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Theologically Conservative Church Growth Outpaces Liberal Growth
Be careful here: “Liberal” and “Conservative” in this context has NOTHING to do with politics and everything to do with how literally you take the gospel message. Was Mary a virgin? Was Jesus born into the world both human and divine? Is Jesus God? Does the Trinity exist? Did Jesus die on the cross for our sins? Was he resurrected? Does he reign in heaven now and will he come to Earth again to judge the world? Does the Holy Spirit dwell in believers? Answer “Yes” to these questions and you are theologically conservative. (Or as I like to say, CORRECT.) Theological liberals may believe some of the above, but…
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What Is Christian Joy and How Can I Get It?
Christian joy is HUGE. We could talk about joy until the cows come home — come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea. We will never experience joy until we walk into heaven, but we can experience joy in this life both things go well and when they most decidedly do not. However, while joy comes more easily to some it comes harder to others. I’m in that camp. I’ve been a Christian all my life. I’m not an unhappy person. I’m not depressed, and I control lifelong stress and anxiety with medication. And I still have trouble understanding Christian joy, even though Nehemiah said, “The…
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An Interview with Mrs. Susanna Wesley
As interviewed by Christine Taylor* *The interview is made up but the facts are real. Susanna Wesley was the mother of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism and his brother Charles Wesley, who wrote many of the great hymns of the church. Christine Taylor (CT): Mrs. Wesley, when and where were you born? Susanna Wesley (SW) I was born in the 20th of January in the year of our Lord 1669 in England. CT: What was your occupation? SW: Some people have referred to my task as the “Mother of Methodism” but I prefer to think of myself as the mother of 19 children, 10 of whom lived to adulthood…