I recently watched the new Knives Out film. I thought it was good. For those who’ve seen it, did you think it was a critique of modern-day American Christianity?

As we move into a new year (according to the Gregorian calendar), do we feel God looks to do certain things based on our 365-day cycle? Would our answer to this question be different if we realized that Jesus was actually born around 5 to 3 BC according to this current calendar?

Over the years, I’ve had some notable “long Decembers” in my life. But this year’s has been near the top. To that, I post one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. youtu.be/1D5PtyrewSs?...

A happy third day of Christmas, also the Feast of St. John, the apostle & evangelist. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. –John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬

Began a new book last night. This book lays out how Pentecostal & charismatic leaders became enamored with Trump & how they were able to draw into the fold many Southern Baptist & non-denominational evangelicals.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. –Jesus

"The father was picked up ... as he walked his two kids to school. The children were also arrested, and when their mother went to the local ICE office to get them, she too was arrested. All four were then shipped off to Texas for a deportation hearing." www.fox13memphis.com/news/afghan-...

It’s interesting to watch evangelicals get so riled up over Kirk Cameron reconsidering a secondary theological issue over & above the way immigrants are being treated in this country.

Sounds eerily like The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill (and Mark Driscoll). And it is. julieroys.com/pastors-accu...

I’ve got free copies of my book that I’m giving away. Or you can grab a copy from Amazon for 80% off – just $4. 🕯️🌟 www.amazon.com/Reflections-...

With the lighting of the first Advent candle, the church new year has begun. 🕯️🌟

This coming Sunday we enter the season of Advent, a way to remember the first coming of Christ and to invite him to come once again into our lives even today. I’m giving away FREE copies of my book to any who are interested. Just DM me. 🕯️🌟

“Who knows why God allows heartbreak, but the answer must be important enough because God allows his heart to break too.” – Ann Voskamp, The Broken Way

In just a few minutes from now, South Carolina will execute Stephen Bryant by firing squad. God, have mercy. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

A fool constantly beating the drum at night wakes up the neighbors.

A little history behind All Hallows' Eve, dating back some 1300-1400 years ago. You might be surprised... sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/is-hallowe...

Read more in my recent article: sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/the-driver....

I have come to believe that all love languages — whether received or given — are about one thing alone: feeling safe. sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/the-driver...

A new book to enjoy from @ivpress.bsky.social. 📖

Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. –Psalm 58‬:‭1‬-‭2‬

“Jesus is the ultimate border-crosser.” –Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield

The doctrine of election is not primarily about being chosen for salvation, while others aren’t. Election is about being chosen to bring blessing into this world.

As many know, the National Guard is being deployed to certain cities in the US, including Memphis, my city. This is being pitched as a way to deal with crime in high-crime urban centers. I offer some short reflections on what this might mean. sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/memphis-sa...

The ever-burning question within our current American context... sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/should-the...

My friends, please remember that one nation (Britain, etc) declaring another nation (Palestine) as a state has nothing at all to do with the last days. The last days began a long, long time ago. Peter made that clear at the Feast of Pentecost. sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/is-this-th...

God, I believe & carry hope that you will do something in the future. But, God, what are you going to do RIGHT NOW?!

When we determine that some group of people are not worthy of dignity, compassion, care, and definitely not worthy of God’s grace, then we can easily put those people out of our minds and not worry what happens to them. This is not the way of Jesus.

If quotes are truly being taken out of context in recent days, then should we also commit to not pulling one Bible verse out of its context? Psalm 46:10 Jeremiah 29:11 John 3:16 Romans 8:28 Philippians 4:13

“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Chaplaincy is a growing vocation these days. And I love that nearly 20% of our Master’s students are getting a specialization in this field through the Center for Pastoral Wholeness & Chaplaincy Studies. memphisseminary.edu/2025/08/19/t...

I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed such an uproar over a business rebranding. Now, the money being poured out - $700 million - to do so could definitely be better spent & invested in communities. But rebranding strategies are part of a free-market economy where mammon is central.

Remember that summer when so many freaked out about the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony? Yeah, it changed our world a lot. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I’m not sure if we’ll ever be willing to re-examine our ideas about “hell.” sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/what-the-h...

So grateful for the work of Peter Bell, Sarah Bader & @sonsofpatriarchy.bsky.social as they expose abuse in Doug Wilson’s churches. religionnews.com/2025/08/12/d...

“The easiest way to make oneself righteous is to make someone else a sinner.” –Rachel Held Evans

Link to my article about the “fallen angel,” Satan. open.substack.com/pub/sacredth...

I have recently been listening to a podcast series called Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, hosted by Mike Cosper.. This has been an insightful series into the rise of the "Satanic Panic" that took place in the later half of the 20th century.

“Two of the best-known Israeli human rights groups said Monday that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza…” www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/w...

A fantastic podcast series I recently started listening to. This newer podcast takes you back to the Satanic Panic that gripped America in the 1980s and ’90s. It explores how hysteria gripped parents and teens www.christianitytoday.com/podcasts/dev...

Whoever the victims are, they will be heard. Whoever those who harmed them are, they will be found out. The Epstein files may never be opened on earth, but do not be deceived; they are open in heaven. –Russell Moore, Christianity Today

One of the best scenes in cinematic history. youtu.be/ZQht2yOX9Js

Shiny Happy People, Season 2 releases in a couple weeks. This time around they look at the now defunct Teen Mania Ministries. youtu.be/fKfEilxYpbM

Recently, I began this new book by African-American pastor & author Malcolm Foley. He offers an intriguing take – that race & racism are not primarily built upon hate & ignorance, but rather greed. Check out the book.

Moving to Belgium. At first, I denied having culture shock. But after a few years, I know what I walked through was such. It was different politically, socially, etc. I share this as a parallel to how we can approach the Bible with faulty expectations. sacredthoughts.substack.com/p/managing-o...

“…a growing number of church members and Christians seeking religious protection who get picked up by ICE. Often they have no apparent criminal history. In many instances, they were in the US lawfully, complying with orders from immigration courts.“ www.christianitytoday.com/2025/06/ice-...