Faith + Hope + Love

In a world where various forms of self-expression are increasingly embraced, it’s essential for Christians to understand how these align or conflict with God’s Word. One such form of expression is the culture of drag queens, where men dress as women, often in exaggerated ways, to entertain or make statements. As believers, we need to consider what the Bible says about this, especially concerning the impact on children, and how we can respond with love while upholding God's standards of purity. God’s Creation of Gender and Identity The Bible clearly presents the idea that God created humanity with specific, intentional gender identities. In Genesis 1:27 , we read,  "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."  This verse underscores that God created male and female with distinct roles and purposes. Any attempt to blur or alter these distinctions can be seen as a challenge to God’s divine order. Drag cultur...

In recent years, many churches and ministries have shifted towards adopting corporate strategies to grow and sustain their congregations. There’s an increasing emphasis on pastors having managerial and business skills, and churches are often branded like businesses with logos, slogans, and marketable personalities. While these tools may attract people, it is essential to reflect on whether they align with the core of what the church is called to be. A Pastor’s Primary Calling The Bible clearly outlines the qualifications and duties of a pastor or elder. In 1 Timothy 3:2-7 , Paul emphasizes that a church leader should be "above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." The focus here is on character and spiritual maturity, not on business acumen or marketing skills. The role of a pastor is to shepherd the flock, to care for the spi...

The Role of Salt in the Christian Life In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." This verse reminds us of the profound impact we, as believers, are called to have in the world. Like salt, we are meant to influence, preserve, and enhance the lives around us without necessarily being the most visible or audible. Salt, as a seasoning, does not need to look like other ingredients. It doesn't emit a strong aroma like spices, but its absence is unmistakable in any dish. In the same way, a person of true impact does not need to fight for position, visibility, or appearance. Their character and actions speak louder than any self-promotion. Proverbs 27:2 advises, "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips." The integrity and quiet wisdom of a righteous pers...