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Adam Dooley

Nov 05
Love0

For the Bible Tells Me So

By Bible, Christian Living, Gospel, Scripture No Comments

“Do you really believe a fish swallowed Jonah?”    

The question came after I preached a chapel service at a “Christian” college. Frankly, the inquiry startled me. I was much younger then, and though I had heard about liberalism which undermines the authority of Scripture, I had never met a professed believer who espoused such views, much less a professor of theology. His next statement rattled me even more.

“We try to focus on Jesus instead of arguing over Old Testament mythology.”

For nearly thirty minutes thereafter I listened as he insisted that Adam and Eve were not real people, Noah and his ark were fictional, and that Moses’ Red Sea crossing was imaginary. Instead, he proposed, wise students of the Bible should focus on Jesus’ words exclusively. “If Jesus did not say it,” he shrugged, “why worry about it?”

All the while I kept thinking to myself, “But Jesus spoke directly about every Old Testament incident you have mentioned.” How can we dismiss the historicity of Jonah and the fish when Jesus compared His death, burial, and resurrection to the prophet’s ordeal (Matt. 12:40)? In other words, Jesus obviously believed that a large sea creature swallowed His rebellious prophet, so why shouldn’t we?

Furthermore, our Savior quoted directly from Genesis 2, referring to Adam and Eve, in order to emphasize the permanence of marriage (Matt. 19:4-6). Additionally, Jesus compared His Second Coming to the days of Noah during the flood, specifically mentioning the ark he built (Matt. 24:37). And while Jesus did not mention the Red Sea crossing specifically, he did affirm the Jewish belief in Moses as a justification for belief in His Messiahship (John 5:46).

Any notion that Jesus denied or dismissed the historicity of the Old Testament, including its supernatural elements, is patently false. Yet, as I recall the exchange and the assertions of that misguided professor, it occurs to me that he said out loud what I suspect many churchgoers secretly believe. Some will rush to affirm the words of Scripture written in red but will be just as quick to quibble over the Bible’s miracles and morality. Whether it’s the record of Israel’s antiquity or the assertions of the Apostle Paul, some are eager to eliminate everything outside of Jesus’ life and teaching.

But is doing so wise? How did Jesus view the Old Testament? And what did He anticipate about the Scriptures that would follow His ministry? Is it reasonable to hold a high view of Jesus’ teaching and a low view of the rest of the Bible?

A focal passage from the lips of Jesus answers questions like these clearly. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus insisted, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished (Matt. 5:17-18).”

Jesus never spoke about any Old Testament event or miracle as if it did not happen. With complete confidence, He trusted everything the prophets previously wrote. Thus, following Jesus while rejecting the authority of His Scriptures is nonsensical. He not only quoted the Old Testament repeatedly but also claimed to be the fulfillment of its entirety.

And how did He fulfill what was written beforehand? Our Lord kept God’s Law perfectly, He taught Jewish doctrine correctly, and He fulfilled Messianic prophecies completely. Jesus’ virgin birth in Bethlehem, His subsequent journey to Egypt, the miracles of His ministry, His betrayal and abandonment, and His tragic death on a cross along with His ensuing resurrection were all predicted with precision before our Savior’s incarnation. Why would we reject the very Scriptures which so accurately pinpoint the details of our Savior’s life before they unfolded? If Jesus trusted the Old Testament, so should we!

But what about the New Testament? How do we know Jesus had confidence in the writings of the apostle who followed Him? Thankfully, our Savior promised about the New Testament exactly what He proclaimed about the Old Testament. While anticipating the Holy Spirit’s arrival, Jesus assured, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you (John 16:13-14).”

Stated simply, Jesus guaranteed that the coming revelation would carry the same veracity as the former revelation. Down to the smallest letter (the jot) and tiniest Hebrew marking (the tittle), the Old Testament was and is fully reliable. Likewise, the New Testament brought with it the same perfection because it, too, is the Word of God (2 Pet. 1:20-21, 3:15-16).”

The bottom line is that if we cannot trust the content of the Bible, then neither can we trust Jesus, who clearly had the highest view of Scripture possible. Thus, when we give our lives to the Savior, we should adopt His view of the Bible and rest knowing that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

So, the next time you claim, “Jesus loves me this I know,” remember that the reason for your confidence is, “for the Bible tells me so.”

Adam B. Dooley
November 5, 2025

Oct 29
Love0

The Hardest Question to Answer

By Anxiety, Doubt, Tragedy, Trials, Will of God, Worry No Comments

Unexpected loss.
Unpaid expenses.
Unhealthy test results.
Unclear expectations.
Unrealistic goals.
Unmet needs.

Trials can take various forms, but often they drive us to the point of despair. Some relationships never heal. Some illnesses never go away. Some dreams remain out of reach. Some burdens never ease. Some problems have no solutions. Frustration, anger, loneliness, and even depression are common outcomes to the difficulties we face. Perhaps the most puzzling and bewildering question underneath all our struggles is why?

Why is God letting this happen? Why now? Why me? Why? Why? Why? Like you, I have wrestled with this difficult question numerous times in my life. The most obvious season of doubt came when my son was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. But there have been other moments of uncertainty that plagued my life as well. Disappointment and hardship of any kind, whether it be great or small, can leave us wrestling with our Creator in search of answers.

Over the years, both my experience and my study of Scripture have taught me at least three valuable lessons about navigating life’s adversities.

First, it is okay to ask God why. Occasionally, well-meaning Christians and Bible teachers will either explicitly or implicitly caution that asking God why is out of bounds. Yet, Scripture nowhere teaches that it is sinful to call out to God about His plans or purposes. A quick survey of the biblical record demonstrates the point.

Outside of Jesus, no one suffered more than Job, who consequently asked God why no less than twenty different times (EX: Job 3:11-12, 7:20-21, 13:24, 21:7). Moses asked God why He sent him to lead the nation of Israel (Ex 5:22). Joshua asked God why He was allowing Israel to be destroyed (Joshua 7:7). The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah asked God why He dealt so harshly with Israel (Is 63:17; Jer 14:19). Perhaps most stunning of all, however, is the remarkable lament of Jesus on the cross when He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Matt 27:46)?”

In none of these instances will you find God irritated or angry because of the inquiry. Questioning His work in your life is permissible even though demanding an answer is not. Feel free to ask God why, just don’t chastise Him if you do not like the response or the lack thereof. Our Lord’s compassion makes sense if you simply think about your children. I never resent the confused questions of my sons or daughters. In fact, I am eager to reassure them that everything will be okay when they are hurting. Even when I withhold information from them, I do so out of love and concern rather than exasperation. Surely, this is how God hears our pleas for information!

Second, Jesus really is enough. The issue is not whether God is real, but whether He is enough during seasons of discomfort. Scripture is resolute that God will never leave nor forsake His people (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). Jesus promised rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28-29). These realities are theologically true, and yet, we usually cannot appreciate them fully until we need them the most. Difficult experiences allow us to put our biblical knowledge to the test. Much like Job, we find out that having Jesus in our lives is better than the answers or explanations He might provide to explain our plight (Job 38:1-41:34).

Knowing God will bear your burdens is quite different from watching Him do it. Believing the Father will answer your prayers is powerful, but not like waiting for Him to do so. Though our experiences are never the source of new truth, they can enhance our understanding of existing truth. Simply put, trials force us to depend upon and live out what we inwardly know.

Third, faith does not give us the power to eliminate trials, but to endure them instead. I do not mean to suggest that God cannot or does not work miracles in our lives today. The notion, however, that any trial or sickness can disappear by means of faith is patently false. Sometimes God develops us through trials rather than rescuing us from them (James 1:2-4). Prayerfully, I trust that I will be a better man because of the hardships that come my way. According to Scripture, endurance is something to celebrate, not avoid (2 Cor. 12:7-9).

Ultimately, we cannot always answer the question why? Even then, our lack of knowledge should not result in a lack of faith. When ignorance assaults our peace of mind, we should continue to persevere in the wisdom of God (Prov. 3:7).

Adam B. Dooley
October 29, 2025

Oct 22
Love0

Love in the First Degree

By Accountability, Christian Living, Faithfulness, Holiness, Love, Obedience, Priorities, Righteousness, Salvation No Comments

“Loving God and loving people is all that matters.”

Those were the words in an angry email I received the day after preaching a sermon about personal holiness. Intended as a less than subtle rebuke, the writer was eager to correct what he labeled as my “overemphasis on obedience.” Any directives about resisting temptation or regulating behavior were, he insisted, hateful and legalistic. Or, to put it differently, conforming to the standards of Scripture was an unnecessary distraction to the simple hermeneutic of loving God and loving others sincerely.

On the surface, the argument is convincing. After all, Jesus Himself identified the two greatest commandments as loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) while also loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). The problem, though, is a false dichotomy that fails to consider how we best exhibit genuine love for God.

The moment we substitute loving God for obeying God, we step outside the boundaries of our Savior’s intention for His people. Nowhere does the Bible teach that we simply love God rather than obey Him. Quite the contrary, the consistent witness of Scripture reveals that the greatest expression of our love is obedience. In fact, Jesus not only insisted that we love Him, but He also clarified how we can best do so. “If you love me,” He said, “you will keep my commandments (John 14:15).”

Concluding that since salvation is a gift of grace, we are free to live however we choose is both reckless and misleading. The Apostle John warns us that, because “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all, if we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (1 John 1:5-6).” The analogy of darkness presents the deceptive waywardness of sin as antithetical to the light of a relationship with Jesus.

True believers refuse to misconstrue the grace of God as an excuse for remaining in their transgressions. No one was clearer on this point than the Apostle Paul, who asked rhetorically, “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be (Rom. 6:1-2)!” Though we are born again by grace through faith apart from good works (Eph. 2:8-9), the goal of salvation is transformed lives characterized by radical change (Eph. 2:10). The seed of redemption is, without question, the grace of God revealed in the gospel of Jesus, but the fruit of salvation is obedience to and joy in the ways of God.

Perhaps an illustration will shed light on the marriage between our love for God and the actions He commands. Admittedly, no human relationship can completely mirror our connection to Christ, but let me share a story that comes close. Years ago, while dying of a crippling neurological disease, David Ireland came to grips with the reality that he would never hold, kiss, or play catch with the unborn child in his wife’s womb. In his book, Letters to an Unborn Child, Ireland desperately communicated his love for his future son or daughter.

In one of his letters to the child, David included the following description of his remarkable wife: “Your mother is very special. Few men know what it’s like to receive appreciation for taking their wives out to dinner when it entails what it does for us.”

“It means that she has to dress me, shave me, brush my teeth, comb my hair, wheel me out of the house and down the steps, open the garage and put me in the car, take the pedals off the chair, stand me up, sit me in the seat of the car, twist me around so that I’m comfortable, fold the wheelchair, put it in the car, go around to the other side of the car, start it up, back it out, get out of the car, pull the garage door down, get back into the car, and drive off to the restaurant.”

“And then, it starts all over again; she gets out of the car, unfolds the wheelchair, opens the door, spins me around, stands me up, seats me in the wheelchair, pushes the pedals out, closes and locks the car, wheels me into the restaurant, then takes the pedals off the wheelchair so I won’t be uncomfortable. We sit down to have dinner, and she feeds me throughout the entire meal. And when it’s over she pays the bill, pushes the wheelchair out to the car again, and reverses the same routine. And when it’s over—finished—with real warmth she’ll say, “Honey, thank you for taking me out to dinner.”  I never quite know how to answer.”

The point is that you will do anything for someone that you love. For Christians, that means obeying God is never a burden. Gratitude, rather than guilt, drives every believer to honor Christ in word and deed.

Good works may not be the cause of our relationship with the Almighty, but they are the consequence of it. Scripture describes faith in God that fails to produce life change as dead and worthless (James 2:14-26), even as it encourages us to look for deeds appropriate to repentance (Acts 26:20). Jesus Himself explained, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:31-32).”

Openly celebrating or continually practicing sinful behavior is entirely contrary to saving faith, no matter how passionately we insist otherwise. Frankly, doing so is the opposite of loving our Savior.

Adam B. Dooley
October 22, 2025

Oct 15
Love0

Reading the Bible in Context

By Uncategorized No Comments

I once saw the familiar words taped above a weight bench in an athletic facility. Their Scriptural address later appeared on the eye black of a famous athlete set to play in a major SEC showdown. Another time, I heard the same verse recited right after a friend shared an ambitious dream for his future. Chances are you’ve heard it, too. Maybe the declaration came from a buddy trying to run a sub eight-minute mile for the first time. Or perhaps an optimistic student echoed the same refrain while studying for a big test. Could it be that an eager coworker uttered this statement while anticipating her big promotion? Whoever it is and wherever it surfaces, this ancient message is often used as an announcement to claim success and prosperity for the road ahead.

What expression am I referring to? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). Admittedly, I am always grateful when people read the Bible and are bold enough to share it with others. Ironically, though, I fear that we often communicate the opposite of what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote these words 2000 years ago. His point was NOT that we can do ANYTHING we want with God’s help. To the contrary, the inference of these words is that we can endure everything that the Lord calls us to endure for His name’s sake, whether it be good or bad. This verse of Scripture is a lesson on the power of contentment in our lives when we DO NOT get our way. The message is not about extraordinary feats, but about enduring faith instead.

We need to look no further than the surrounding context of the proclamation to appreciate the correct implication. In the preceding verse, Paul contrasts two extremes of living that equally require contentment (Phil. 4:12). He says (I’m paraphrasing): I can live with little or great prosperity. I know how to handle a bountiful table or an empty cupboard. I can accept having plenty or suffering because of my need.

Now, feel the powerful force of the inspired phrase that we love to quote again: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Did you catch it? Christ will strengthen you to be content during seasons of difficulty or great blessing. Our trials will not do us in as long as our Savior gives us power to endure. Our blessings will not make us haughty as long as Jesus conditions us to be grateful. In both instances, the strength of Christ helps us navigate whatever we face. His presence is the key to facing all circumstances victoriously, whether we would choose them or not (Phil. 4:11).

My point here is less about the correct interpretation of a single verse, though, and more about the importance of reading the Bible in its proper context to avoid erroneous conclusions. Every student of Scripture faces the temptation of cherry-picking verses or phrases from holy writ in order to affirm what we already believe rather than allowing the text to shape how we see the world. Remember, every text of Scripture has meaning communicated and defined by its original authors that we are not free to alter. Do the hard work of following sound hermeneutical guidelines (rules of interpretation) in order to avoid mistakes.

Careful exegesis (understanding and explanation) requires that we identify the genre of every Bible passage and follow the principles for understanding its contents. For instance, we read poetry much differently than historical books. Consider the difference between reading an instructional manual and a love letter for a modern example. Next, we should understand the historical world behind every text. Before reading any Scripture, take time to ask who it was written to and what the immediate application was. Though the implications for the modern church may differ slightly from what first-century believers understood, the scope of application is always tied to the Bible’s unchanging meaning.

Understand that not every promise given to Israel applies to believers today. Likewise, because Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matt. 5:17-18), along with the distinction between Israel and the church, many of the previous restrictions codified in the Old Testament Law are no longer binding. Tragically, many often attempt to undermine the Bible’s clear ethical imperatives by ripping Israel’s civil rules out of context in order to imply that Christians simply ignore them now. So, if you enjoy shellfish or bacon and have cotton in your clothes, you have no right to quote any moral command people don’t like! Shallow arguments like these reveal more about the Bible’s critics than Scripture itself, but they also remind us that historical and redemptive context matters.

Finally, look carefully at the entire chapter that surrounds your chosen verse before settling on its meaning. Consider the arguments of the Bible book in which it appears. Ask if what you’re reading is under the Old Mosaic Covenant or the New Grace Covenant. Consider whether your understanding contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture elsewhere. These are, without question, difficult concepts to master, but doing so protects us from using the Bible to make arguments that God never made.

Adam B. Dooley
October 15, 2025

Oct 07
Love0

Unexpected Birthday Blessings

By Aging, Birthdays, Christian Living, Eternity, Salvation No Comments

The older I get, the faster birthdays seem to come around. Admittedly, celebrations look much different as an adult than they did during my childhood, yet every trip around the sun is a gift worth commemorating. My life is full of people that I love, colleagues that I appreciate, a calling that invigorates me, and blessings borne out of walking with the Lord from an early age. Truly, God’s lines for me have fallen in pleasant places and His mercies overwhelm me (Ps. 16:6).

Though aging can bring with it some less appealing changes (Ecc. 12:1-8), the fruit of longevity also ushers numerous treasures that are typically foreign to youth. While I do not consider myself to be an old man, serving as a middle-aged pastor certainly feels different than when I began in my early twenties. With each passing birthday, God seems to drop new joys into my life.

For instance, the longer we live, the more wisdom we tend to acquire. Obviously, there are exceptions to this principle, but generally, the more mileage we have in the rearview mirror, the more equipped we are to judge our surroundings with insight and discernment (Job 20:29.) While young men tend to glory in their strength, and rightly so, gray hair is just as honorable later in life because of the wisdom that so frequently accompanies it (Prov. 20:29).

Biblical exhortations reinforce these expectations. God commands older men and women to model godly behavior for those who are younger precisely because aging helps Christ followers to mature (Titus 2:1-8). Good deeds, sound doctrine, reverence, dignity, and sensibility are the outcomes of Christian maturity. No wonder Scripture insists that we respect those who are older even when they stumble in the faith (1 Tim. 5:1-2). Granted, adding years does not guarantee spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:1-3), but it should at least compel us to evaluate our progress in the Lord.

In addition, advancing in age should increase our awareness of and our need for God’s daily provisions and care (Ps. 71:9), furthering our opportunities to praise Him (Ps. 71:18). The promises surrounding eternity also become more precious as our conversation and thoughts turn toward our forever home (Phil. 3:20-21).

These contemplations are not morbid, though, because they bring with them a renewed awareness of each day’s value. By numbering our days, we learn wisdom and godliness with greater urgency (Ps. 90:12). Tucked away in the book of James we discover what I believe is the key to maximizing every day that God gives us. “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow,” insists James. “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14).” In other words, the only certainties in life are its unpredictability and its brevity.

The blindness of life gives us needed perspective. Living into old age helps us to realize how little we can control. Much of our daily reality is the opposite of what we anticipated in previous years. Our lives are full of many good days, for which we are thankful, but also many difficult days. We anticipate having children, but not miscarriages. We expect golden anniversaries, but not divorces. We look forward to milestones and accomplishments, but we never daydream about funerals. We hope for laughter, but we don’t foresee all the tears. But the blindness of life is valuable because it compels us to live each day to the fullest. Our ignorance about the future helps us to be more intentional about the present.

The brevity of life gives us clear priorities. Scripture compares our time on earth to a vapor that appears for just brief time. We are like the morning dew that is gone by noon. Like steam from a stove that disappears in an instant. One day you’re young; the next day you’re old. One day you start your first job; the next day you’re retiring. No matter how much we try, we cannot slow time down. If we aren’t careful, our best plans will slip away from us and never materialize.

Most of us fall victim to the lie that we have all the time in the world to turn our good intentions into reality. Thus, James 4:16 adds, “As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.” Regarding our relationship with God, these deceptions can be devastating. We often comfort ourselves with time that we may not have.

So, what is the greatest birthday lesson of them all?

The time to know God, love God, and serve God is NOW. Any priorities we are putting off until later need to move up on our to-do list. Every single birthday is a gift that cannot be covered by wrapping paper or topped with candles. We should learn from the past without living in the past (Ecc. 7:10). We should devote each day to the Lord (James 4:15). And we should trust our unknown future to our eternal Savior (Job 23:13-14).

I am thankful for another year of life and all the lessons that arrived with it.

Adam B. Dooley
October 7, 2025l

Oct 02
Love0

Preaching Hard Verses

By Bible, Pastor, Preaching, Scripture No Comments

I have preached a lot of sermons over the years. From the very beginning, I settled on an expository method with the goal of preaching through every book, chapter, and verse of the Bible. In my view, doing so keeps a pastor accountable to say what God says about all matters, rather than simply choosing the easiest, most popular subjects to share. I am not suggesting that this is the only way to preach, but I do believe it is the best way to preach.

The Bible accurately predicted a time, which I believe has come, when most would not endure sound doctrine but would accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their sinful desires, wanting to have their ears tickled (2 Tim. 4:3). Apart from the robust accountability of walking through the Bible consecutively, pastors may unknowingly fall into the trap of preaching for likes and reposts on social media rather than standing as prophets to the people assigned to them. Admittedly, I do not trust the whims of my disposition or my need for approval as an accurate measuring stick of biblical fidelity.

Recently, while walking verse-by-verse through 1 Corinthians, I found myself wrestling with texts that, frankly, I would have never chosen to preach if my only concern was what people wanted to hear. Yet, in moments such as these, the preacher must decide if he sincerely believes that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and whether he is firmly committed to preach the word in season and out season (2 Tim. 4:2).

Throughout his letter to Corinth, the Apostle Paul addresses numerous controversial subjects that touch on so many of the modern issues people struggle with today. He confronts, for example, celebrity culture in the church because the Corinthians were dividing over their favorite preachers (1 Cor. 1:10-31). He rebukes their sexual immorality and tolerance of sinful lifestyles while promoting the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Cor. 5-7). He offers clarifying guidance about the freedoms we enjoy because of God’s grace, so as to avoid liberalism on the one hand and legalism on the other (1 Cor. 8-10). He challenges their gender confusion by doubling down on the distinct roles for men and women in the church and home (1 Cor. 11:2-16). He disparages their efforts to flex socially, leading to their insult and neglect of the poor (1 Cor. 11:17-34). He corrects ancient and modern misunderstandings and abuses concerning spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14). Finally, he insists that the past resurrection of Jesus and the future resurrection of saints is essential for orthodoxy (1 Cor. 15).

These examples have far reaching implications for those who proclaim God’s truth. Pastors must work hard so as not to be ashamed, but workmen who accurately handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). The sacred accountability of preaching surfaces in James’ warning that not many should desire to be teachers of Scripture, knowing that doing so invites a stricter judgment (James 3:1). Even when the preached message invites criticism or contempt, the most important audience of every sermon is God Himself (2 Tim. 4:1).

Foundational to these efforts is a resolute confidence that Scripture will do the work if the messenger is faithful to communicate it accurately and boldly. The writer of Hebrews describes the Bible as “living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12).” In other words, we read the Bible, but the Bible also reads us! In doing so, it reveals belief and unbelief. The sword of the Word cuts us deeply, exposing sincere commitment or unbridled carnality. With pinpoint precision it exposes the heart of who we are while beckoning us to who we should become. Hidden motives, secret intentions, and closeted intentions emerge under the divine scalpel of holy writ. The preacher’s goal is not to make the Bible relevant, but to simply show its relevance in our modern context.

Any pastor worthy of his calling will do the hard work of studying to understand and share the Bible. He will proclaim what God says unapologetically no matter the personal cost. Rather than conform to the culture, he is to confront it with truth. Impressing people or drawing attention to himself is a violation of the sacred privilege bestowed upon him. The last thing I want to do as a pastor is aid and abet spiritual treason due to my cowardice or a narcissistic pursuit of affirmation.

So, the next time your pastor preaches a difficult text, be sure to lean in and pay close attention. If he happens to say something controversial to worldly sensibilities, don’t fire off an email to complain. First, ask if his words are true. If so, commit to apply them to your life. Then, take a moment to thank the Lord for a pastor who is faithfully watching out for your soul, knowing full well he will give an account to the Lord for doing so (Heb. 13:17).

Adam B. Dooley
October 2, 2025

Sep 24
Love0

Erika Kirk and the Scandal of the Gospel

By Christian Living, Forgiveness, Gospel, Grace, Grief, Sin, Tragedy No Comments

Her words were just as shocking as the tragic events that took place eleven days earlier. As 70,000 people packed into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and an additional 20,000 gathered in overflow venues like Desert Diamond Arena, over 100 million onlookers joined the memorial service by streaming it online while another 20 million tuned in through traditional television means. All were there to honor the remarkable life of Charlie Kirk, and a holy hush fell over the gathering when his widow, Erika Kirk stood to offer a few words.

The fact that she was able to speak at all was just as remarkable to me as whatever she intended to say. Frankly, I am not sure what I expected, but I was unprepared for what came next. “On the cross, our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know (sic) what they do.’ That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it’s what Christ did. And it’s what Charlie would do.” She continued, “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer, we know from the gospel, is love. Always love. Love for our enemies. Love for those who persecute us.”

The moment was breathtaking. But may I be painfully transparent for a moment? Initially, those words were just as insulting as they were inspiring to me. I am ashamed to admit it, but in my weakness, forgiveness is the last thing I wanted to hear from Erika Kirk. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit quickly convicted me.

Forgiveness, you see, ranks near the top of the things we are most grateful to receive and near the bottom of things that we are most willing to give. Idioms like bury the hatchet and let them off the hook remind us that showing compassion is tough primarily because it seems equal to diminishing the pain others cause us. Yet, for Christians, unforgiveness is not just unbiblical, but also irrational due to the sheer magnitude of God’s grace in our lives.

The scandal of the gospel is that God the Father chose to pour His wrath upon His own Son in order to set vile sinners free (Isa. 53:10). Because all of us are like sheep that have gone astray, Jesus was smitten and afflicted by His own Father as our transgression, iniquity, and chastening fell upon Him (Isa. 53:4-6).

Granted, some sins are more offensive than others, but all sins leave us guilty and without excuse before a holy God. Thus, the just suffered for the unjust. The righteous died for the unrighteous. Christ pleaded for our forgiveness even as He purchased it on the cross. The moment you feel deserving of grace while assuming that others are not, you only prove that you do not understand grace. Erika Kirk powerfully reminded us that those who receive grace ought to be the most eager to grant it.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who sin against us, he expounded his question with what he thought was a gracious suggestion. “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? (Mat. 18:21)” Though the number seems arbitrary to us, Jewish rabbis taught that believers were only required to forgive the same offense three times. By suggesting amnesty as many as seven times, Peter was more than doubling what common sense seemed to require.

Wishing to deepen our understanding of God’s mercy toward us, Jesus intentionally exaggerated, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matt. 18:22).” His point was not that after 490 acts of leniency our benevolence should run out. To the contrary, our Savior’s expectation is that we forgive again and again because this is exactly how God treats us. We might be quick to retort, why would anyone repeat the same offense over and over? What kind of fool would be so ridiculous? Indeed. And yet, our continued rebellion against God follows the same predictable and absurd pattern. In order to forgive others as God has forgiven us, there can be no limit to the grace we are willing to show.

Admittedly, practical questions emerge, as we try to be faithful to Jesus’ directive in the real world. Are we obligated to forgive a person who does not want our forgiveness? Or someone who does not repent of their wrongdoing? At this point, there are no indicators that Tyler Robinson has any remorse whatsoever for his sinful transgression against Charlie Kirk. Therefore, understanding the difference between giving and receiving forgiveness is crucial here. Remember, God offers grace to multitudes that refuse to welcome it. We, too, should be willing to give what others are unwilling to receive (Matt. 6:14-15).

Aside from the theological consistency of doing so, letting go of our grievances toward others is also good for us. Apart from forgiveness, you will continually think about the offense that caused you harm, keeping you emotionally bound to the person who hurt you. Waiting for an apology that never comes is like repeatedly tearing the scab off a wound. Why should we be willing to give those who scar us so much control over our lives? When a root of bitterness takes hold of your heart, you have allowed your enemy to prevent your continued growth in the Lord (Heb. 12:14-15).

But shouldn’t there be consequences for sin? Simply put, yes. The fear of diminishing what happened to us creates reasonable longings for justice and even vindication (Amos 5:24). We must realize, however, that granting a person forgiveness is not the same as setting them free from outcomes of their actions. Employees who steal ought to lose their jobs. Students who cheat ought to fail. Those who break the law ought to go to jail. Assassins who murder innocent citizens ought to face the death penalty. Though counterintuitive, consequences can be a blessing that leads us to repentance and life change. Ultimately, we should trust the Lord to decide the repercussions others face for their sins (Rom. 12:19-21).

But what if I cannot forget what happened to me? Chances are, you won’t. Perhaps no other cliché has done more damage to our understanding of forgiveness than the notion of forgive and forget. Putting painful experiences out our minds is often impossible. Thankfully, biblical forgiveness does not require us to be gullible or naïve. Refusing to dwell on the offenses of our enemies does not mean that we should repeatedly put ourselves in harm’s way. Even when consequences must remain, we can choose not to be bound by the past wickedeness of others and even pray God’s best over their lives.

At this point, if you do not believe God is doing something remarkable in our nation, you just aren’t paying attention. I am thankful for Erika Kirk’s bold forgiveness and for the scandal of the gospel. The Lord is using a grieving widow to remind us all just how desperately we need grace.

Adam B. Dooley
September 24, 2025

Sep 17
Love0

Charlie Kirk and the American Soul

By America, Evil, Murder, Politics, Trials, Truth No Comments

Like so many of you, I am still trying to process the horrific reality of Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10. Words escape me as I wrestle with both the loss of a generational voice and the seeming death of our cultural conscience. Only time will tell if this tragedy is the beginning of America’s needed renewal or its impending ruin.

While I recognize that political violence stems from both the right and left, the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk is almost as predictable as it is painful. We should welcome calls to “turn down the rhetoric,” but doing so without recognizing the patterns that preceded this tragedy is futile.

For years, opponents who disagreed with Kirk repeatedly labeled him as part of the dreaded fringe, a right-wing activist who was divisive, extreme, and incendiary. Fearing his persuasive arguments, many on the left painted Charlie as a xenophobic and homophobic white supremacist unworthy of debate. In other words, they hurled ad hominem insults because they could not counter his ideas.

Think I am overstating it? The sheer glee by some online is the very definition of bigotry. The number of videos with individuals laughing hysterically, shouting enthusiastically, and clapping uncontrollably in celebration is breathtaking. Insensitive one-liners and obnoxious memes littered the feeds of most users on every social media platform. And why? Because a loving husband and father of two is somehow less than human simply because he saw the world differently than his critics. God help us.

The breadth of the cruelty has been staggering. The conversation turned so vile that teachers, college professors, authors, firefighters, journalists, healthcare workers, pilots and Secret Service members necessarily lost their jobs for their calloused, disrespectful remarks. Then, just as predictably, these same mockers are now playing the martyr card in defense of their hateful behavior. Imagine, after grotesquely suggesting that a 31-year-old family man in his prime deserved an assassin’s bullet simply for exercising his First Amendment right, emotionally pleading your victimhood because you lost your job for speaking freely. The disconnect is remarkable.

Though laws vary slightly from state to state, generally employers have every right to terminate employees due to online or social media comments deemed inappropriate. While the First Amendment guarantees our freedom to say what we want, when we want, where we want, it does not prevent businesses from parting ways with workers who violate “company values” (a phrase repeated a lot recently). Conduct seen as damaging to the reputation or profitability of a corporation is grounds for dismissal according to the law. Rightly so.

Among the most visible offenders was Matthew Dowd, a political analyst at MSNBC who had the gall to imply that Kirk deserved to die because he was so divisive. “Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words,” he contended, “which then lead to hateful actions.” As an aside, if your rhetoric is too extreme for MSNBC, you really need to tone it down. But what exactly was so malicious about Kirk’s going to college campuses and listening to skeptics and critics alike in order to engage in debate and dialogue?

Herein, we stumble upon the great offense of Charlie Kirk. He dared to speak the truth. And not just greeting card pleasantries. His audacity to share openly biblical positions on gender, marriage, homosexuality, abortion, the role of government, judicial activism, etc. quickly drew the ire of critics anxious to label him as Christian nationalist.

Unfortunately, we live in a generation that not only resists the truth, but also sees it as hateful and cruel. With pinpoint accuracy, Scripture anticipated our current climate. “For the time will come,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Tim. 4:3-4).”

Though I did not agree with every position Charlie Kirk took, his consistent effort to demonstrate the veracity of Scripture in everyday life was inspiring. Far too many Christians hide their faith in public spaces, fearing the backlash of political correctness and secular priorities. Even after his death, the name calling is wickedly cringeworthy.

Likewise, if you dare to hold and voice a biblical worldview that informs your politics, many will just as rapidly label you a threat to democracy, a domestic terrorist, or even worse, a fascist. The names change, but the playbook remains the same. How do I know? Because Charlie Kirk is not the first Christian to die for boldly proclaiming what God’s Word says.

Both the apostles Paul and Peter also lost their lives for telling the truth. If each were alive today many of the same dissenters would anxiously mark them as political extremists on the far-right fringe for addressing many of the same issues Charlie Kirk spoke so passionately about.

For instance, both apostles promoted a limited government that exists primarily for the punishment of evildoers (Rom. 13:1-6, 1 Peter 2:13-14). While appearing before the Sanhedrin, Paul admonished that the council judges rule according to settled, external law outside of themselves (Acts 23:3). Judicial activism of any kind runs contrary to the established standards of written legalities.

Notions of government handouts or wealth redistribution were also foreign to Paul and Peter. Though they advocated for helping the poor (Gal. 2:10), they also insisted that those who refuse to work should not eat because rewarding laziness is foolish (2 Thess. 3:10-11). Being sensitive to real needs was hardly an endorsement of equity outcomes for all.

Regarding race, what fundamentally mattered to these leaders of the early church was not the color of a person’s skin but their identity in Christ (Gal. 3:28). For them, creating winners and losers, victims and oppressors, contradicted the unity found in the family of God. Paul sought to preach the gospel to all people without discrimination (Rom. 1:14-16). The Apostle Peter likewise maintained that what makes us distinct is not our skin color but who we are in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 2:10). Fellowship came across socioeconomic and cultural lines, not through obliterating them. In other words, the gospel is more powerful than what the world says should divide us.

When speaking about gender and marriage, Paul and Peter acknowledged that only a man and woman can become one flesh through holy matrimony and that both, as a picture of the gospel, have unique assignments in the home (Eph. 5:22-31; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Echoing the words of Jesus, Paul taught that divorce was never permissible except for reasons of adultery and desertion (Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:1-12; 1 Cor. 7:10-16).

Additionally, Paul declared homosexuality in all its forms to be unnatural and idolatrous (Rom. 1:26-27), incompatible with sound teaching and Christianity itself (1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:9-10). Peter grimaced over the prospect of such reckless sensuality and the consequences it is sure to bring (1 Peter 2:4-11). According to both men, the freedom promised by the sexual revolution is a deceptive fabrication that only leads to bondage and shame (1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Peter 2:18-9).

When it was all over, Paul lost his head and Peter suffered upside down on a cross for their views. The world was not worthy of these early martyrs for the faith nor the thousands who have come after them (Heb. 11:35-38). Outcomes like these should not surprise us, though. Jesus Himself contended that the world would insult, persecute, and say every kind of evil against His people (Matt. 5:10-12).

But how was He so sure? Because the light of creation experienced the same rejection and hate when He came into the world (John 1:9-10). He, too, spoke boldly about two genders (Matt. 19:4), the permanence of marriage (Matt. 5:31-31; 19:1-12), the reality of hell (Matt. 7:21-23, 8:12, 18:9; Mark 9:43-48), and loving our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48). Perhaps most offensive of all, He claimed to be the promised Messiah who is the only way to God (John 14:6).

Disagreement is part of life. Robust debate and engagement, though, are not threats worthy of violence. Quite the contrary, contending with others is an expression of their value as God’s image bearers (Gen. 1:26). Denouncing bad ideas is not an act of hatred, but an effort to promote human flourishing for those with whom we disagree.

So, even as some voices continue to suggest that Charlie Kirk was a stain on our society, let’s do better. In fact, I encourage you to listen and decide for yourselves. His videos are everywhere. Judge for yourself if you believe he was unkind or harsh. Refuse to listen to partisan voices desperate to spike the ball in this historical moment.

Adam B. Dooley
September 17, 2025

Sep 10
Love0

The Hidden Blessing Behind Life’s Pain

By Anxiety, Christian Living, Comfort, Grief, Trials 2 Comments

If you live outside of Jackson, Tennessee, you are likely unfamiliar with the name Ann Marie Kelley. Those of us who call this community home, however, recognize her as a bit of a local hero. Diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2021, her initial prognosis was bleak. Yet, with the innovation and progress of modern medicine as His means, God supernaturally healed Ann Marie’s body of all cancer, giving her a new lease on life.

In the years following those dark days, Ann Marie has worked tirelessly to bless others who face the devastation of similar diagnoses. She decided to deliver smoothies to chemotherapy patients monthly, realizing how difficult it is to eat while enduring these treatments. Next, she organized daily transportation for patients unable to drive themselves to and from doctor appointments.

Then, three years ago, Ann Marie created Swinging for Hope, an annual golf tournament which raises money for the Kirkland Cancer Center. Remarkably, in just 36 months, fundraising efforts have grown rapidly, surpassing the $500,000 mark. At their core, these initiatives are a living testimony that God comforts us so that we may, in turn, comfort others with the strength He gives (2 Cor. 1:3-4). With her Christian faith as the anchor of her life, Ann Marie is seeking to be a conduit of God’s blessings. Because she received so much from the Lord, she is eager to give just as much to others.

And rightly so.

Within the providence and provision of the Lord, our worst trials and burdens often become the pathway to our greatest impact and blessings. The same problems which initially cause us to doubt God’s goodness unexpectedly turn into the platforms from which we declare God’s glory. The notion that our Savior’s breaking us precedes His using us appears over and over again in Scripture.

Joseph suffered unjustly in a prison for over a decade before God raised him up to feed all of Egypt during a time of famine (Gen. 37-50). Prior to leading Israel out of Egypt, the great leader Moses spent 40 years in exile due to his recklessness (Ex. 2:15-25). The glory of King David came only after he spent around seven years hiding from his predecessor (see 1 Samuel). Paul served as the mighty apostle to the Gentiles, but only while living with a continual thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Most important of all, the glory of Jesus’ resurrection required the agony of His cross and the hopelessness of His grave beforehand (Mark 15:22-47).

In all of these instances, the resulting fruit and benefit for others came from walking with the Lord, not away from Him, during the darkest of circumstances. Doing so allows us to embrace the opportunity of sharing the divine comfort we receive with those around us. While the purposes behind our pain are many, most of which remain hidden outside the perspective of eternity, one source of sanity through hardship is knowing that a greater good can emerge (Rom. 8:28).

All around us are people who realized that what the enemy meant for evil, God orchestrated for good (Gen. 50:20). Consider Lisa Reasons, who leads the new adoption agency of Birth Choice ministry here in Jackson. Behind her education and effectiveness, it is easy to miss the tremendous burdens she has overcome. As an infant she lay with little attention or affection for the first year of her life in an orphanage. Even after being adopted through the foster system, Lisa frequently struggled to connect with others due to her previous lack of attachment as a child. When her adoptive father died during her teenage years, she had to wrestle with being alone all over again.

Little did Lisa know that these painful years were the preparation she needed to adopt her son, Clay, who faced similar struggles. Likewise, her unique compassion for hurting families, born out of personal struggles, has uniquely equipped Lisa to lead an adoption agency. Truly, the complexities of her past served as the doorway to her future.

Across town, at The Dream Center, a ministry designed to serve women in crisis, Director Gail Gustafson traveled a similar path. After growing up in an abusive home, her life was sidetracked by addiction. It took 35 years before Christ changed her life, but the grace of God ultimately overtook her. Today, Gail sees herself in the women she serves and feels called to help them find freedom in Jesus Christ. Understanding the heartache hurting women face is the key to her effectiveness as a faith leader.

Isn’t all this just like our great God?

In our moments of greatest despair, God is preparing eternal glory for us that far exceeds our present struggles (2 Cor. 4:17-18). We face constant affliction, bewilderment, and even persecution, yet without despair or destruction in order to put the power of our Savior on display (2 Cor. 4:7-10). And, as God pours into us, we have incredible opportunities to pour into others. Our deepest valleys have a way of elevating us to new heights of service and significance.

Let’s remember, especially on our worst days, that God has a plan for each of us. As He works in us, He is likely preparing to work through us. Some trials are simply too painful to waste. So, when the dawn breaks, be ready to share the spoils of your struggle with others. Let’s encourage and build one another up, knowing that heartaches do not have the final say (1 Thess. 5:9-11). Drawing from the well of our past victories, let’s do what is good and helpful for others, especially those in the family of faith (Gal. 6:10).

Adam B. Dooley
September 10, 2025

Sep 03
Love0

A Sin Unlike Any Other

By Christian Living, Holiness, Homosexuality, Repentance, Sin No Comments

Of all the strategies that Satan uses to sow destruction into the lives of Christians and unbelievers alike, none are more deceptive nor comprehensive than the lies surrounding human sexuality. Littered among the movies we watch, the music we listen to, and the commercials we mindlessly absorb are both subtle innuendo and explicitly obscene enticements which woo us away from the sanctity and design intended for one of God’s most wonderful gifts. Ours is not, however, the first generation to taste the rotten fruit of the sexual revolution.

The ancient city of Corinth was known for its many sexual perversions. Prostitution was a form of pagan religious expression, making it rampant. Homosexuality, particularly pederasty, was commonplace. Casual intimacy, adultery, and divorce were celebrated norms. In other words, Corinth was not all the different than our modern world where sexuality is an idol that controls many.

Another similarity with our current reality is that first century believers struggled to abandon their immorality due to the relentless, shameless influence of their surrounding culture. Their numerous, twisted justifications were the focus of Paul’s pen in his Corinthian correspondence. All things were lawful, they insisted, so the apostle reminded his audience that all things are not profitable nor healthy due to their addictive nature (1 Cor. 6:12).

Even worse was the Corinthian assertion that food was for the body and the body was for food, though God will one day destroy both (1 Cor. 6:13). The intended parallel served as their basis for minimizing all sexual activities as nothing more than bodily functions. Just as food is for the body, they reasoned, so sex is for the body; and just as the stomach is for food, so the body is for sex.

What emerged was a warped, carnal dualism which separated body and spirit entirely. Misguided claims included: What I do in my flesh has no bearing on my spiritual relationship with God whatsoever; because my sexuality is just an innate desire no different than hunger, there is no reason to suppress it; my body will die anyway, so all that matters is my spirit, not what I do in or to my body.

The same lies are still deceiving us today.

In her excellent book, Love Thy Body, best-selling author Nancy Pearcy accurately writes, “[We’ve been told] that our bodies are products of purposeless, amoral Darwinian forces and therefore they are morally neutral. The implication is that what we do with our bodies has no moral significance. The self is free to use the body any way it chooses, without moral consequences.” The consequences have been devastating and widespread.

A permissive hookup culture is unraveling marriages before they start. The convenience of cohabitation is significantly diminishing the likelihood of marital success at staggering rates. The allure of adultery frequently tears asunder the one flesh union God reserved for husbands and wives. An epidemic of pornography is trampling marital intimacy underfoot. The deceptiveness of homosexuality is openly defying nature itself in the name of love. The lie of transgenderism is actively destroying unsuspecting lives by heralding our rebellion against biology as a milestone worth celebrating.

In an effort to push back against the cunning temptations of the sexual revolution, the Bible offers both theological arguments and a practical plea. First, the resurrection serves as a stark reminder that God cares very much about our physical existence. Just as God the Father raised Jesus up from the dead, He likewise promises to raise us as well (1 Cor. 6:14). We will not live eternally as disembodied spirits, but as physical beings whose perishable bodies give way to that which is imperishable and immortal (1 Cor. 15:51-53). God has big plans for these frail bodies of ours!

Next, Scripture prizes our physical bodies as the dwelling place for Christ Himself, emphasizing the spiritual union existing between believers and our Savior (1 Cor. 6:15, 19-20). The Lord unites with us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are never without Him nor free from His presence. Because sexual intimacy is meant to be an act of spiritual union that creates one flesh between a husband and a wife with God in the midst, sexual sin is about much more than simply breaking a rule (1 Cor. 6:15-16). Immorality connects a holy God to an unholy action.

Finally, the Bible offers a pastoral encouragement that is equally theological and yet, profoundly pragmatic. We should run from sexual transgressions, not because God is prudish, but because no other sin affects us like these (1 Cor. 6:18). Such actions violate our bodies and live with us long after we disobey. No matter how casually we might treat it, there is no such thing as casual sex.

Physical intimacy connects us with others so deeply it never leaves us. This is why people remain in toxic, even abusive relationships despite the pleadings of their loved ones. This is why some marriages start to unravel before they ever begin. This is why some spouses lie in bed at night fearful of who their partner might be thinking of. Scoff if you will, but as someone who helps couples pick up the pieces after the unthinkable happens, I can tell you that sexual deviations have adverse effects.

Even worse, no matter how hard we try to separate our relationship with God from how we express our sexuality, Scripture rejects such selfish compartmentalization. Despite our excuses and our insistence otherwise, we cannot be right with the Lord and rebel sexually. These prohibitions, though, are not meant to hurt us but to help us. As such, directives like these are meant to strengthen and encourage rather than to condemn.

Don’t believe me? Look no further than Paul’s description of believers in Corinth before they came to Christ. He admits that many were fornicators, adulterers, and even homosexuals preceding their new birth (1 Cor. 6:9-10). And yet, God washed, sanctified, and justified them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth (1 Cor. 6:11). The Lord will save anyone who calls out to Him in repentance and faith, no matter how great the sin, whether it be sexual or otherwise. The key, however, is to recognize immoralities as behaviors we should turn away from rather than glory in.

Adam B. Dooley
September 3, 2025

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