Category Archives: Theologia

What He Believed, He Lived: A Tribute to the Rev. W.O. Spencer

On Sunday morning, January 9th, 2005, my uncle, the Rev. Willie Offutt “W.O.” Spencer came to the end of his earthly journey. He was 88 years old. Married to my Aunt Dot for 67 years, pastor of my home church- Hall Street Baptist- for 25 years, and active in the ministry for over 50 years.Continue reading “What He Believed, He Lived: A Tribute to the Rev. W.O. Spencer”

A Prayer for Alex: What to do when your child says he doesn't believe any more.

A friend stopped in to ask me some questions about her 6th grade son’s sudden announcement that he no longer believed in God or Jesus. Our time was simply too short for a substantial answer, so I thought it would be a good topic for an essay. Probably others are facing similar struggles with yourContinue reading “A Prayer for Alex: What to do when your child says he doesn't believe any more.”

On The Side of the Rebel Jesus: Ron Sider's Quixotic Quest for An Ethical Evangelicalism

All the streets are filled with laughter and light And the music of the season And the merchants’ windows are all bright With the faces of the children And the families hurrying to their homes As the sky darkens and freezes They’ll be gathering around the hearths and tales Giving thanks for all God’s gracesContinue reading “On The Side of the Rebel Jesus: Ron Sider's Quixotic Quest for An Ethical Evangelicalism”

Ten Things…and Ten More things: How To Turn Me Into A Democrat

I was raised a Democrat. FDR was the fourth member of the Trinity. No…..really, he was the third because I heard a lot more about him than I did about the Holy Spirit. FDR and the Democrats kept my dad’s family from starving to death….or at least that’s what I was told. They led theContinue reading “Ten Things…and Ten More things: How To Turn Me Into A Democrat”

God of storms, seas, floods and earthquakes: Some thoughts on the Tragedy

[I would encourage everyone reading this post to stop right here, go to Samaritan’s Purse or the charity of your choice, and give to relieve and rebuilt the affected nations. Then we can do a bit of thinking.] UPDATE: Here’s how I fit all of this into an actual sermon at my church. I haveContinue reading “God of storms, seas, floods and earthquakes: Some thoughts on the Tragedy”

Praise the Lord! He paid off my credit card! Again!

Presumption. Actually, the sin of presumption. I want to write about it, but I’m afraid that either I don’t know what I am talking about or I am going to make hundreds of sweet, wonderful Christian people start praying that I get a fever and die. Oh well….what is life if we don’t live dangerously.Continue reading “Praise the Lord! He paid off my credit card! Again!”

Bisexual Logic and Gay Determinism: Does the rhetoric match the reality?

The release of the movie Kinsey and the continuing growth of bisexuality as a visible and publicized aspect of culture presents a very interesting dilemma for the gay rights movement. Are they sure they want us to listen to the bisexual community? For years, I have done a unit on homosexuality and Christianity in myContinue reading “Bisexual Logic and Gay Determinism: Does the rhetoric match the reality?”

Christmas For Beginners: Michael’s sermon for the first Sunday in Advent (Text: John 1:1-18)

I am a preacher, and I enjoy it. I enjoy Advent and Christmas preaching most of all. Here’s the first sermon in an Advent series called “Christmas for Beginners.” If you use it, give me credit and Santa will take note. Christmas doesn’t begin in Bethlehem. All you have to do is pick up theContinue reading “Christmas For Beginners: Michael’s sermon for the first Sunday in Advent (Text: John 1:1-18)”