That’s a question that people are asking today. Maybe not aloud. But people hunger for authenticity. It’s part of the image of God stamped upon us at creation — a desire for truth.
Have you ever thought of seeking some authenticity in yourself rather than looking for authenticity in others?
This podcast speaks to the difference that Jesus should make in our lives, and advises us on how to see him do that.
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One of the great one-liners from the Andy Griffith Show comes from Opie’s dad, Andy, when little Opie has said something inappropriate. Andy looks at his son and says, “And to think I was glad when you learned to talk!” I would guess every parent feels this way about a child at least once in his life. I wonder if God ever feels that way about humankind.
You bet he does.
This podcast uncovers the meaning of Ephesians 5:4 where God’s word says, 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (NIV)
Take a listen.
Oh — by the way, the story about the two pastors is something I heard a couple of years ago, but I don’t have the source. I should have prefaced it with the words, “I once heard an account of…” As I think about it, it could be a bit of an urban legend. Still — it makes the point well. ~Steve
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In my last pastorate, I was often a guest speaker in a sociology class at the University of Pittsburgh. The professor had me address specific ways our church worked to influence society. Naturally, I jumped at the chance.
One time, after class, a young woman came to me and said, “I stopped going to church because of something my pastor said to us.” I asked what the pastor had said. “He told my boyfriend and me that we should not be having sex — that the Bible said that it was sin to have sex outside of marriage. It doesn’t say that!”
Hmm…. Does it?
This podcast presents a biblical perspective on sex inside and outside of marriage.
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