nearly every front of the culture war. It looks like we're surrounded on every side and our demise imminent. But there is still enough of a biblical base left among the people of this country that if built upon, matters could be turned around.
The Death of Jesus: Who's Really Responsible? — 2/23/2004
Not since the 1980s, when America's hottest prime-time series depicted the scheming J.R. Ewing getting gunned down by an unidentified assailant, has there been so much interest in "Who dun it?" With the opening of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, the current burning question is: "Who killed Jesus?"
In Pursuit of the New Jerusalem — 2/16/2004
America is deeply indebted to blacks for their leadership in seeking to usher in the New Jerusalem — the city of God — a society where racial equality and oneness prevail. Unfortunately, however, the holy pursuit for the New Jerusalem has often been desecrated. Christians have dishonored it.
The Coming Judgment — 2/9/2004
Possibilities abound in today's world, but genuine certainties are few. Nevertheless, the evil of our day is as certain for judgment as the character of God is holy. God's judgment sometimes comes immediately, other times it's much later; but no unrepentant sinner or culture ever escapes it.
The Da Vinci Code: A Brilliantly Crafted Deception — 1/28/2004
Few things have done more to injure the witness of the Church than attacks on the deity of Christ, the reliability of Scripture, and the rise of feminist ideology. Now these three have been brilliantly combined into one profoundly evil witness in Dan Brown's latest best-seller book, The Da Vinci Code.
Abortion: Striking at the Root of the Problem — 1/19/2004
Most pro-life Protestants today would readily acknowledge certain types of contraception might be wrong, but they would bristle at any suggestion all contraception is wrong. This poses a theological dilemma, as well as a practical one, that's becoming more pervasive on the front lines of the abortion war.
God's Purpose for Governing Authorities — 1/12/2004
From whence does all authority and dominion flow? To what end are all powers appointed and judged of Almighty God? Such questions introduce a concept, which is so far removed from the collective memory of Americans, it sounds like an intrusion of religion into the serenity of a nation that has almost become completely secularized.
The Problem with Profanity — 1/5/2004
The Bible doesn't provide a prohibited vocabulary list, but it does contain guidelines that will assist any person in avoiding speech patterns displeasing to God. Words become profane when sacred meanings are treated in trivial fashion.
Morning-After Pill Should Not Be More Accessible — 12/29/2003
A recent editorial contended the morning-after pill is 'said to be safe with simple directions for use.'" But who is making this assertion? The manufacturer! Is it wise to trust the opinion of a corporation poised to make money from these pills?
No Room for Jesus — 12/23/2003
How often during Christmas we beautify the manger scene. All the while we seem to forget that the Son of God, God's greatest gift to mankind, was made to lie in a filthy feeding trough for cattle because there was no room for Him in the inn or the hearts of men.
Holiday Depression and Suicide — 12/15/2003
Depression and the thought of ending one's life can be pervasive. We all have the choice, as Hamlet said, 'to be or not to be.' But God's call to each of us is clear: He wants us 'to be.' No matter how bleak the situation, there is always hope because there is always God.
What to Do With Santa Claus — 12/1/2003
How should Christians deal with the Santa Claus phenomena? Is Santa harmless or hell spawn? Is the jolly old elf in the red suit pure paganism foisted on an unsuspecting populace? Or does he have Christian roots?
Lest We Be Worse Than Infidels — 12/1/2003
In 1778 George Washington wrote a letter to Thomas Nelson, Jr. citing God's divine intervention in the founding of our nation. "The hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this," he wrote, "that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."
Ruled by God or Tyrants? — 11/18/2003
How does religious liberty fare in the United States today? Not very well!
Women Shouldn't Be Required to Register for the Draft — 11/10/2003
Are men such wimps today that none are outraged enough to rise up and defend their wives, their sweethearts, their daughters, against those who would send them into harm's way? Advocating that women register for the draft is a life-threatening — as well as a family-threatening — danger to every young girl who is of draft age now or in the future.
Protecting Yourself from the 'Culture of Death' — 11/3/2003
We should have known when we devalued life by declaring a defenseless unborn baby vulnerable to the abortionist's knife, it wouldn't be long before a court would casually sentence a defenseless and ailing adult to die by malnutrition.
It's Time We Stop Being So Sensitive About the Crusades — 10/21/2003
Without question, abuses and atrocities were committed during the Crusades, and virtually all Westerners have learned to apologize for them. But less noted is that the Crusades have an Islamic counterpart for which no one is apologizing and most are even unaware.
All You Need Is Love? — 10/14/2003
Love is not some subjective principle by which we excuse our self-centered passions, but a specific ordering of our lives according to God's commandments. I don't deny many homosexuals feel deeply for their partners; however, I do assert that theirs is a distortion of love that God summarily rejects.
A Spiritual Response to Mexican Immigration — 10/6/2003
Could the Great Commission of Christ offer a solution to the current Mexican immigration crisis? What is desperately needed is for more Spanish-speaking American missionaries to go to Mexico and evangelize.
America's Youth Have a Drinking Problem — 9/22/2003
Just as we teach our children that discretion is the better part of valor, we should also teach them that abstinence from alcohol is the better part of wisdom. This means some parents will need to go to the refrigerator or the liquor cabinet and then make use of the kitchen sink.
Sound Economic Thinking: Lest We Forget — 9/15/2003
Whenever any system of thought violates the tenets of God's Word, whether religious, political, or economic, it is destined to cause much harm.
Prophesy to the Dry Bones — 9/8/2003
It is the preaching of the Word of God that people need. And it is the preaching of the Word of God that changes nations.
Southern Baptist Leaders Should Correct Their Course — 9/2/2003
Columnist Mark Creech highly regards both fellow Southern Baptists Dr. Richard Land and Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., as spiritual giants in our time. But he says he cannot remain silent about their position on Judge Roy Moore's act of civil disobedience. Creech urges Southern Baptists not to embrace their arguments.
How Did Mainline Churches Get This Way? — 8/25/2003
Many of our mainline churches have nibbled their way to lostness today. Through the decades they have slowly and incrementally moved from one tuft of disbelief to the next, never noticing how far from home they've managed to end up.
No Longer Will There Be Freedom but Tyranny — 8/18/2003
The case of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is a watershed issue for the nation. If Moore's cause, which ought to be the cause of all Americans, does not succeed; then our nation will be destined to live within the boundaries of legal relativism.
The Church, the Culture War and Success — 8/11/2003
Today's preoccupation with success has so corrupted the Church's vision that we struggle mightily to fearlessly represent Christ and His purposes in the world. We are not to be concerned with winning, but with being obedient.
Divorce, Unequal Yokes, and Redefining Marriage — 7/28/2003
For a believer to be yoked in marriage to an unbeliever is cruel. By definition alone, Christians and non-Christians are pulling in different directions. Marriage between the two is not only a poor working relationship, but inevitably becomes a source of anguish for both partners.
The Inseparable Twins: Truth and Love — 7/15/2003
Our culture has a very shallow and irresponsible view of love. Love is commonly associated with peace, cooperation and understanding. Instead, love should be seen for what it really is — a very difficult and self-sacrificing act.
When Children Take Flight: A Father's Perspective — 7/7/2003
Parents love their children. And we're reluctant to turn loose of them when its their time to go. Nevertheless, leaving home is a critical time for our children — and the way Dad responds can make a tremendous difference.
Encouraged by the Presence of Apostasy — 6/30/2003
Few things are as repugnant as betrayal, but it is very common in history. Even the church of Jesus Christ has had its traitors. In fact, today there is an entire "fifth column" within the church that attacks the authority of Scripture, denies basic Bible doctrine, and sows division.
The Real Cause of Homosexuality — 6/18/2003
Various myths about homosexuality have been espoused in recent years and none is more ubiquitous than the argument that homosexuality is genetically endowed. However, this position is not only without strong scientific support, Scripture also refutes it. The Bible is clear: our bodies can never make us sin.
Greed: The Modus Operandi — 6/9/2003
Most of our lawmakers demonstrate time and again they are simply a reflection of our society's materialistic way of life. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that greed is at the heart of our economic system in its present form.
The Church and Alcohol: Time to Break the Silence — 6/2/2003
To be an evangelical is no longer the equivalent of being a teetotaler. Today one half of all ordained ministers drink, and one third of all active churchgoers drink.
Death Penalty Moratorium Debate — 5/19/2003
Opponents of the death penalty equate execution and murder, believing if two acts have the same ending, then those two acts are morally equivalent. But this position isn't morally tenable.
The Wives of Weinsberg — 5/9/2003
There has never been a time in the history of our nation when there was a greater need for women like the wives of Weinsburg. I say that America's fate rests squarely on the backs of its wives and mothers.
Are You a Good Person? — 5/2/2003
People perform "good works" for all sorts of reasons. But unless the act is done out of a heart purified by faith and solely for the glory of God, it doesn't pass the test for what is good. The motive makes all the difference — and the non-Christian doesn't have the spiritual capacity to meet this standard.
Mastering the Majors — 4/21/2003
Someone once said there are two kinds of Christians: those who major on the minors and those who minor on the majors. But at the risk of sounding terribly negative, I've found that most who profess to be Christian have never even grasped the majors, much less the minors.
In Preference to Evil — 4/4/2003
Never has there been a time in history when Americans could be more proud of their Commander-in-Chief and their military forces. But some seem to have lost their ability to discern between good and evil. What is more, they pursue evil in preference to good.
Politics, War, and the American Pulpit — 3/26/2003
It deeply troubles me that most American pastors today don't understand the urgency of taking up social issues from the pulpit. Yes, some will become angry and offended. Most, however, will greatly appreciate and benefit from it.
Should the Church Accept Lottery Winnings? (Part 2) — 3/13/2003
Churches may take lottery winnings if they want. But you can be certain when they do, the world will say, "Ah hah, you see that? They rail against the evils of gambling. Yet gambling enriches them." How sad when we trade souls for spoils.
'Be Prepared, Not Afraid' — 2/28/2003
No fear is no more advantageous than the fear of God, a reverential awe and respect for the One who made us. The kind of fear that burdens, however, is altogether different.
What's a Good President to Do? — 2/20/2003
No sane person ever wants war. As Gen. William T. Sherman said, "War is hell!" War typically creates more evils than it cures, but war against evil cannot always be avoided. In light of this, what's a good President to do?
Should the Church Accept Lottery Winnings? — 2/12/2003
The fact that churches and Christian organizations would even consider accepting gifts from lottery winnings clearly demonstrates how the church has weakened in its opposition to gambling. Have we forgotten that lotteries are a form of gambling, and that gambling is a sin that destroys thousands of lives?
Stop Alcohol Tax Rollbacks — 2/3/2003
We hold the tobacco industry liable for the health crisis they create, and motor vehicle manufacturers accountable when their faulty products cause injury or death. Yet the alcohol industry — an industry whose product ruins and kills thousands annually — is winked at by lawmakers and favored with huge proposed tax cuts.
God's Covenant with America — 1/29/2003
The covenant God made with Israel is recorded in Deuteronomy 8:7-20. Perhaps an Americanized paraphrase of that covenant might help us to better understand where our nation currently stands with the Almighty.
Is Jesus the Only Way to God? — 1/15/2003
To the surprise of many, the belief that Jesus is the only way did not originate with divisive people who wanted the wrath of God to fall on those who disagreed. The claim actually came from Jesus and was repeated by His apostles.
Another Eugenics Nightmare — 1/2/2003
What began in the U.S. and England a generation earlier was pursued in earnest by Nazi Germany during World War II. The eugenics movement of Nazi Germany was the application of a philosophy behind the holocaust of the Jews. Without question, we are rapidly moving toward another eugenics nightmare worse than the first.
Judging Trent Lott — 12/17/2002
J. Hudson Taylor once said the "habit of judging and condemning others can be a more serious blemish than the things we so glibly point out as others' faults." The current fiasco concerning Senator Trent Lott is a perfect case in point.
Is Islam Really a Religion of Peace? — 9/18/2002
Muhammad came to shed blood and slaughter those who disagreed with him. Christ came to shed his own blood to seek and save those who rejected Him. Muhammad forced Islam upon thousands. Christ never coerced anyone. He simply beckoned all to believe.
What happens when someone in broad Christian circles today begins talking boldly and unapologetically against alcohol use? Unfortunately, such is often met with reservation or disdain.
A Baby's Blood Cries Out — 7/26/2007
The website justice4jenna.org describes "an amazing and wonderful" young woman who was a "talented pianist, dancer and singer." The site's photo gallery shows a series of pictures of Jenna Nielsen, 22, as playful and humorous -- someone who obviously relished in being a wife and mother.
What's An 'AWOL Machine'? — 6/29/2007
Ignorance about these popular -- and dangerous -- hand-held alcoholic vaporizers led me to find out more about what they are. Now banned in 22 states, these "ultimate party toys" are being marketed to our young people. Please, get educated about the risk that "AWOL" devices pose -- then do whatever you can to get them banned in your state.
Universal Health Care -- Unbiblical Socialism — 3/21/2007
The prospect of government-funded universal health care is another example of America's departure from its strong Judeo-Christian roots and its love affair with socialism. Economic systems that perpetuate or construct dependence or reward sloth strike at the very heart of what it means to be human.
A Shameful and Humiliating End — 2/3/2007
Those who trust Christ alone for salvation and not their good works, the Bible teaches, are spiritually born anew and come to know Him. All those who trust in their own righteousness — their own merits — as their hope of heaven will at the final Judgment come to a shameful and humiliating end.
A Christian Response to Death Penalty Issues — 1/18/2007
In a day when crime is largely blamed on Freudian and secularist concepts of evil, the biblical doctrine of retribution has fallen on hard times. Yet God has ordained it that when humanity chooses, for whatever reason, to violate His law, a just penalty must be exacted.
Wanted: More Ministers Like Vincent Fields — 12/21/2006
Would that all of America's pastors were like Vincent Fields — spiritual leaders who provide a moral compass for the nation; clergy who are bold enough to say with the prophets of old, "Thus saith the Lord."
He Bought Up the Records — 12/11/2006
God bought up all of life's records and forever put them away — never to be played — for everyone who trusts Him for forgiveness and receives Him as Lord.
Who Shall Care for the Nation's Soul? — 11/3/2006
Make no mistake about it, the November 7 midterm elections are really about to whom Christians will leave the care of America's soul — which begs several questions.
Visiting An 'Old-fashioned Woodshed' — 10/18/2006
Children need to be taught a healthy fear (reverential respect and awe) for God and authority figures in life. No one can better administer these lessons than parents.
The Role of Faith in Conservative American Politics — 10/4/2006
Faith is the source of conservative values. Progressives may often assert that faith is also the premise for their values. But it should be realized, as one author put it, that "progressives embrace the view that 'moral and spiritual truth can only be conditional and relative.'"
Real Hope for Stem-Cell Research — 9/7/2006
It seems that the direction of stem-cell research has turned a corner. Recent research indicates a growing interest in a more ethical approach — perhaps even discomfort with destroying human embryos for stem cells.
Alcohol and the Mel Gibson Saga — 8/22/2006
Mel Gibson's alcohol problem is simply a reflection of a much deeper national issue. As evident in this case, America's focus is blurred by its love for booze.
North Carolina Judge Lowers Great Moral Standard — 7/25/2006
Given an ultimatum, a county employee chose to quit her job instead of marrying her live-in boyfriend or moving out. The ACLU took up the woman's case, a judge ruled in her favor — and the most egregious effect of the ruling was that it lowered a great moral standard.
Out-of-Bounds Campus Drinking — 7/6/2006
Eliminating alcohol outlets, not adding them on college property, is a proven, successful strategy for protecting students.
A Father's Influence Extends to Generations — 6/16/2006
There's no escaping it. Dads either build a place of blessing for their children, or they build a prison. They either grow weeds — or roses.
'Lost' Spells Tragedy — 6/8/2006
Whether it's one's health, mental state, status, job, home, family, friends, etc. — to be "lost" is to be cut off. Apply the word to one's soul and it is the worst of tragedies — to be cut off from God is hell.
When God Wrote His Message In the Sky — 6/1/2006
It seems as though God anticipated the question, as well as sought to answer it, when Pope Benedict recently inquired about God's "silence" during the Holocaust.
Perhaps a Better Prayer — 5/23/2006
Government today has become the opiate of the people. We look to it to solve all our problems — but in doing so we preempt the genius of private enterprise, the power of private charity, and the profound influence of the church.
Before Nicea, the Voice of the Martyrs: 'Jesus Alone Is Lord!' — 5/16/2006
One all-consuming conviction has driven thousands upon thousands of men and women to give their lives in sacrifice for Christ since Christianity's beginning: Jesus is the Lord God Almighty — despite what The Da Vinci Code would want you to believe.
The Gospel of Judas: A Betrayal of the Truth — 4/20/2006
It's being hailed as the greatest archaeological find in the last 60 years. But those who either promote or embrace extra-biblical revelation such as the Gospel of Judas betray the truth, even as the real Judas Himself did, and crucify the Son of God afresh.
Why Such a Hard Time with Miracles? — 4/12/2006
The fact that some miracles — such as those found in Greek and Roman mythology — are counterfeits doesn't mean all are a sham. It's incredibly unscientific to throw out the miracles of the Bible based on "guilt by association."
Seed Magazine Writes About the 'Clergy Letter Project' — 3/31/2006
A recent article in this magazine was skewed, not surprisingly, toward evolution. Only a smidgen of my interview answers were used in the piece — hopefully, God might use the entirety of my response (contained herein) as a means of defending and furthering the truth.
NC Judge Ignores Scandalous Dealings, Dismisses Lottery Lawsuit — 3/28/2006
It was a sad day for justice in North Carolina. Instead it was an illegitimate victory for a legislature that overstepped its constitutional parameters, and for the gambling industry which on Thursday intends to start fleecing the citizens of the Tar Heel State.
The Need for Wisdom in an Age of Intellectual and Spiritual Insanity — 3/20/2006
Never has there been a day when wisdom, both intellectual and practical, was more needed than today. Yet, we're not seeing much wisdom. In fact, we're seeing just the opposite.
Was Jesus Political? — 3/13/2006
The thrust of Christ's ministry was regeneration — the saving of souls. His message was essentially a spiritual one. Nevertheless, when Jesus' message is applied to all of life as He intended, the results are nothing less than revolutionary.
Rebuking the 'Clergy Letter Project' — 2/24/2006
It is most unfortunate so many Christian leaders have concluded that evolution is scientific, whereas creationism and intelligent design are simply religious — when, in fact, evolution is incapable of being scientifically proven.
Comparing Islamic Fascists to Christian Conservatives — 2/13/2006
The media has often compared Christian conservatives in America to violent Islamic radicals. Such comparisons are common today by those on the left, but nothing less than asinine — and recent events on the world stage prove it.
When Bigger is Better — 2/6/2006
Only a nation that has completely embraced contraception would baulk at a couple having more than two or three children, and be absolutely horrified at the thought of having 17 like Vladimir and Zynaida Chernenko. Yet this is the current situation in America.
The Book of Daniel: A Form of Godliness, But Denying the Power — 1/12/2006
Wrapped in the garb of professed good intentions, NBC's The Book of Daniel is really a slight on genuine faith in Christ. It highlights and emphasizes "a form of godliness," but denies the power of the Gospel to transform a life.
O Come, Let Us Ignore Him — 12/16/2005
A message to some of America's mega-churches: What better opportunity to demonstrate "Jesus is the reason for the season" than by being in church on a day when the celebration of Christ's birth happens to fall on a Sunday?
Hawaii Supreme Court: The Unborn Are 'Not Human Beings' — 12/5/2005
The ruling in the case and Hawaii's penal code clearly define personhood on the basis of functionalism. The Holy Scriptures, however, define one's personhood not by what one does but by what one is.
A Lighthouse for the Great Ships of Zion — 11/28/2005
Few sins have done more of late to wreak havoc among God's people as homosexuality. The State Baptist Convention of North Carolina recognizes that, and has essentially agreed that no member church should ever show sympathy to the homosexual agenda.
Prohibition and the Legalization of Drugs — 11/22/2005
It is somewhat ironic that proponents of drug legalization often use the repeal of Prohibition against alcohol sales to bolster their argument. For those who really know the facts, however, fewer examples better refute their position.
Seeing Islam Through 'Condi-Colored Glasses' — 11/8/2005
The fact of the matter is that violent jihad warfare against non-Muslims is at the heart of Islamic theology. And it is the mother of all politically correct myths to believe otherwise.
Riding the Bus as Equals — 11/2/2005
Racism in any form ought not to ever be named among the people of God. By definition racism exalts itself above God and projects itself as God. Still many conservative evangelical churches are some of the most segregated places left in the country.
'Cheap Grace' Is No Grace at All — 10/24/2005
Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined a phrase to address the self-delusion of Lutheran Church members in Germany in his day. In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonohoeffer spoke of those who had only experienced "cheap grace."
Natural Disasters: When Nations Neglect God's Business for Their Own — 10/18/2005
The Old Testament book of Haggai describes a time not unlike ours, when the people of Israel were wondering why so many natural calamities had befallen them. Like us, they had thought of every reason but God.
A Fool Nation — 10/5/2005
It's incredibly moving. Each time I hear it, tears well up in my eyes. I'm talking about Red Skelton's rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance.
North Carolina Enacts a State Lottery — 9/7/2005
The Tarheel State has now entered the gambling business' world of vice and deception. Mark Creech of the North Carolina-based Christian Action League says only a miracle in the courts could possibly change matters.
A Rebuttal, Promises, and Challenge to the Raleigh News and Observer — 8/23/2005
Columnist Mark Creech responds to charges from a North Carolina newspaper that he misinformed readers and thereby created "negative perceptions of traditional media."
God's Name Is Not to Be Misused — 8/1/2005
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." It's the third of God's Ten Commandments and Bill Grantlin, a retired insurance salesman of Raleigh, North Carolina, takes it seriously.
Preaching a 'Celebrity Gospel' — 7/5/2005
A "celebrity gospel" is when a preacher compromises the gospel of Christ in order to achieve or sustain a celebrity status. Columnist Mark Creech offers two examples of preachers he says are proclaiming a celebrity gospel of late.
The Ultimate End of Progressive Thought: Injustice — 6/27/2005
Progressives or liberals have essentially identified justice with material equality. Thus, a "just" society is one where wealth is equally distributed and everyone has access to life's basic needs. This approach, however desirable it may be, cannot possibly be defined as justice.
'Thou Shalt Commit Sexual Immorality' — 6/20/2005
Most people don't usually think of the Bible as a wicked document. But that's exactly what people thought of the 1631 edition of the King James Version. It seems when the printers went to print that particular edition, an error was made, and the word "not" was left out of the Seventh Commandment.
The Cross Is Not a Symbol of Racism — 6/13/2005
Regardless if racism is supported by racial mythology, economic privilege, or even perversions of biblical references to different people groups, God has declared over and again that racism, prejudice, and bigotry are sins.
Despoiling Holy Writ — 6/6/2005
I can't understand why there hasn't been, at least by the Christian church itself, shock and outrage at radical feminism's new translation of the Scriptures that depicts Christ as a woman, named "Judith Christ," and God as a female. Could there be any more open and flagrant despoiling of Holy Writ?
'Let us Vote! Let Us Vote! Let Us Vote!' — 5/24/2005
That was the cry heard outside the North Carolina State Legislature recently during a rally in favor of a State Constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the Tar Heel State.
'The One Supreme Asset of the National Life' — 5/11/2005
Echoing the words of the great preacher Peter Marshall, columnist Mark Creech says "a mother's role in the family is pivotal to the nation." Indeed ... moms are, as Marshall stated, the "keepers of the springs."
A Dark Day for North Carolina — 4/11/2005
It was certainly one of the saddest days of my life. The arguments made by certain lawmakers on the floor of the North Carolina House in favor of the lottery were unbelievably shallow and morally bankrupt!
Which Is the Greater Sin? — 4/4/2005
As the debate for a state-operated lottery in North Carolina intensifies, one rationale by certain lawmakers in favor of the measure contends: "If you think the lottery is sinful, it's more sinful not to educate our children." This approach to morality can be extremely dangerous.
Helping Henry — 3/28/2005
The most critical matter in the debate over an increased cigarette tax still seems to elude most elected officials: the cigarette tax is supposed to be about public health — not new revenue streams, big government, or "no tax hike" pledges.
State-Operated Lotteries: The Sleaze Factor — 3/21/2005
The business of government is to suppress evil, not to supervise it. Yet the argument often made in favor of state-operated lotteries is that the vice of gambling can be managed and made into something virtuous for the public. Hogwash!!!
Be of Good Cheer — 3/14/2005
You know how short of the glory of God you fall. You know it's a laugh to think you can get along in life without Him. It's also a source of endless joy knowing God lovingly rules and reigns in the circumstances of all who put their trust in Christ.
Juvenile Murderers: They Couldn't Have Known Better — 3/7/2005
Tuesday, March 1, 2005, was not a good day for justice. Sally Satel, who is a medical doctor, a practicing psychiatrist, and a lecturer at Yale Medical School, said the decision by the Supreme Court to abolish the death penalty for juveniles was an assault on personal responsibility.
Protecting Christian Health-Care Providers — 3/1/2005
What happens if a pharmacist elects not to sell the "morning-after pill"? If over-the-counter sales of the drug become legal, will they be forced to provide it? Amazingly, pharmacists across the country are already dealing with this issue because they have decided not to fill birth-control pills.
Racism, Abortion and Black Genocide — 2/21/2005
One form of racism that has largely gone unnoticed by the African-American community is abortion. Since Roe v. Wade in 1973, about 15 million African Americans have been removed from the population who can never make any contribution to their race or their country.
'There is a Lad Here' — 2/11/2005
Because of some of their moral practices, the Boy Scouts have been attacked by local governmental bodies, school systems, the United Way and radical groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. Yet in the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus demonstrated that some of the highest hopes of a nation are predicated on the presence of its boys.
Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales Could Prove to Be Disastrous — 1/31/2005
To allow interstate wine sales for wineries that want to directly ship their products would likely produce a host of problems. But the worst of them would certainly be to exacerbate the current dilemma of underage drinking.
The Left's 'Collective Conniption' — 1/26/2005
President Bush recently stated: "I don't see how you can be president, at least from my perspective, without a relationship with the Lord." Were those remarks terribly removed from the statements of previous presidents? Were they far removed from our nation's heritage? Hardly!
The 'Monkey See, Monkey Do' Approach to Science — 1/17/2005
The scientific community and the public educational system have essentially embraced a "monkey see, monkey do" approach to science, which is justified by a court's distortion of the First Amendment that establishes evolutionary humanism as the quasi-official religion of the public schools.
Tsunami — Why God, Why? — 1/10/2005
If God is a loving and merciful God, why would He allow such a disaster? The Scriptures teach God didn't create the world in the state in which it is today; suffering was the result of man's rebellion against God.
Coping with Stress in the New Year — 1/4/2005
It's clear that stress is a killer. The question, however, is what can be done to reduce the ravages of stress? Fortunately, the Bible offers solutions that can be applied here and now.
What's Really Behind the First Noel? — 12/22/2004
Why does the Christmas story hold a place of adoration in the hearts of millions throughout the world? I suggest it is because the evidence in favor of its truth claims far outweighs the declarations of skeptics.
Public Schools: Are They Missing the Baby Jesus? — 12/13/2004
There are few issues more fraught with misunderstanding today than the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and religion. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in what often transpires in the public school system during this season of the year.
Christians Who Gamble Commit a Grievous Sin — 12/6/2004
Just as God would deny anyone the means for entertaining or generating the sin of sexual lust, God would also deny the means for facilitating the sin of covetousness. Gambling is essentially an expression of a covetous spirit.
Forgiveness: No Fishing Allowed — 11/29/2004
Too often, we do "go fishing" for other people's sins. But one of the wonderful aspects of God's forgiveness is that He promises to remember our sins no more. What God forgives, He also forgets.
Thankfulness or Thanklessness: Where Virtue Begins or Ends — 11/22/2004
Cicero once wrote, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but also the parent of all the others." I couldn't agree more with the great philosopher. But if thankfulness is at the heart of all virtue, certainly thanklessness is the mother of all sins.
Helping Cops Keep the Faith — 11/15/2004
A South Carolina police officer, very aware of the pitfalls in the law enforcement field, has accepted what he believes to be a calling from God to help his colleagues fight the frustration and disparagement that comes with time on the beat. His name is Ray Nash.
Freedom's Hardest Work: A Veteran's Day Salute — 11/9/2004
How easy it is to take our freedom for granted! But freedom is not free. It has an exacting price, one that requires the beneficiaries of freedom to do its work.
Forgotten by Men and Nations — 11/1/2004
America is a deeply divided nation. Why are we so fractured? I suggest it is because we no longer have a point of reference for morality. We live in a time when every man does that which is "right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6).
No Middle Ground Here — 10/25/2004
The Bible teaches the nation that forgets God shall be turned into hell. Quite frankly, the question every American should be asking this election is this: "Is my vote supporting what God demands of the state?"
Fighting Terrorism: What's at Stake? — 10/18/2004
Critical to understanding the war on terror is the recognition there is a powerful sect of Muslims who are determined to rule the world according to their religious worldview. This worldview is based on the premise there are only two alternatives in life for all "unbelievers": death or slavery.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month — 10/14/2004
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine" (I Tim. 5:17). It's interesting to note that the Bible mentions several groups to whom honor is due, but only one is to receive double honor — those who have been designated by God to teach and lead the church.
A Tragedy the World Does Not Know — 10/4/2004
It's truly disturbing that if we went entirely by the news provided by the mainstream media, we would be convinced the prognosis for success in Iraq is hopeless. But there are sources where the truth is getting out.
Welcoming Life With Cheers — 9/27/2004
The small ad read: "The staff of LeRoy's Keepsake Diamond Center wishes to congratulate our office girl on the birth of her baby boy which weighed in at 18,176 carats." It's hard to understand what might move a woman to throw away something so priceless as a baby.
Protecting the Public from Satan's Smoke — 9/20/2004
Some will argue giving the FDA authority over tobacco sales would give the government too much control. Even some Christians argue in this fashion, saying we need less government not more. But it needs to be remembered that the God-ordained purpose of government, as outlined in Romans 13:1-5, is to protect the welfare of the citizenry and to suppress evil.
North Carolina Death Penalty Moratorium: Is It Really About Fairness and Innocence? — 9/14/2004
While most North Carolinians support capital punishment, the recent release of two death row inmates has caused many to consider the possibility the system is flawed and needs fixing. These concerns, however, are largely based on distortions.
God's Amazing Grace — 9/8/2004
No utterance in all of human language is more beautiful or profound in meaning than the word, grace! How are we to do justice to such a lofty concept as grace? I fear most of us have too high an opinion of ourselves to even understand grace, much less to really appreciate it.
UNC-Chapel Hill: High Priests of the New Tolerance — 8/23/2004
Traditionally, tolerance values, respects, and accepts the views of others without necessarily approving of or participating in their beliefs or behaviors. But today's tolerance advocates that all truth claims are equally valid.
The Inevitable Result of Secular Humanism — 8/17/2004
The rejection of God in our culture has left us looking to the beasts and becoming increasingly like them. Indeed, in our denial of the Creator and His ways, we have suppressed the truth and worshipped the creature. In some respects, we are even worse than animals.
Simply Rearing Pagans — 5/17/2004
Between 12 and 15 million evangelical Christian children attend public schools. If the mass majority of these students were to leave public education, it would cripple the one system that is doing more harm to our nation than any single thing except perhaps the popular media.
The Discovery of Noah's Ark: Would It Be A Sign? — 5/10/2004
Will an expedition this summer actually discover Noah's Ark? No one knows but God. Perhaps it would be a tangible witness to our own coming judgment. It's a principle with God that the more degenerate the times, the more definite the testimony.
Moms Rule — 5/3/2004
It's been said that no other force in life is as great as that of a mother. Truly, a mother's influence can be marvelously seen in the lives of some of the most famous people from every strata of social order.
Church Discipline: An Ignored Truth — 4/27/2004
Church discipline ought to be understood for what it's really about. It's not about hatred or bigotry or punishment or pushing people away from the church. It's really about love — church discipline can and should be a demonstration of affection for congregants who have gotten on the wrong side of life.
What Is Your Ancestry? — 4/20/2004
Believing homosexual behavior is inborn or that we are all the children of God are two critical mistakes that can result in the worst of consequences. They could especially be costly when espoused by someone who might become the leader of the free world.
The Gospel for Skeptics — 4/12/2004
Nearly everyone understands the difference between a believer and a skeptic, but I'm not sure everyone knows the difference between an honest skeptic and a dishonest one.
Decrying the Left's Double Standard — 4/5/2004
Homosexual activists and their sympathizers will whine and cry foul whenever someone gives them a black eye in politics or debate. Yet gay activism should be seen for the aggressor it really is.
The Sexual Assault on America — 3/29/2004
The defying of marriage laws by gays and lesbians in California, New York, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oregon is an attempted gang rape of our culture. Moreover, America demonstrates all the symptoms and needs of a victim of sexual assault.
It's Not the Economy, Stupid! — 3/18/2004
No one can rightly deny the importance of economic matters to the country. However, when a culture measures and considers everything in terms of dollars and cents, it's subject to lose its soul. Bill Clinton is a case in point. No president ever did more to assault American ideals.
No Time to Despair — 3/4/2004
It appears that Christians are losing on nearly every front of the culture war. It looks like we're surrounded on every side and our demise imminent. But there is still enough of a biblical base left among the people of this country that if built upon, matters could be turned around.
The Death of Jesus: Who's Really Responsible? — 2/23/2004
Not since the 1980s, when America's hottest prime-time series depicted the scheming J.R. Ewing getting gunned down by an unidentified assailant, has there been so much interest in "Who dun it?" With the opening of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, the current burning question is: "Who killed Jesus?"
In Pursuit of the New Jerusalem — 2/16/2004
America is deeply indebted to blacks for their leadership in seeking to usher in the New Jerusalem — the city of God — a society where racial equality and oneness prevail. Unfortunately, however, the holy pursuit for the New Jerusalem has often been desecrated. Christians have dishonored it.
The Coming Judgment — 2/9/2004
Possibilities abound in today's world, but genuine certainties are few. Nevertheless, the evil of our day is as certain for judgment as the character of God is holy. God's judgment sometimes comes immediately, other times it's much later; but no unrepentant sinner or culture ever escapes it.
The Da Vinci Code: A Brilliantly Crafted Deception — 1/28/2004
Few things have done more to injure the witness of the Church than attacks on the deity of Christ, the reliability of Scripture, and the rise of feminist ideology. Now these three have been brilliantly combined into one profoundly evil witness in Dan Brown's latest best-seller book, The Da Vinci Code.
Abortion: Striking at the Root of the Problem — 1/19/2004
Most pro-life Protestants today would readily acknowledge certain types of contraception might be wrong, but they would bristle at any suggestion all contraception is wrong. This poses a theological dilemma, as well as a practical one, that's becoming more pervasive on the front lines of the abortion war.
God's Purpose for Governing Authorities — 1/12/2004
From whence does all authority and dominion flow? To what end are all powers appointed and judged of Almighty God? Such questions introduce a concept, which is so far removed from the collective memory of Americans, it sounds like an intrusion of religion into the serenity of a nation that has almost become completely secularized.
The Problem with Profanity — 1/5/2004
The Bible doesn't provide a prohibited vocabulary list, but it does contain guidelines that will assist any person in avoiding speech patterns displeasing to God. Words become profane when sacred meanings are treated in trivial fashion.
Morning-After Pill Should Not Be More Accessible — 12/29/2003
A recent editorial contended the morning-after pill is 'said to be safe with simple directions for use.'" But who is making this assertion? The manufacturer! Is it wise to trust the opinion of a corporation poised to make money from these pills?
No Room for Jesus — 12/23/2003
How often during Christmas we beautify the manger scene. All the while we seem to forget that the Son of God, God's greatest gift to mankind, was made to lie in a filthy feeding trough for cattle because there was no room for Him in the inn or the hearts of men.
Holiday Depression and Suicide — 12/15/2003
Depression and the thought of ending one's life can be pervasive. We all have the choice, as Hamlet said, 'to be or not to be.' But God's call to each of us is clear: He wants us 'to be.' No matter how bleak the situation, there is always hope because there is always God.
What to Do With Santa Claus — 12/1/2003
How should Christians deal with the Santa Claus phenomena? Is Santa harmless or hell spawn? Is the jolly old elf in the red suit pure paganism foisted on an unsuspecting populace? Or does he have Christian roots?
Lest We Be Worse Than Infidels — 12/1/2003
In 1778 George Washington wrote a letter to Thomas Nelson, Jr. citing God's divine intervention in the founding of our nation. "The hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this," he wrote, "that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."
Ruled by God or Tyrants? — 11/18/2003
How does religious liberty fare in the United States today? Not very well!
Women Shouldn't Be Required to Register for the Draft — 11/10/2003
Are men such wimps today that none are outraged enough to rise up and defend their wives, their sweethearts, their daughters, against those who would send them into harm's way? Advocating that women register for the draft is a life-threatening — as well as a family-threatening — danger to every young girl who is of draft age now or in the future.
Protecting Yourself from the 'Culture of Death' — 11/3/2003
We should have known when we devalued life by declaring a defenseless unborn baby vulnerable to the abortionist's knife, it wouldn't be long before a court would casually sentence a defenseless and ailing adult to die by malnutrition.
It's Time We Stop Being So Sensitive About the Crusades — 10/21/2003
Without question, abuses and atrocities were committed during the Crusades, and virtually all Westerners have learned to apologize for them. But less noted is that the Crusades have an Islamic counterpart for which no one is apologizing and most are even unaware.
All You Need Is Love? — 10/14/2003
Love is not some subjective principle by which we excuse our self-centered passions, but a specific ordering of our lives according to God's commandments. I don't deny many homosexuals feel deeply for their partners; however, I do assert that theirs is a distortion of love that God summarily rejects.
A Spiritual Response to Mexican Immigration — 10/6/2003
Could the Great Commission of Christ offer a solution to the current Mexican immigration crisis? What is desperately needed is for more Spanish-speaking American missionaries to go to Mexico and evangelize.
America's Youth Have a Drinking Problem — 9/22/2003
Just as we teach our children that discretion is the better part of valor, we should also teach them that abstinence from alcohol is the better part of wisdom. This means some parents will need to go to the refrigerator or the liquor cabinet and then make use of the kitchen sink.
Sound Economic Thinking: Lest We Forget — 9/15/2003
Whenever any system of thought violates the tenets of God's Word, whether religious, political, or economic, it is destined to cause much harm.
Prophesy to the Dry Bones — 9/8/2003
It is the preaching of the Word of God that people need. And it is the preaching of the Word of God that changes nations.
Southern Baptist Leaders Should Correct Their Course — 9/2/2003
Columnist Mark Creech highly regards both fellow Southern Baptists Dr. Richard Land and Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., as spiritual giants in our time. But he says he cannot remain silent about their position on Judge Roy Moore's act of civil disobedience. Creech urges Southern Baptists not to embrace their arguments.
How Did Mainline Churches Get This Way? — 8/25/2003
Many of our mainline churches have nibbled their way to lostness today. Through the decades they have slowly and incrementally moved from one tuft of disbelief to the next, never noticing how far from home they've managed to end up.
No Longer Will There Be Freedom but Tyranny — 8/18/2003
The case of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is a watershed issue for the nation. If Moore's cause, which ought to be the cause of all Americans, does not succeed; then our nation will be destined to live within the boundaries of legal relativism.
The Church, the Culture War and Success — 8/11/2003
Today's preoccupation with success has so corrupted the Church's vision that we struggle mightily to fearlessly represent Christ and His purposes in the world. We are not to be concerned with winning, but with being obedient.
Divorce, Unequal Yokes, and Redefining Marriage — 7/28/2003
For a believer to be yoked in marriage to an unbeliever is cruel. By definition alone, Christians and non-Christians are pulling in different directions. Marriage between the two is not only a poor working relationship, but inevitably becomes a source of anguish for both partners.
The Inseparable Twins: Truth and Love — 7/15/2003
Our culture has a very shallow and irresponsible view of love. Love is commonly associated with peace, cooperation and understanding. Instead, love should be seen for what it really is — a very difficult and self-sacrificing act.
When Children Take Flight: A Father's Perspective — 7/7/2003
Parents love their children. And we're reluctant to turn loose of them when its their time to go. Nevertheless, leaving home is a critical time for our children — and the way Dad responds can make a tremendous difference.
Encouraged by the Presence of Apostasy — 6/30/2003
Few things are as repugnant as betrayal, but it is very common in history. Even the church of Jesus Christ has had its traitors. In fact, today there is an entire "fifth column" within the church that attacks the authority of Scripture, denies basic Bible doctrine, and sows division.
The Real Cause of Homosexuality — 6/18/2003
Various myths about homosexuality have been espoused in recent years and none is more ubiquitous than the argument that homosexuality is genetically endowed. However, this position is not only without strong scientific support, Scripture also refutes it. The Bible is clear: our bodies can never make us sin.
Greed: The Modus Operandi — 6/9/2003
Most of our lawmakers demonstrate time and again they are simply a reflection of our society's materialistic way of life. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that greed is at the heart of our economic system in its present form.
The Church and Alcohol: Time to Break the Silence — 6/2/2003
To be an evangelical is no longer the equivalent of being a teetotaler. Today one half of all ordained ministers drink, and one third of all active churchgoers drink.
Death Penalty Moratorium Debate — 5/19/2003
Opponents of the death penalty equate execution and murder, believing if two acts have the same ending, then those two acts are morally equivalent. But this position isn't morally tenable.
The Wives of Weinsberg — 5/9/2003
There has never been a time in the history of our nation when there was a greater need for women like the wives of Weinsburg. I say that America's fate rests squarely on the backs of its wives and mothers.
Are You a Good Person? — 5/2/2003
People perform "good works" for all sorts of reasons. But unless the act is done out of a heart purified by faith and solely for the glory of God, it doesn't pass the test for what is good. The motive makes all the difference — and the non-Christian doesn't have the spiritual capacity to meet this standard.
Mastering the Majors — 4/21/2003
Someone once said there are two kinds of Christians: those who major on the minors and those who minor on the majors. But at the risk of sounding terribly negative, I've found that most who profess to be Christian have never even grasped the majors, much less the minors.
In Preference to Evil — 4/4/2003
Never has there been a time in history when Americans could be more proud of their Commander-in-Chief and their military forces. But some seem to have lost their ability to discern between good and evil. What is more, they pursue evil in preference to good.
Politics, War, and the American Pulpit — 3/26/2003
It deeply troubles me that most American pastors today don't understand the urgency of taking up social issues from the pulpit. Yes, some will become angry and offended. Most, however, will greatly appreciate and benefit from it.
Should the Church Accept Lottery Winnings? (Part 2) — 3/13/2003
Churches may take lottery winnings if they want. But you can be certain when they do, the world will say, "Ah hah, you see that? They rail against the evils of gambling. Yet gambling enriches them." How sad when we trade souls for spoils.
'Be Prepared, Not Afraid' — 2/28/2003
No fear is no more advantageous than the fear of God, a reverential awe and respect for the One who made us. The kind of fear that burdens, however, is altogether different.
What's a Good President to Do? — 2/20/2003
No sane person ever wants war. As Gen. William T. Sherman said, "War is hell!" War typically creates more evils than it cures, but war against evil cannot always be avoided. In light of this, what's a good President to do?
Should the Church Accept Lottery Winnings? — 2/12/2003
The fact that churches and Christian organizations would even consider accepting gifts from lottery winnings clearly demonstrates how the church has weakened in its opposition to gambling. Have we forgotten that lotteries are a form of gambling, and that gambling is a sin that destroys thousands of lives?
Stop Alcohol Tax Rollbacks — 2/3/2003
We hold the tobacco industry liable for the health crisis they create, and motor vehicle manufacturers accountable when their faulty products cause injury or death. Yet the alcohol industry — an industry whose product ruins and kills thousands annually — is winked at by lawmakers and favored with huge proposed tax cuts.
God's Covenant with America — 1/29/2003
The covenant God made with Israel is recorded in Deuteronomy 8:7-20. Perhaps an Americanized paraphrase of that covenant might help us to better understand where our nation currently stands with the Almighty.
Is Jesus the Only Way to God? — 1/15/2003
To the surprise of many, the belief that Jesus is the only way did not originate with divisive people who wanted the wrath of God to fall on those who disagreed. The claim actually came from Jesus and was repeated by His apostles.
Another Eugenics Nightmare — 1/2/2003
What began in the U.S. and England a generation earlier was pursued in earnest by Nazi Germany during World War II. The eugenics movement of Nazi Germany was the application of a philosophy behind the holocaust of the Jews. Without question, we are rapidly moving toward another eugenics nightmare worse than the first.
Judging Trent Lott — 12/17/2002
J. Hudson Taylor once said the "habit of judging and condemning others can be a more serious blemish than the things we so glibly point out as others' faults." The current fiasco concerning Senator Trent Lott is a perfect case in point.
Is Islam Really a Religion of Peace? — 9/18/2002
Muhammad came to shed blood and slaughter those who disagreed with him. Christ came to shed his own blood to seek and save those who rejected Him. Muhammad forced Islam upon thousands. Christ never coerced anyone. He simply beckoned all to believe.
