In honor of Reformation Day and in memory of Matthew Perry, I present my latest mashup thread: the story of the Reformation as told through Friends GIFs.
I move to strike the phrase "speak your truth" from modern English. Users may choose from these options: "speak the truth," "share your story," "share your view," "speak from your experience," "tell the truth," "proclaim the facts," etc. Truth just is. You don't define it.
If the US House of Representatives doesn’t elect a Speaker within 48 hours, our independence as a nation is automatically revoked and we become a British colony again. So, I hope you all like nationalized health care and chicken tikka masala.
Just to clarify:
Hating Jews is sin.
Hating Africans is sin.
Hating Europeans is sin.
Hating Asians is sin.
Hating LGBT+ is sin.
Hating women is sin.
Hating men is sin.
Hating conservatives is sin.
Hating liberals is sin.
Hatred of any kind is a sin.
I’ve written two forthcoming novels (largely) about the clash between Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. But books are long and boring, so instead you can enjoy the story told through Seinfeld GIFs.
You will never convince me that if a woman is “just” raising children, she does not need to know good theology. As far as I’m concerned, those who train children needed to be the most solid in their theology. Only the arrogant think this job beneath their talents.
The reasons why a woman might be unmarried and/or childless are highly varied, and I trust God to know a person’s heart. But this much is clear from Scripture…
God loves the childless woman. God treasures the childless woman.
This Jordan Peterson thing isn’t about him. It’s about girls who grow up hearing everyone say, “You don’t have to be thin, or busty, or have a particular nose, or [fill in the blank] to be beautiful,” but deep down we all know that we’re being judged on those exact things. 1
Quoth she, “Black History Month is so important. You know who was a great black leader? Martin Luther King Jr.! Do you know who he was named after?”
To which a boy immediately replied, with no sense of irony, “His dad.”
Much laughter ensued. The End. 5/5
I am deeply indebted to you all for your prayers. Baby Thomas finally made his appearance today, and we are both in good health. What an amazing blessing! God is so good. ❤️
Confession: My church doesn’t do an Ash Wednesday service, so I attended one at another church, because I’m all about them holy days. I won’t tell you what kind of church it was, but it was located on Concordia Circle.
Continue for hilarity…🧵1/5
A few things I believe American Christians should keep in mind right now...
1. Christians have lived and flourished under all kinds of governments.
2. Our current historical moment is just a blip in time.
3. Empires rise and empires fall. Nothing man made is eternal.
I see a video of Paula White and I think, “Women should never be preachers.” Then I see a video of Kenneth Copeland and I think, “Men should never be preachers.”
Tomorrow I will have two articles released: one criticizing the extreme patriarchal wing of Christianity, one supporting traditional Christian sexual ethics. If I do not trigger the entire internet, it will be a failure of epic proportions.
Deborah is probably the most upstanding person in the Book of Judges, yet many conclude that she must have been a curse to Israel because no men would step up. Her gifting was however legitimate, and God used her and Jael to shame the strong things of the world.
If Trump wins in November
Or if Biden wins in November
Human history will continue
God will be sovereign over it
And in the end everything will be ok
Because God is sovereign over history
Trust him
Trust his plan
For the true king is on his throne and ever shall be
I am extremely grateful that some conservative Christian leaders realize the Church has a problem with racism. I wonder how many of them realize the vast problem that the Church has with sexism - that is, sinful prejudice against or behavior toward women because they are women. 1
@UmarBzv
They planned it to survive damage from a standard fire, but jet fuel burns at a much higher temperature capable of melting the building’s skeleton. That is why they collapsed.
As you witness the eclipse in person or by video, consider that the heavenly bodies were positioned just so to allow this alignment. It is not a portent of doom, but the glory of a Creator. He could have left us dark, but gives life abundantly.
The heavens declare his glory.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated for our family. As we seek to determine our son’s developmental delay, we are burdened with grief and anxiety. We know we will see the goodness of God in the land of the living - that he will empower us for the task. But prayers are welcomed.
Maybe the focus on racial reconciliation among certain evangelical leaders, as opposed to abortion or sexual sin, isn’t because they are trying to please the world, but because racism is prevalent in conservative churches while acceptance of abortion and sexual sin is not.
Occasionally I hear the question, “Why stick with the Church when so many are opposed to women learning theology - when it’s so ugly?”
Answer:
Because Jesus is that magnificent.
If you are the Christian parent of a neurodivergent child, you know that Christian parenting books tend to ignore that children like yours exist. But I want you to know, you are loved and your child is loved. You are not a bad parent, and your child isn’t just being rebellious.
@NancyAFrench
I remember in his autobiography Andre Agassi talked about how he played with hair pieces for a long time because he was known for having great hair. It became a source of anxiety for him. When he finally just went bald, it was a good development. So, you’re basically Andre Agassi
I don’t know how to completely break free from the weight of human judgment. I don’t know how to be so content in Christ’s approval that you don’t need anyone else’s. But I know that women are made in his image, and to the extent that they reflect that, they are beautiful. 8
@JackieHillPerry
As a woman, you bring a much needed perspective to the classroom. As a wife and mother, you bring a much needed perspective. As a black woman, just the same. But as Jackie, your voice is needed most of all. Lack of present knowledge is not lack of intelligence. 👏🏻🙂
My husband and I have seen many Christian friends and members of our own church spreading rumors and conspiracy theories on social media related to both coronavirus and the election. Friends, if you spread rumors without any good evidence to back them up, that’s sin.
Recently, people have been posting photos of their weddings and talking about how they met their spouses. I often feel hesitant to discuss my marriage or motherhood publicly, because as much as I love my husband and son, we are not perfect and life can be difficult. 🧵1/7
I often hear people say “my body, my choice”. I admit that enduring suffering in your body for someone else is extremely difficult. And yet, I seem to remember someone saying, “This is my body, broken for you.” That is love.
Only God can make a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman is not defined by shifting societal standards, but by God. And God makes a variety of beauty - thin and curvy, dark skinned and light skinned, short and tall. Everything that serves God glorifies him and is beautiful. 7
I know we all could use some good news. On Tuesday, Jai and I got to see our son via ultrasound. That's right - it's a boy! We will have a good name for him by his expected arrival in February. I feel so excited and joyful. Much love to my little guy! 🥰😍🤰❤️♂️
The president of Harvard University has resigned amid plagiarism accusations. We await comment from the drafters of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
Twitter friends, our 18-month-old son Thomas fractured his tibia this morning and is going to be off his feet for some time TBD. This comes at an already difficult time for us. Prayers would be very much appreciated.
If you think that the purpose of Christianity is to grant you power on earth rather than telling you to take up your cross and seek treasure in heaven, then you’ve completely misunderstood Jesus Christ and should read the Bible again.
I feel sad and nervous posting this, but I think I should based on recent interactions. Read the whole 🧵.
The Bible declares oppression an evil and condemns oppressors. It dignifies victims and promotes justice for all. That means Christians should take oppression seriously.
When someone tells of their pain, our first response should be to listen and try to understand rather than dismissing it if it doesn’t fit our narrative.