Much has been said and written lately regarding the Christian civilian and the use of deadly force (or any force at all, for that matter), with many pastors and Christian leaders weighing in on the subject. Some of these words have been rather rootin’ tootin’ in nature (Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr.’s remarks on December 4, for instance), while some have landed squarely in the pacifist end zone (see Bethlehem College and Seminary Chancellor John Piper’s article of December 22). But the simple truth lies somewhere between these two poles, and I’d like to make the Biblical case for how this works. Continue reading
Christianity and American Patriotism Today
Author’s Note: On Sunday July 5, 2015, in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision granting a Constitutional right to homosexual marriage, I delivered a message to my congregation regarding the state of our nation. I’ve been humbled by the many requests for the audio of that message, but due to technical issues it was lost. What follows here is my attempt to recreate that message in article form from the notes of the day, which began with our congregation reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Today, as promised, I’ll address the state of our nation and the Christian’s response to it, and I’ll do so through answering a series of questions. Let’s begin by reading Genesis 1:26-28: Continue reading
SreyLy’s Story
SreyLy is one of the 40 kids at our orphanage in Takeo Province, Cambodia. The orphanage (A Greater Hope Orphanage) and school (A Heart For Wisdom School) are being featured in the Summer edition of Calvary Chapel Magazine. It’s out now – be sure and get a copy!
A Pastor’s Tribute to a Warrior
I 
recently had the sad honor of officiating at the memorial service of former U.S. Navy SEAL Jeff Reynolds, whose untimely and difficult passing was a shock to us all. The memorial service was unfortunately not recorded, and I have received many requests for copies of the message I delivered in celebration of Jeff’s chosen profession – that of the warrior. With permission of the Reynolds family, I have done my best to create a transcript of that message as I recall delivering it. We must never cease to honor our heroes.
Pastor Barry Mahler
An Evangelical’s Response to Senator McCain Regarding Immigration
Dear Senator McCain
Last week you appealed to us Evangelicals in your need to garner support for the (supposed) immigration reform bill passed yesterday by your Senate with the help of your smiling vote. This is my response to your request for aid from us. Continue reading
CRITICAL MASS 