Savedthroughfaith.com

I believe sometimes you have to forgive someone, not for their sake, but for your freedom. This past weekend my friend and neighbor, Will, did one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen. He shared with us his story of sexual abuse and how it led to a double life. I know, statistically, there are hundreds of you who read this blog who have been a victim of a similar devastating and painful act. I have no right to tell you what you should do or...

I understand the New Year’s Eve celebration. I do. In fact, I like it. I’ve hosted and attended parties for years. But tonight I’m trading in my kazoo (or whatever those things are) for some shut-eye. Why? Because I have a better party in the morning. I don’t mean to sound negative about New Year’s it’s just not as good as Sunday morning. I need to rest up. I want to be alert. I want to come with my heart prep...

Rick Warren is a masterful communicator. So, what is he endeavoring to communicate with his announcement that they are canceling the services at Saddleback Church this weekend so they can serve their neighbors? According to The Christian Post: “Good Neighbor Weekend” has been enthusiastically received by the majority of the 20,000 members at Saddleback Church in Orange County. Many have already signed-up online for acts of kindness, accord...

I’ve heard horror stories over the years of churches that have made incredibly stupid decisions, but this one even shocked me. On November 27th the Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church (as a side note, I grew up Freewill Baptist and I never encountered this) voted 9 to 6 to ban interracial couples from church services or functions, with the exception of funerals. According to ABC News… Stella Harville, 24, and her fiance Ticha Chikuni, 28...

In addition to leading and teaching, pastors are called to protect or guard the flock (Titus 1.5, 9; 2.15; John 21.15-19). Therefore, it logically follows that it is important for pastors to know who is in attendance and membership within the congregation. There are obviously many practical reasons for this, but one is certainly to protect the flock from potential harm. So I ask you, “Who is the most dangerous guy at your church?” He...

Hello everyone and welcome back to Deeper Waters where we are diving into the ocean of truth. I’ve been following closely the debate concerning my father-in-law, Mike Licona, and Norman Geisler. As I checked Mike’s facebook today, he wrote about being in South Africa and how after he gave a talk at a church on “Who Did Jesus Think He Was?” 37 came forward wanting to start an apologetics group. Average church in America? &#...

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dave Ramsey’s daughter Rachel Cruze to talk about personal finances, marriage, and the role of the church in the current American Crisis. Her wisdom absolutely blew me away and I want to share it with you guys. My personal take away from my conversation with Rachel is that I need to be doing a better job of teaching financial principles to my own boys. Outside of teaching them about Jesus, the...

Is there a biblical reason for Christians to meet together?  If I asked you what should normally take place or what is the reason that you come to the meeting place for the saints, what would be your reply?  Would you say that we come together to worship God?  Would your answer be that we come together to hear the preaching of the gospel?  Would you say that teaching of the Scriptures is why we should meet? In 1 Corinthians 11...

I recently was able to spend some time with a seasoned brother in the faith. While he has been a Christian for many years he maintains a zealous affection for Christ while serving actively in his church. This (rare) marriage of theological depth and evident, emotional love for Christ, is what I intrigued by. As a guy looking down the road ahead and wanting to look like that when I am in his station, I asked him a few questions as to what the Lord...

When our oldest child was a toddler, my wife and I were baby bodyguards – never more than a leap away from rescue if she were approaching something potentially harmful.  My wife still has that instinct (she’s a mom).  I, however, have become a bit slower in my response time. Our 3rd child is now a toddler and if he is approaching something potentially harmful or messy, I first observe, assess, play out the possible outcomes in my mind, ...