what emoji do you use to represent yourself? i'm 😇

Why is Ken Ham picking a fight with me about the age of the universe? This week, I'm responding to Ken's recent video that criticizes what I teach about creation.

Scorpio season has started.

Would a Protestant reject this prayer? “Dear Jesus, please ask Mary to pray for me.” Genuinely curious…

My review of “Still Sovereign” from 3 years ago. A pro-Calvinism book I actually liked: “As far as Calvinist literature goes, this was one I liked the most. In my opinion it was solid, irenic, and well done. I like the style of different authors contributing their own chapter in a collection like this. I was never bored, it was engaging, and one of the most well documented books I’ve read, making it useful for further study in the future. While I’ll say most of the points in the book were well argued, I think some weren’t as good as others. Ortlund’s chapter on sovereignty didn’t really hit the points of contention well, so he didn’t argue anything most other non-Calvinists wouldn’t largely agree with. And Sam Storms’s chapter on sovereignty in relation to prayer was, I think, the weakest, because he seemed to want to argue for other points in the larger debate (and using mostly packaged arguments) but then tie them back to prayer as an afterthought because that’s the subject he was supposed to tackle. But he did give a practical Calvinist model of prayer and sovereignty, so it wasn’t a bad chapter by any means. Even these weaker chapters, however, were still better argued than a good chunk of other literature from those who hold their views, so that’s to the praise of this book. And I thought the chapters by Yarbrough, Piper, Ware, and Clowney were pretty good. So as far as Calvinist literature recommendations, I’d say Piper’s Five Points for beginners in the discussion, Why I Am Not An Arminian for the intermediate, and this book for those seasoned in the discussion. I’m sure there’s another category above that, which we could call elite or academic, but I don’t feel qualified enough to speak to that.”

I am a husband, father, and lifelong Texan. I’ve been a Christian since I was 5 and a pastor since I was 19. And I just proudly voted for James Talarico, Gina Hinojosa, Jon Rosenthal, and Vikki Goodwin. While it’s true that Ken Paxton is as corrupt and morally bankrupt as they come, Greg Abbott has decimated our public schools, Dan Patrick is bought and paid for by right-wing billionaires, and Bo French wears his racism on his sleeve, I didn’t just vote AGAINST candidates I know will do a bad job. I had the privilege of voting FOR candidates who will do a great job! I originally connected with Jimmy Talarico many years ago (long before he got famous) and we became friends shortly after. He’s the exact same guy in private as he is in public—kindhearted, whip smart, hardworking, and very serious about following Jesus’ call to care for all people, especially the most vulnerable. That’s who he’s been in ministry, in the Texas Legislature, and I have no doubt that’s who he’ll be as a United States Senator too. I’ve also gotten to speak with Gina Hinojosa, Jon Rosenthal, and Vikki Goodwin this year. I believe they will fight for two things that are very important to my family and so many people in our church community: 1. An economy where every Texan can afford to have their basic needs met. 2. Fully funded public schools where all children can thrive. I’m not telling you who to vote for; I’m just telling you who I chose to vote for and why. We are in a critical moment in both the United States and Texas, so I hope you vote. And if you are a follower of Jesus, I hope you see your vote as a way to prioritize the way of Jesus—sacrificial love of neighbor and justice for those who have been marginalized.