Jason Locke's Blog

What stands as an antidote to the decline of Christianity in the Western world? What can stem the tide of ridicule and disrespect directed toward many pastors and churches? "Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also" (1 John 4:21). What would this look like in real life? Well, it should look like the church to which you belong. You cannot claim to be a Christian and yet only care about yourself. You cannot be a minister and yet abuse people & take advantage of your position. You cannot claim to love God and yet be foul-mouthed and ridicule your fellow human being. Your church should not claim to be a Christian community if they are not known for their love for one another. Love of brother and sister is what sets the true Christian community apart. "They'll know we are Christians by our love" is more than a clever lyric for an old campfire song. It should be our way of life. Tertullian (~200 A.D.) said this about how true C...

As if American Christians weren't scared enough of ISIS, we just got this latest credible report that ISIS affiliates brutally executed 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya. As a Christian pastor, I am horrified beyond words at this brutality. I’m mad about the unjust victimization of my brothers by these savage barbarians. I would like to do something very unkind to these people. Pope Francis and Christian leaders everywhere have forcefully condemned these killings. But in spite of my outrage, I still have my wits about me. What advice do I have for you, my fellow Christians? (1) Don't worry about whether or not U.S. leaders should take action. They will. You may not agree with every strategic point, but your agonizing over it won't affect what U.S. leaders do. Pray for them. "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?" (Matt 6:27) (2) As Christians who belong to a nation without borders, we should first and foremost pray for a...