Justin Bullington Two years ago, my wife and I had to make a really difficult decision. As I write this, I can sort of picture us standing in my in-laws’ kitchen, in their old, two-story house in Princeton, Illinois. It was about 7:00 at night, and both of us were pacing back and forth, trying to figure … Read more
His unwavering, decades-long love and zeal for Christ should be commended by all of us. His ministry method, however, should be rejected. When the time comes, that’s how I’ll explain Billy Graham to my kids. Two Movements I was born in 1989, so I’m largely a product of the early-mid 2000’s. Billy Graham’s revivalistic methods, … Read more
Because of his refusal to burn incense to the Roman Emperor, Polycarp was sentenced to burn at the stake. Tradition says that the flames didn’t actually kill him, so he was stabbed to death. William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English, was choked to death while tied to the stake. Then his dead body … Read more
Reading the Bible consistently and expectantly at the same time can be a bit challenging. We often find ourselves doing one or the other, depending on where we’re at. I can read the narrative of Genesis pretty consistently (which I’m doing right now, actually), because I want to know what’s up next or just enjoy the … Read more
Unfortunately, in Papua New Guinea, especially within the people group where I worked, it’s easy to see the destruction that untrained, undisciplined missionary-efforts do to cultures and lives. Here’s a quick example: Around our village years ago, 6-8 different denominational “churches” were planted at different times with the earnest desire to “save the nationals.” Without … Read more
My heart aches for Sunday. If I’m honest, I don’t always have this longing as a Pastor. My old nature is very much active still. There are Saturday nights and Sunday mornings that I feel anxiety, worry, and even, dare I say, less-than-thrilled for our worship service. Those Unreliable Feelings Those feelings. Let me put it … Read more
The Prelude This series is predicated on the important truth that the continuationism vs. cessationism debate is no small deal. You are either one or the other, and there is no squishy middle (though some might lead you to believe there is). The key question is whether or not God is still speaking new revelation … Read more
As my coworker and I walked down the muddy trail, working intently on the very difficult Kuman language, a young man approached us. “Wagai We!” he yelled. In case you need it later, this means “hello” in the Chimbu Province of Papua New Guinea. We exchanged pleasantries and immediately got down to business. “Why are you … Read more
In “Here and There,” we’ll take a brief look at random and important news in the Evangelical, political, and sports world. —The Superb Owl: I guess what I really want everyone to know is that it isn’t a great idea to stream the Super Bowl through NBC.com, on the church’s wifi, with a baker’s dozen … Read more
A Twitter-kerfuffle erupted this week when various news agencies reported Hollywood star Mel Gibson is working on a sequel to the wildly popular Passion of The Christ. “The Resurrection. Big subject,” Gibson told USA Today in 2016. “We’re trying to craft this in a way that’s cinematically compelling and enlightening so that it shines new … Read more
In Stranger Things episode eight, Chief Hopper and Joyce enter “The Upside Down” for the first time in their search for young Will, who had been abducted by a predatory humanoid creature called a “Demogorgan.” For those of you who haven’t seen the series just yet (are you crazy?!), according to Wikia, “The Upside Down … Read more
Do I have a concussion? I don’t remember a line-backer from the Jacksonville Jaguars committing a pointless penalty against me in the AFC Championship Game by spearing me right in the head. That was Gronk, not me, right? If I don’t have some sort of brain injury, then what, pray-tell, is going on with all of … Read more