I’ve seen it all my life – people who think, assume, or pretend they are entitled. The dictionary defines entitlement as “the state or condition of being entitled; a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract or the belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges.”

After forty years in ministry, I’ve seen my share of preachers and laity who believe they deserve or are entitled to certain privileges. It’s the “green room mentality” of the current celebrities in Christianity. It’s the demands for certain types of water, snacks, and amenities if I come to your church. It’s the unwillingness to stay around after a service and talk to people as if we are “all that.” Continue reading →

I’ve never watched awards shows. They’ve never captured my attention. Usually the Oscars go to movies I don’t like. The political correctness and lecturing from actors, musicians, and others isn’t funny, entertaining, or balanced. If I like a movie or a song, I’ll watch it, listen to it, and maybe even buy it. But I don’t need someone getting an award to determine value for me.

The same is true in the church. Too often we are reaching for titles and trophies and not towels. Jesus said if you want to be great, be a servant. Our flesh wants a stage; Jesus stooped to serve. Continue reading →

If I can be totally honest, I’m weary of the Prosperity Gospel of “name it and claim it.” I’ve listened to its preachers (none of whom seem to be poor) and seen the empty promises (many who follow them have little to show for their “faith” in this so-called gospel).

Countless stories can be found of people who planted a seed faith gift but still ended up losing their homes or their battle with cancer. The promises of the Prosperity Gospel are at best a shallow stirring of a soulish faith. They lack the depth of good biblical exegesis or the application of verses and promises in context. Continue reading →

God has always used a voice to call His people back. Whether a godly king, a prophet, a preacher, or a missionary, He has historically raised up a singular voice that has resounded across the landscape of the land, calling people to repentance, revival, and renewal. Continue reading →

In the city of Edinburgh, Scotland stands the statue of a John Knox. Knox was the key leader of the Scottish Reformation and the founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland. At his graveside, Regent Morton said, “Here lies one who neither flattered nor feared any flesh.” From everything I can learn about Knox, he makes William Wallace of Braveheart fame look like Chicken Little. Knox was known as the “Thundering Scot.”

During a visit to Edinburgh many years ago, we were taken on a tour of the key religious sites in the city. Again, these sites were mostly ignored by the professional tour guide. Edinburgh has a rich history, and Christianity around the world has been impacted by events through the centuries in this ancient city. Continue reading →