EDITOR’S NOTE: All statements in this post are factual. I met Justin Bieber and his mother Pattie at 101.3 KDWB-FM in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while working as a production intern for the Dave Ryan in the Morning Show during summer 2009. Four years later, I found myself interviewing Bieber’s “pastor,” Judah Smith, during the 2013 Passion… Continue reading Jesus Is A Justin Bieber Fan
Category: Christian Life 101
Willow Creek DuPage Commissions Reece Whitehead as Campus Pastor
Reece Whitehead‘s grandparents gave their lives to Jesus Christ in 1959 while listening to Billy Graham give a stadium altar call in Melbourne, Australia. As a result, Reece and his siblings were raised to know Jesus, and he and his brother Darren ultimately found themselves in pastoral roles at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago.… Continue reading Willow Creek DuPage Commissions Reece Whitehead as Campus Pastor
Andrew Marin Loves Chicago’s LGBTQ In Boystown
Friday afternoon, speaker and author Andrew Marin gave a presentation to over 100 Wheaton College students, faculty, staff, and visitors about how conservative Christians can better love LGBTQ individuals. His main points to the conservative Christian audience were to talk less and listen more, and to not be afraid to “live in the tension” of… Continue reading Andrew Marin Loves Chicago’s LGBTQ In Boystown
Wheaton College Provides “Refuge” for Same-Sex Attracted Students
For the first time in its 150-year history, Wheaton College has formally instated a community group for same-sex attracted students. “Refuge” was recognized as a community group under the Student Care Committee for Student Government by President Philip Ryken Tuesday, and is composed of approximately 15 Wheaton students who identify as same-sex attracted. According to… Continue reading Wheaton College Provides “Refuge” for Same-Sex Attracted Students
Why I’m Not Giving Up Anything for Lent
Many Christians see the 40 days of Lent as an excuse to go on a diet, stop cussing, lose a few pounds, and overall, become a better person by giving up a bad habit or dietary selection. Don’t get me wrong – dropping cigarettes, gossip columns, and/or fatty foods are healthy choices – but they’re… Continue reading Why I’m Not Giving Up Anything for Lent
Evangelical Sex: Why True Love Waits
The truth is out: 44-80 percent of unmarried evangelicals ages 18-29 have had sex. A 2012 study conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals stated the numbers held at 44 percent, but a CNN Belief Blog post cited a 2009 National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy study that came up with 80 percent.… Continue reading Evangelical Sex: Why True Love Waits
“So God Made a Farmer:” Broadcasting Legend Paul Harvey Went to My Church in Chicago
by Eric Joseph Rubio, guest blogger And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. Where did you hear that recently? My guess is that many people, like me, heard it Sunday night during the second half of Super Bowl XLVII.… Continue reading “So God Made a Farmer:” Broadcasting Legend Paul Harvey Went to My Church in Chicago
Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick: Super Bowl XLVII’s Christian Role Models
Most Americans are aware Super Bowl XLVII is happening today. What they may not be aware of, however, is that two openly Christian men are leading the opposing teams: Ray Lewis, veteran linebacker for the Ravens, and Colin Kaepernick, heavily tattooed quarterback of the 49ers. 13-time-Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl XXXV MVP Ray Lewis has been… Continue reading Ray Lewis and Colin Kaepernick: Super Bowl XLVII’s Christian Role Models
Daredevil Nik Wallenda Proves Nothing is Impossible With God
“We fly high, no lie, you know this.” Sure, these may be lyrics from popular rapper Jim Jones, but these words also ring throughout the Bible. Jesus ascended into heaven on a cloud, was “exalted to the highest place,” and was transfigured on the top of a mountain. He also told his followers, and even… Continue reading Daredevil Nik Wallenda Proves Nothing is Impossible With God
Is There Hope for the Gay Undergrad?
Homosexuality might be the most controversial topic in the U. S. today. It becomes extra controversial when combined with the Christian faith, and I recently dove headfirst into the tension by writing a news story for Christianity Today called “Hope for the Gay Undergrad.” The article provides a glimpse into what’s currently being done to… Continue reading Is There Hope for the Gay Undergrad?