What do severe thunderstorms, earth-swallowing floods, decimated forests, and teeth-shattering earthquakes have in common? They all evoke the voice of God. Feel a little frightened? No need—God uses that voice to give strength and peace to his people.       Scriptures Psalm 29 1 Samuel 5:1-5 Genesis 1:6-8 Psalm 30 1 Kings 5 Numbers […]

Barry talks about why it is important to consider the ramifications of a choice before one needs to make it. He covers some fundamental aspects of ethics, reviews what ethics can’t do, and explains why on earth he is talking about what most people often ignore.     Scriptures Romans 2:12-16 Psalm 15:1-5   Referenced […]

Why is it that sometimes we bring about the very thing we are trying to avoid? Barry provides some all-too-true examples and encourages us to be the kind of people that keep the faith, sacrifice our own will, and love our enemies instead of clinging to the delusion that we can control our lives and […]

Sometimes we can be dualistic in our thinking—especially when it comes to us and our competitor/adversary. However, Barry reminds us that there are often three options: we win, they win, and modus vivendi.     Scriptures: James 4:11-12, 5:7-10; 1 Peter 3:13-17, 4:1-5; Jeremiah 29:7   Book: Eisenhower in War and Peace, Jean Edward Smith […]

Barry talks through Psalm 28 and leads us to the time-worn and yet sometimes surprising message that we are separated from those who face judgment only by the grace of God, without anything to earn it on our part. And then what naturally follows: If we can receive this grace, then so can those we […]

Barry finishes up a two-part series in response to a question from a listener: How do we get along with others whose Christian and non-Christian beliefs are in opposition to ours, both within Protestantism and across the lines? Part two covers our interactions with Christian non-Christians and Christian Christians. We promise: it will make sense […]

Barry talks with Andrew Hébert, author and lead pastor of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas about his new book. Shepherding Like Jesus challenges Christian leaders, pastors, and churches to highlight the right things in leadership—things like humility, purity, sympathy, and reconciliation.       Book: Shepherding Like Jesus: Returning to the Wild Idea that […]

Barry begins a two-part series in response to a question from a listener: How do we get along with others whose Christian and non-Christian beliefs are in opposition to ours, both within Protestantism and across the lines? Part one covers how we can find common ground and look for an ally rather than an enemy. […]

Barry covers a sentiment that is easily overlooked by every human everywhere. God said it in the Old Testament: Treat one who comes from outside your group as one who is inside your group (Lev 19:34). Jesus repeated this concept in his story of the Samaritan that does good to the Jew (Luke 10:25-37). So […]

Barry talks about the experience of faith, anomalies, and doubt. How does one come to faith and how does one maintain it? What types of situations tempt one to give it up? There are a lot of reasons not to have faith, and that is why faith is so important.       Suggested Reading: […]