Applied Theology
What is Aleppo? The question seems innocent enough to most Americans. But back in September, the question lit up Twitter ( #WhatIsAleppo ) and made Independent presidential candidate Gary Johnson appear even more out of touch with reality. When asked about his response to the crisis in Aleppo, Johnson replied, “And what is Aleppo?” It’s... Continue Reading →
A fantastic contrast is displayed in Isaiah 46: the difference between carrying around man-made gods or realizing that God Himself carries mankind through history. God’s people realize that God alone is Lord and that we are dependent wholly upon Him. He cares for us, and He carries us. He bears our burdens. He begins the... Continue Reading →
Billy Joel famously confessed in song, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints The sinners are much more fun—only the good die young!” Overlooking his obvious false dichotomy between saints and fun and his full-throttled embrace of sin, we can give Joel credit for seeing something that many sinners and saints equally... Continue Reading →
Just this past weekend, my family and I hosted a World Cup party. About 25 people crowded into my living room to enjoy the epic battle in which the U.S. Men’s National team fought against the highly-touted, Ronaldo-led squad from Portugal. Yes, the last-second cross from Ronaldo to the head of Varela sent shockwaves down... Continue Reading →
Well, this isn't exactly from the 2014 Fifa World Cup, but it is related to soccer and, more importantly, to our persecuted family. Originally POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 Before the game, our team took note of the size of the goalie. He was at least 6’3” and weighed in at a solid 280. He was... Continue Reading →
Should Christians Watch the World Cup? The short answer (for me) is “Yes.” Whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God. Can the 2014 FIFA World Cup be watched to the glory of God? Each Christian will want to answer that question for himself. As for me, I have answered the question... Continue Reading →
As usual, Wanda’s café was crowded during the lunch hour, so my student and I decided to head outdoors under the breezeway to enjoy our fresh-grilled meals, which, in my case, included a side order of crispy fries sprinkled with that patented bay seasoning lightly coating them, giving them a salty, spicy kick to accompany... Continue Reading →
I once saw a Facebook status which confused me: "I'm sooooo bored," it read. I wondered--with so many great books and so much to explore--how could anyone be bored? Below is my service to any who might be tempted to boredom. Here is a list of some helpful and Biblically sound literature. I compiled this... Continue Reading →
Should Christians read pagan literature? The question is a fair one, considering that more than one place in Scripture expects the believer to renew his mind and do everything he does to the glory of God. It’s hard to see how Buffy the Vampire Slayer might be considered mind-renewing. It may be even more difficult... Continue Reading →
Recently, Nina Shea, was interviewed by Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review. Nina is the director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute. She is also co-author of a helpful book detailing the present state of persecution around the world: Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians. In the interview, Nina... Continue Reading →
Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you at the proper time—so says the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:6). And time has proved the Scriptures true over and over again. One of the most recent cases is that of Bob Fu, founder of China Aid. The scope of China Aid... Continue Reading →
I know Thanksgiving is over, and now it is Christmas. So, I am a little late saying, 'Thank-you." But I will make it up by offering you a present. The present probably won't be ready by Christmas, but you have my word that you will get it. I am in the process of publishing two... Continue Reading →
When we began Project 13:3 as a ministry to the persecuted church, we ran the idea by some friends to get their input. Below is a video of a conversation I had with a very good friend of mine, Jeff Mooney. Dr. Mooney is a Professor of Old Testament at California Baptist University. The video... Continue Reading →
No Scripture is quoted more often than the proverbial, “judge not” passage of Matthew 7:1. Whatever its iteration, this statement appears welcome in every college classroom and any political conversation. It’s probably the only Bible verse with universal appeal. The sayings, “We mustn’t judge” or “I try not to judge others,” are threatening to overtake... Continue Reading →
If what has been said already about Israel is true, then a question arises, “What about the nation of Israel today?” In this final part (of a three-part series), we’ll look at what the Bible says about Israel as an ethnic/national people. The key text for this discussion is Romans 11. The question we are... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 