John MacArthur is probably as close to a spokesperson for conservative evangelicals with a fundamentalist bent than anyone else, with the possible exception of Franklin Graham. Yet he is also noted for his controversial statements, some of which have created quite a stir and also get many of us to think rather than assume.

We are at a crossroads when it comes to COVID, at least in the western world.

Where are you at? Please choose the choice that best describes you.

Poll Results

Where are you COVID-wise?

Since 1996, I have used Prepare/Enrich personal inventory tests in an attempt to help with premarital counseling. I gave up using them this last year. The reason: they do not seem to make a long-term difference.

If I look at the divorce rate from my pre-testing years, it is no better or worse. Although targeting certain areas where a relationship is weak sounds logical, I wonder if it actually saves either time or energy, especially since it takes a session to take the test.

Election is a divisive issue, and so is damnation.

Are you Arminian on these particular points? Do you tend to believe that groups are elected, but not individuals within those groups?

Do you believe in predestination of the saved (election) and preterition of the lost (they are merely passed over), or do you believe in double election?

Or are you unsettled, or perhaps hold a viewpoint not listed? All comments are welcome, but if you hold another viewpoint, please (very briefly) explain what that might be.

Some people and pastors are Romans or Ephesian junkies. Other are perhaps Pauline addicts, while others thrive on the Gospels or Psalms. Some pastors are about getting their Acts together (sorry for the pun).

In your experience as both pastor and as part of a congregation — and you can add Christian radio listener to the group, etc., — which book (or set of books) from the list below would you say gets the least air time?

Although people debate whether Calvin himself was as Calvinistic as his followers, most of us are familiar with the TULIP, 5 points of Calvinism regarding salvation. While many who embrace all or most of Calvin’s points are not necessarily Calvinists in the sense that they agree with his views on baptism, ecclesiology, or eschatology, for example, they might label themselves as such referring to the process of salvation.

T is for total depravity

U is for unconditional election

L is for limited atonement

With a new liberal president and an extremely liberal vice-president, do you think this will translate for more restrictions/oppression on churches, particularly conservative ones? You might remember how the Obama administration targeted conservative religious organizations (e.g., Samaritan’s Purse) for IRS audits, etc.

What are your thoughts?

Poll Results

Do you expect any significant change regarding religious freedom over the next four years?

E/P. Sanders (who has some good point and some not so good ones, IMO) suggests that the average Jewish person (during the time of the first and second temple) was not concerned about being ritually clean on a daily basis, but only when going to the Tabernacle/Temple or for the Festivals.

What is your understanding of this? It makes a big deal of difference when trying to understand the Book of Leviticus, for example.

Things vary from state to state, but do you anticipate the recent COVID surge will mean more/most states will experience another lockdown for our churches? We are aware that some areas have never stopped locking down, but we are talking about states that had a lockdwon at one time and then lifted it.

Please opine if you wish.

Poll Results

Do you think it is likely we will return to lockdown before Thanksgiving?

Who would have thought that the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain would arrive at an agreement with Israel? Supposedly four or five other middle-eastern nations are negotiating similar agreements behind closed doors.