Gary Shogren's Blog
Adapted from my new book on the Holy Spirit, available in Spanish, still seeking a publisher for the English version. The full chapter is found on this blog. The forest is haunted by Christian Lone Wolves. I’m a blogger, and so I have a lot of interaction with other people who write blogs. And I’ve... Continue Reading →
James 1:19 applies to laypeople. It also applies to pastors, although some disbelieve it. Or rather, it should apply to pastors even more notably, to give an EXAMPLE to laypeople! Christian counselors? The same. The following is a bit gossipy, but I think justifiable. I was at a diner a couple of months ago. Two... Continue Reading →
It is fashionable to criticize seminary training. For example, Peter DeHaan argues that “Seminary delays ministry!” That is, the years you invest in training, are years wasting God’s time. He writes: “If God actually tells you to go to seminary, then go. Otherwise just start serving him and leave the advanced education to the academics.... Continue Reading →
This month we have a special treat from a dear friend. We have worked alongside of Nancy and her family since our earliest days on the field. She and her husband Paul provide member care for missionaries who go out from Latin America. It is from that vantage point that Nancy has published an article,... Continue Reading →
Some of the following material is drawn from my forthcoming book Iceberg Ahead! When God’s Servants Crash into Cold, Hard Reality; it is already available in Spanish from Kerigma. ALONG THE LENGTH OF A BASEBALL BAT, the “sweet spot” is that point from which the ball will recoil and go the farthest distance. The batter... Continue Reading →
Isn’t it annoying when someone insists they know what you believe, and won’t take your word that you do not? A friend of mine who worked in a Muslim setting often heard, “You Christians believe in a trinity of Father, Son, and the Virgin Mary!” In this case, the Christian should have the first say,... Continue Reading →
I grew up with that gospel chorus (by James M. Gray, president of Moody Bible Institute) and I think I know where he was coming from. But let’s carefully unpack its repeated motif: I 'm only a sinner saved by grace or we could say - I am [present tense] only [no more than] a... Continue Reading →
May I express two opinions: ONE: I am not a hard “cessationist”, that is, there is not a single Bible verse that says the gift of prophecy ended with the apostles. Not Hebrews 2:4. Not 1 Corinthians 13:8-12. Certainly not Revelation 22:18-19. If cessationism is not explicitly taught in Scripture, I have no right to... Continue Reading →
1 Kings 12, which I am editing today for the SUN Old Testament. New king Rehoboam faces a revolt in Israel, and we know that God has planned that the rebels be successful. He consults with the older men, his father's advisors, the "elders." They advise caution. They say, be patient; be flexible with the... Continue Reading →
The answer of course is False. In fact, you might look around inside a cult group and see your neighbors who look absolutely normal and fit into their neighborhood and sing recognizable songs and still be in a cult. Let's break things down into groups: A - Doctrinal Error. They stray from historic Christian teaching.... Continue Reading →
Open Our Eyes, Lord! 