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For many, March 2021 means that we’ve been living with the specter of COVID-19 for a year. Last year, some believed that the virus wouldn’t hit US shores. Or that it would only affect our lives for a few weeks.
But, as the months wore on, we realized that the fight against COVID was not going to be a sprint, nor a marathon, but a daily race we’re all running together.
Yet we’re prayerful that the finish line (i.e., sustainably lower numbers across the board) comes sooner than we think, especially as vaccinations continue to increase in the US and abroad.
Speaking of vaccinations, should you avoid the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Dr. Denison considered that question in his Thursday edition of The Daily Article—which is also now available in a video edition.
Another notable news story this week, which could have far-ranging ramifications, is Bethany Christian Service’s decision to allow adoptions by LGBTQ parents. Dr. Denison relates that this tragic announcement proves at least three points:
- Government intrusion on religious liberty is escalating.
- Our culture and civilization are at stake.
- We need to support ministries who stay faithful to their mission.
In related news, the Equality Act continues to garner press for its ramifications as well. Dr. Denison writes that he is “adamantly opposed to the Act, as you might imagine. But this is not only because of my concerns regarding religious liberty. It’s also because I am convinced it is bad for those it is intended to protect.”
If you have questions about what the Equality Act may mean for Christians, read this.
This week, Dr. Denison also wrote that an onslaught of cancel culture tends to condition us to look for the negative and overlook the positive. So, when we face opposition for our faith, how can we react with truth in love?
And Dr. Denison wished for a spare $12 million to buy a painting he doesn’t think is all that great—aside from the person who painted it.
As usual, it’s been a busy week at Denison Forum because the news never stops being new. But it’s a race we’re glad to run each day to inspire, challenge, and encourage believers like you to change their culture for God’s glory.
Lastly, as we all continue to run the race against COVID, let’s recall the most well-known passage about racing in the Bible: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2, emphasis added).
P. S. Dr. Denison also released a new video titled “Why does God allow the ungodly to persecute the godly?” While you’re there, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, and click the notification bell to be notified every time we publish a new video.
Hear Dr. Denison
Dr. Denison is routinely interviewed on radio shows and podcasts. Here’s where you can hear him from this past week:
- What is Christian Nationalism?, Point of View with Kerby Anderson
- Thinking through the canceling of Dr. Suess and evangelicals, Mornings with Carmen LaBerge
- What does the Bible say about luck? with Dawn and Steve Mornings
- What does the Bible say about luck? on Bill Martinez Live
- VIDEO: What does the Bible say about humility? GodLife (Global Media Outreach)
As always, you can find Dr. Denison’s archive of interviews here.
What you may have missed
DON’T MISS THIS: Dr. Denison and pastors Tyrone Johnson and Mark Turman held an insightful and ultimately encouraging discussion on “Why Christians should celebrate Black history every month.”
Mark Legg sees a connection between the rise of meditation apps and St. Augustine’s Confessions: He defines Christian meditation and says that the “practice of confessing to God everyday matters, everyday sins, as well as major mess-ups in our lives, can be an act of meditation.”
In our feel-good story of the week, Minni Elkins highlighted the work of a teenager who helped senior citizens sign up for COVID vaccines.
Name any of Wilt Chamberlain’s teammates from the game in which he scored 100 points. That’s the challenge, and the illustration, that Ryan Denison offers in his latest article.
Notable Quotables
- “May we be those who set aside our pride, seek humility, and love others whatever the cost. May we be so bold as to set our eyes on heaven and sacrifice this life for the sake of eternity.” —Craig Denison, First15
- “One of the most tempting ways for Christians to deal with the opposition we face today is to separate our private beliefs from our public actions.” —Dr. Jim Denison
- “I think you may judge of a man’s character by the persons whose affection he seeks. If you find a man seeking only the affection of those who are great, depend upon it he is ambitious and self-seeking; but when you observe that a man seeks the affection of those who can do nothing for him, but for whom he must do everything, you know that he is not seeking himself, but that pure benevolence sways his heart.” —Charles Spurgeon
Parting thought
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick?
This week’s video releases
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