Faith, Current Events
Veritéetfeu
Should Christians "Beg Off” Alistair Begg?

With more than 50 years of faithful preaching of the Scriptures and zero public scandals, Pastor Begg had certainly earned my unofficial designation as a “solid” celebrity pastor. However, his recent handling of a cultural matter countered a Biblical worldview, and this was not at all consistent with the reputation that has long preceded him. 

Which begs the question that many have raised in recent weeks: What are we, as Believers, now to do with Alistair Begg?

Should Christians "Beg Off” Alistair Begg?
Faith, Pop Culture
Veritéetfeu
Something in the Milk Ain't Clean: Christian ...

Since publishing the original SITMAC series in 2018, I’ve received several requests to write another installment. Admittedly, I didn’t believe one would be necessary because, as my logic went, by exposing the up and coming protégés of the old guard (see Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, etc), it should be easy to sniff out other false and extremely problematic preachers and pastors by association. Those birds all seemed to flock together, so writing about yet another member of their coop felt redundant. 

What I didn’t consider at the time, however, was the role social media was beginning to play in platforming charlatans who don’t necessarily have ties to the old guard. I also didn’t consider how, thanks to social media, false teachers and problematic brothers (and sisters) no longer need a pulpit or a local church to sow error and confusion before a mass of God’s people.

Something in the Milk Ain't Clean: Christian Influencers to Leave in 2023
Faith, Current Events, Celebrity Conversion
Veritéetfeu
Kat Von D Got Baptized, But…

Prior to episode 902 of the Relatable Podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, I had extremely little knowledge of Kat Von D.

I’ve certainly heard her name in passing as I’ve consumed pop culture news over the years. In recent weeks, for example, I’d seen various headlines reporting on her recent baptism into Christianity. So, indeed, I’ve definitely heard of her. 

Yet, I’m embarrassed to admit that I was so unfamiliar with her claims to fame and professional résumé that I initially confused her with the burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. In my defense, both women do have “Von” in their names; they’re both undeniably gorgeous, fair-skinned brunettes who often rock a bold, red lip; and they are both closely associated with Marilyn Manson. 

Kat Von D Got Baptized, But…
Podcast Episode, Christian Living, Relationships
Veritéetfeu
S4E1: Married Single Mothers?

In the premiere episode of Season 4 of Truth + Fire: The Podcast, host Veritéetfeu tackles "married single motherhood", a parenting phenomenon where married mothers take on the sole responsibility to care for their children. But is this practically beneficial for the mother, the father or their children? More importantly, is it Biblical?

S4E1: Married Single Mothers?
Faith, Christian Living
Veritéetfeu
If You Don't Want Kids, You Shouldn't Get ...

While browsing through Twitter the other day, I happened upon an interesting post from one of my favorite Christian writers, Samuel Sey. 

In it, he declared: 

“If a woman doesn’t want to be a mother, she shouldn’t be a wife. My dude, stay away from her.”

Founder and blogger at slowtowrite.com and contributing writer for various other outlets, Sam has done well to pen prolific thought pieces on the state of our culture, and he always endeavors to do so through a Biblical worldview. We also share a platform at Pyrolithos Foundation, where we each publish articles that address cultural issues from a Biblically-conservative perspective. In other words, Sam and I are on the same team; he is indeed my brother in the Lord; and, in most instances, I agree with his commentary. 

Yet, admittedly, I found his tweet to be a bit provocative and potentially discouraging.  

If You Don't Want Kids, You Shouldn't Get Married...?

2010s Top 10

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Bye...Jackie?

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Bye...Jackie?

At this point, most are aware that famed Christian poet, writer and speaker Jackie Hill Perry has recently and publicly affirmed the ministries of several female heretics. Amid news of her participation at Propel Women’s Activate 2019 conference, Jackie has garnered a slew of controversy as many have attempted to make sense of her decision.

There might have been room to offer her the benefit of the doubt for why she signed on to the event, and many were prepared to offer it. Perhaps she didn’t know much about the ministries of the other speakers, namely the conference’s co-founder Christine Caine of Hillsong Church Australia. Or, maybe she was aware of these women and their errors, but wanted to share the Gospel and offer up a public rebuke. Yet, Jackie removed all doubt with a recent Instagram post and Insta-Story in which she unapologetically confessed her willingness to fellowship and do ministry with those whose doctrinal teachings oppose to the truth of God’s Word. 

Where Scripture says light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-17), Jackie cites her goal to better love her neighbor. Where Scripture says not to welcome or even greet those who bring a different gospel (2 John 1:10), Jackie cites a quest for “unity”.  While her goals may be Scriptural (Christ does tell us to love our neighbor and He did pray for unity in the Body), her application of these Scriptures don’t align with the context upon which these truths stand. Christ has warned us against sacrificing truth on the altar of peace (Matthew 10:34-36). Her twisting of the Scriptures in this way is most troubling and could be telling of deeper matters most, including myself, don’t yet want to admit.

So, in an attempt to be slowER to speak and quickER to listen, I’ve avoided saying much on this issue too soon, despite many tagging and messaging me for my thoughts on this soon after the news broke. 

While she’s done things and has had associations that have caused me great concern, I’ve still considered her a sister in Christ thus this news has only caused me grief, disappointment and frustration. As such, I thought it best to just collect my thoughts as anything stated too hastily might not have been coherent or edifying. So, over the past few days, I’ve examined my thoughts and Jackie’s statements under the light of Scripture. In the end, I have come away with the following open letter that takes care to directly respond to the various points she raised in her statement.

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Social Justice: Why Jesus Didn't Pursue It + Why the Church Shouldn't Fight for It

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Social Justice: Why Jesus Didn't Pursue It + Why the Church Shouldn't Fight for It

“Social justice” is a term often thrown around, but very rarely defined, explained or even clearly understood in daily discourse. Yet a clear definition of this concept is necessary because there is indeed a such thing as social justice -  and then there is justice. Contrary to popular delusion, there is a difference between the two, for if they were indeed one and the same, the term “justice” would be sufficient. No qualifier or modifier would be necessary. But I've found that most often conflate these two concepts, which causes much confusion, contention and debate amongst Believers regarding our charge as Christians. One might argue that it’s just semantics, but I’d passionately beg to differ. And I am sincerely alarmed when professed Christians not only claim “social justice” is what the Body of Christ is charged to pursue, but that they’d dare argue it’s what Jesus preached or supported during His earthly ministry.   

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Blessings and Cursing and the Rise of Cardi B

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Blessings and Cursing and the Rise of Cardi B

With Cardi B's rapid rise to success, it's easy for many to presume she's being showered with God's favor and blessings. At least, that's how she and many of her fans tend to see it. Yet, as I watch fame, money, and influence inundate this young woman at warp speed, I've grown increasingly and genuinely concerned for her. Not that my concern should at all matter to her, but I share it knowing that Cardi professes Christ, yet lives a life completely counter to His Word. And because she's super vocal about every and all things - and her fans tend to hang on to her every word - I would be remiss if I didn't respectfully interject where Cardi believes her faith and her career intersect.

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The Grace + Knowledge of Heather Lindsey

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The Grace + Knowledge of Heather Lindsey

When I first discovered Heather Lindsey, I simply thought her to be a social media figure who enjoyed encouraging Christian women. In fact, I used to follow her on Instagram and actually found her memes about relationships and sexual purity insightful social media fodder. From what she presents online, Heather is a woman who is easy to adore and admire. She has a beautiful family and her children have tons of personality. Heather is charming and transparent, being willing to share the dark struggles of her past that she is able to relate to and encourage her following. She is also smart and something of a superwoman. She manages to maintain a blog, write multiple books, run a boutique, co-manage a publishing company, and faithfully serve her international women’s organization Pinky Promise. She also frequently travels for speaking engagements all while managing to be a flawless, fit and fashionable beauty, a loving wife, and a doting mother who takes the most amazing “candids” for her active social media presence. (And at the time of this writing, she’s five months pregnant and still on the go like it’s nothing!)

"No. Women may NOT be Pastors." Where is the lie?

"No. Women may NOT be Pastors." Where is the lie?

Dear Sisters in Christ,

As many of you may already be aware, March is Women's History Month. For 31 glorious days we have the opportunity to celebrate, commemorate and applaud women who have made (and are making) notable contributions to society. This annual observance, and simply observing women day-to-day, demonstrates we are competent, capable and courageous beings. Outside of our biological differences, we ladies really CAN do nearly anything men can do in general society and across various fields.

But here’s an unchangeable truth with which we all need to come to grips: In the family of God women MAY NOT assume spiritual authority over and teach men (1 Timothy 2:12).

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That Ain't the Work of the Lord! Thoughts on the Tasha Cobbs/Nicki Minaj Collab

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That Ain't the Work of the Lord! Thoughts on the Tasha Cobbs/Nicki Minaj Collab

In Tasha's defense, "I'm Getting Ready" (ft. Nicki Minaj) doesn’t actually stray from the prevailing message in today's Gospel music. I read the song's lyrics today and, of course, I really read Nicki's verse. Honestly, I didn't find anything out of the norm.

Unfortunately, however, in most Gospel music today the "norm" is about glorifying SELF! Most Gospel music today, at least most mainstream music coming out of the INDUSTRY, is shrouded not in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (as it is truly revealed in Scripture), but in a "prosperity Gospel". THAT "gospel" makes EVERYTHING about YOU! It milks God for material wealth and health, and it lays claim to "blessings" while altogether neglecting to glorify the "Blesser".

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We Just Lost One: Bye Lecrae

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We Just Lost One: Bye Lecrae

With intimate ties to the Church and the world, Lecrae has been introducing the Body to much deception and stumbling blocks as of late. Whether intentional or out of sheer naiveté, a man who has worked this hard to cross over for the sake of impacting lives hasn't been as careful as he should be with how he moves. As I said in the intro to this piece, Lecrae is free to do whatever he wants wants. After all, he has free will. However, as a professing Christian he is accountable to God first, but ALSO the Body of Christ. And while he has Christian liberty, that liberty is limited by love - love for God, fellow Believers and even unbelievers. Whatever any Christian does has to be filtered through how it would honor God then how it would be most beneficial to their own walk with God as well as how it might impact the faith walk of others. 

Can You Be Separated from God's Love? YEP!

Can You Be Separated from God's Love? YEP!

Yes. You read the title of this piece correctly. One can most certainly be separated from the love of God.

You may even be prepared to quote Romans 8:38-39 to prove me wrong, but you’d be surprised to know that it is that very scripture that proves this assertion to be correct. Truth is, while God is love and God loves us all, God’s everlasting, never-ending love does not apply to everyone. Some people can become separated from God’s love. This truth is spelled out in God’s Word. The issue is most, even professed Christians, don’t venture to read it to fully understand it. So let's explore...