The title for this blog borrows a quote from Matthew Henry.
“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” – John 3:19
Amazing What’s Found Online
Remember this “controversy” about Candace Bure’s shirt?
What a collection of ironies this story presents! I’ve noted six (ironically a devilish number!):
Irony 1
A cultural subgroup believes that someone coined a phrase about the devil in 2014. This cultural subgroup likely does not even believe in the devil.
Irony 2
A cultural subgroup apparently believes that no one ever said “Not today Satan” before it was uttered by Bianca Del Rio. They therefore say Christians have “stolen” this phrase when it’s more likely that the phrase was borrowed from the Christians.
Irony 3
A cultural subgroup claiming to defend the rights of women, cross dressers, and everyone’s right to wear what they want is viciously attacking a woman for the way she dresses, for wearing what she wants.
Irony 4
A cultural subgroup who is unhappy with Christians (a group drawing their moral convictions from the Bible) are claiming controlling ownership of “Not today Satan” when the very idea that there is a spiritual battle being waged (and that Satan is an adversary of mankind) comes from the Bible. To repurpose a phrase, it’s as if the cultural subgroup is sitting on the lap of the Christian group so that their arms will reach to slap the Christian group in the face.
Irony 5
A cultural subgroup advocating for tolerance, acceptance, and even celebration of all forms of diversity refuses to tolerate or accept Candace Cameron Bure. And they certainly don’t want her celebrated.
Irony 6
The cultural subgroup that calls itself Christian believes in a mighty God, magnificent Bible, ruling Lord and Savior, and a very real and evil devil. This group says it rests upon the Word of God, the provision of God, and the fellowship of God’s people. And then this group, too often, latches onto trite phrases that can tend (if not careful) to diminish the seriousness and difficulty of the spiritual war Christ followers claim to be fighting.
There are probably more ironies to include, but I’m going to stop now – so that I can go listen to an Alanis Morissette song.
By the way, someone pushed back on these thoughts, saying: “My question is, why even wear a t-shirt that acknowledges Satan? You wouldn’t catch me dead in a t-shirt like that.” To this I say, “Fair point! We don’t want to give the devil free advertising!” LOL Of course, we don’t want to ignore the existence of the devil, either. So, I’m willing to cut Candace a little slack.
One of the Most Famous Misquotes of All-Time
The quote posted on social media is: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words.” – St. Francis of Assisi
This led to a slew of trite responses, including:
“Acts of kindness, volunteering, treating others how I would choose to be treated. No words needed.”
“I believe the thought is that he lived his life that way, expressed things of that nature, maybe.”
This is definitely one of those thought provoking statements that’s been heard many times, and the point is well taken. From a certain angle, I like the quote (whoever said it). Francis of Assisi certainly emphasized living out a life of faith that exemplifies the message of the gospel, but let us never forget it is a message that Francis also taught by using words. Words are necessary.
As for attribution, the quote is almost always attributed to Francis of Assisi, but I don’t think he really ever said it. I wonder who did? Someone suggested it’s from Emily Stimpson. This doesn’t sound likely to me. I believe Emily is a Roman Catholic writer who has been published only sort of recently. The supposed Francis of Assisi quote has been floating around for at least several decades (perhaps much longer). It does not appear that Emily is old enough to be the originator.
So Much Sin in This World
This story of a Christian school principle arrested on child pornography charges is heartbreaking. Please – home school.
A Book to Consider Reading
One reviewer writes:
Dr. Matthew Barrett has gathered a full stable of blue-ribbon theologians for this winning volume. All the essays are carefully contextualized, the Reformers judiciously selected, and the bibliographies thoughtfully assembled. Some chapters are especially notable for the breadth and depth of the author’s research, others for their adroit summaries of complex themes. There is little doubt that Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary will ably serve the church and academy as a textbook for students and a reference work for scholars. It is already reshaping my own teaching on late-medieval and early-modern theology, and I commend it heartily.
An Article to Consider Reading
One person comments:
The Bible isn’t the sayings of a dead sage, but the truth of the living God. He’s near as you seek Him in His word.
Here’s the link to John Piper’s “If My Words Abide in You“.
A Video to Consider Viewing
One theologian shares:
“If you don’t know about Third Millennium Ministries, watch this video. If you are involved in the work of the international church, you should use Third Mill’s materials. Either way, you should support their work however you can.”
A Link to Consider Checking Out
One verse from the Bible says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35
False Assumptions About Christianity
A Question to Consider for Your Personal Practice
One guy I know writes about Mike Pence:
“Many people were saying he was being sexist but in really he understands his boundaries very well. To not be put into a situation where temptation and alcohol can lead to a bad and damaging decision, I give a thumbs up!”
A Random Musing Gets a Response
Here’s the musing:
“I’m not that perfect Christian; I’m the one who knows he needs Jesus.”
To this I joked:
“I hope you’re not the only one.”
He responded seriously:
“I hope not either. Just putting this out there because sometimes Christians get accused and I just to set it straight I know I need help.”
Taking a turn for the serious myself, I ended with:
“Indeed. Christians still sin, and if they say otherwise, they are lying (as we’re taught in 1 John). Fortunately, Christians have the help that you mention we all still need!”
A Pithy Quote (or Two) to Draws This Blog Near Its Close
Steve Farrar pithily said:
“God is not in the business of asking us to consistently neglect our families in order to further His kingdom.”
And now a pithy self-quote quote with which to end:
“I’m not sure if anyone has ever successfully borrowed a book from me. Oh sure, I’ve agreed to lend my books to others, but if the books are never returned does that count as ‘borrowing’?”
P.S. MercyMe is one of the most consistently good bands of the past 20 years. Just saying.
Until we meet face to face.
POSTSCRIPT
The blog above was first published on the original version of this website. Since then the site has been completely reformatted and upgraded. With this change, the blogs needed to be re-uploaded to correct corruptions that occurred with the transition in 2023. While doing this, some additional information was added at the conclusion of many of the older blogs in a “postscript” section that might not have appeared in the first draft that was published on the first website. Think of this new content as “bonus material”.
Featured Faith Debates
WFMD’s Faith Debate radio show (9a Sundays) is also available via podcast. The shows which aired from 6/12/16 through 6/26/16 featured Kahlil Elshazly and Drew Boswell joining Jon Switzer and Troy Skinner.
6/12/16 “Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?” Panel: Troy Skinner, WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Kahlil Elshazly, President of the Islamic Society of Frederick. Drew Boswell, Pastor at Daybreak Community Church.
6/19/16 “Christian and Muslim Understandings of Jesus Christ”. Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Kahlil Elshazly, President of the Islamic Society of Frederick. Drew Boswell, Pastor at Daybreak Community Church.
6/26/16 “Speaking in Tongues”. Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Drew Boswell, Pastor at Daybreak Community Church.
Other links to the various “program arcs” from the past include episodes featuring Conrad Link and Drew Boswell (along with Jon Switzer and Troy Skinner, of course).
7/3/16 “Ways the Church Should Reach Out to The Community“. Panel: Troy Skinner, WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Conrad Link, Pastor at Brookhill United Methodist Church.
7/10/16 “Passion of the Christ: Was the Movie a ‘Success’“. Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Drew Boswell, Pastor at Daybreak Community Church.
7/17/16 “Christian Evangelism”. Panel: Troy Skinner, 930 WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Conrad Link, Pastor at Brookhill United Methodist Church.
The podcasts for the episodes from 7/24/16 and 7/31/16 feature a discussion over the question “Is There Universal Truth?” Panel: Troy Skinner, WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Toni Fish, Spiritual Leader at Unity Church in Frederick. Dr. Charles Van Meter, Christian Lay Leader – Bible Study Facilitator – Sunday School Teacher.
For the two show dates of 8/7/16 and 8/14/16 the question tackled is, “Does God Allow/Cause Bad Things to Happen (Even to “Good” People)?” Panel: Troy Skinner, WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Drew Boswell, Daybreak Community Church. Kahlil Elshazly, President of the Islamic Society of Frederick.
“What is the Role of Religion and Government in Promoting Justice and Fairness?” is the question is tackled during two Faith Debate podcasts (8/21/16 and 8/28/16). Panel: Troy Skinner, WFMD Moderator. Jonathan Switzer, Pastor at Crossroads Valley Church. Toni Fish, Spiritual Leader at Unity Church. John Moorehouse, Senior Minister at Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
To link to these podcasts, go to WFMD’s Faith Debate page, or even better, go to the Household of Faith in Christ website (where you can easily link podcasts uploaded to SermonAudio and Odysee). You can listen to The Faith Debate live each Sunday morning at 9am on WFMD.
Foosball is for the Devil!
Lastly, this is almost always a source of great tips from a radio legend that my wife and I had the pleasure of working with in Orlando. Just passing this along to all my radio friends. John Frost’s Goodratings Strategic Service
Many blessings to you,
Pastor Troy Skinner
