Are You Falling For a New Counterfeit Gospel?
Jesus-believing individuals can turn away to a “different gospel.” This turning away can occur rapidly and quickly according to the Bible. In this post, I want to share four versions of “different gospels” that I believe followers of Jesus ought to be aware of in our current moment and the antidote.
Here’s a Bad Take On The “Decline of Church Attendance in the West” Conversation
According to the data, church attendance is lower today than it was pre-pandemic. Those who have been paying attention know this isn’t new but part of an ongoing trend that has been documented for the past two decades. So why is this happening? This post explores the myriad of factors (spiritual, sociological, strategic) that may be at play, ultimately serving as an encouragement to stay away from simplistic, mic-drop answers.
When Tragedy Happens, Run to the Hurting (Not to a Narrative)
After a recent tragedy, I saw 3 different waves of narratives hit, one after another, within 48 hours. Why do we do this as a culture? Why do we rush so quickly to a narrative? I share why I believe we do this, the effect it can have on us and others, and the better path forward.
Let’s Thank the Bible for Wide-Spread Literacy
There’s a narrative out there that says the Bible is harmful to society. On its best days, this narrative says the Bible is “an ancient, irrelevant book.” On its worst? It says the Bible is “harmful, bigoted, and oppressive.” But if you’re reading this post what if I told you, you have the Bible to thank for that?
A Tale of Two Individualisms (And The Sexual Revolutions They Helped Create)
There’s a difference between “individualism” and “expressive individualism.” We see the impact of these two streams of thought when we view them through the filter of the sexual revolutions they helped give birth to. Contrasting the two raise important questions about how we attain significance and meaning, understand morality, and more.
Suspicion Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit
Whether we’re processing current events, assessing organizations, navigating relationships, or interpreting a text message, everyone’s suspicion meter has gone up. We’re more suspicious as a society than before. But Christians are also more suspicious than before as well. In this post, I share how we’ve confused suspicion for discernment and encourage us to be a people of hope.
Disney’s Recent Films Are Demonstrating the Inadequacies of Individualism
Personal identity is never so personal. “Encanto” and “Turning Red” are stories that highlight the need for bridging generational divides, and how family issues play such a powerful force in the lives of individuals. Our understanding of ourselves and our sense of overall well-being is always tied to our collective backgrounds and experiences in a broader community.
Christian Tribe vs. Tribal Christian. There’s a Difference.
Author and Professor Gerald L. Sittser once wrote that “Every generation of believers faces the risk of becoming a prisoner to its own myopic vision of the Christian faith, assuming that how it understands and practices faith is always the best.” It’s one thing to be part of a Christian tribe. It’s another thing to be tribal. This post is about the dangers of pursuing our “myopic vision.”
4 Ways A majority culture Church Can Be More Sensitive Towards Its Non-majority culture Members
A diverse church is a beautiful picture of the gospel. But most diverse churches have a majority and a minority culture. In this post, I lay out 4 ways the majority culture of a church can be more sensitive towards its minority members and leaders:
20 Things That Became More Clear in 2020
Exactly a year ago, some were saying 2020 would be “the year of 2020 vision.” With the end of 2020 almost here, it’s clear we got much more than what we bargained for. In this final post of 2020, I share 20 things that became more clear this year.
The Elusiveness of the Asian American Faith Expression
Black Christians have the gospel choir and a responsive preaching experience, but what are the distinctive markers for Asian Americans? Is there Asian American worship? Asian American preaching? Is there an Asian American faith expression? And why is it so difficult to answer these questions?
“Jesus Is On the Throne” To Say or Not To Say?
If you go on Twitter and type in the phrase “Jesus is on the throne” you will see a surprising divide in how that phrase should be used in this present moment. Should Christians be using this phrase during these tense times? Or should Christians hold off? In this post, I unpack the rationale some give as to why we shouldn’t use this phrase right now, followed by a few counterpoints before some closing thoughts.
“Tiger King” - A Case Study of Dominion and Depravity
Humanity is a frustrated species who feel the opposing pull of Genesis 1 (creation) and Genesis 3 (fall). We feel the gravitational pull of both royalty and rebellion. We want to build and to break, decorate and destroy. This post makes a a theological observation on the Netflix show “Tiger King'“
Why I’m Learning to Appreciate the Megachurch
In this post, I conclude the series on the megachurch by sharing four reasons why I am learning to appreciate the megachurch.
Just How Consumeristic is the Megachurch?
Does the megachurch drive consumerism? Is the megachurch more consumeristic than smaller churches? In this post, I challenge some of the assumptions we have about the consumeristic culture of megachurches while also confessing its reality.
Is Community Possible in a Megachurch?
Is community even possible in a megachurch? How can genuine Christian fellowship be sustained at a church of thousands of people? In this post, I share the challenges but also challenge some of our assumptions on the nature of Christian community at a big church.
Is the Megachurch Shallow?
Are megachurches shallow? Are they a mile wide and one inch deep? Or do they actually have some substance? This is Part 2 of the 5-Part Series, “I Was Wrong About the Megachurch.”
I Was Wrong About the Megachurch
In this post, I confess assumptions I held regarding the megachurch. This post is the introduction to a five-part series on the megachurch.
What I'll Miss (And Not Miss) About the Asian American Church
There are things I’ll miss about the Asian American Church and there are some other things I won’t miss. In this post, I detail a few of my thoughts.
Why Some Friendships End
A friendship can come to an end and it can be very painful. Though some endings are tragic, there may be more than meets the eye. This post seeks to widen the lens to help the reader understand why some friendships conclude.