Christian Living

Sep 24

Erika Kirk and the Scandal of the Gospel

By Adam Dooley 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 10

Love0

The Hidden Blessing Behind Life’s Pain

By Adam Dooley 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 Adam Dooley 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

Aug 13

Love0

Let’s Hear It For The Church!

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, Church, Sanctification, Uncategorized No Comments

Every church has a unique story of how God birthed and blessed them over the years. The congregation I lead, Englewood Baptist in Jackson, Tennessee, was the fruit of heartfelt prayer and a compelling vision.

In 1944, a woman named Emma Weaver lost her husband at the tender age of 44, forcing her to move closer to her eldest son in the northern part of our county. As a devout Christian, Mama Weaver (as she was called) quickly noticed that there was no church in the area for her and her three children to attend. She began to pray, “Lord, I need a church for my family.”

Little did she know that at the same time, Dr. R.E. Guy, then pastor of West Jackson Baptist Church, had a vision to plant new works in growing communities around our city. Within a year, he identified 6.5 acres of land for a mission in the same area where Mama Weaver was praying. Soon, a small block chapel on the property became the meeting place for a new congregation. Over the next five years, they met, prayed, and worked the area as a mission of their mother church under Dr. Guy’s leadership.

Then, in 1950, Englewood incorporated as an autonomous congregation with fifty charter members. That first year, the new church constructed their second auditorium and began a trajectory of growth that has continued for 75 years now. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, the words of the psalmist resonate deep in my heart, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad (Ps. 126:3).” You simply cannot explain the story of our congregation apart from the power and blessing of God.

Observing this church anniversary has reminded me again of the importance of the local church. The Greek word ekklesia adorns the New Testament to describe the gathering of God’s people, or what we call the church. In the Septuagint (the earliest Greek translation of the Old Testament), the same word describes the assembly of the nation Israel. Clearly, the emphasis is on the people who met together, not the building that housed them. In fact, there is no evidence of a church building before the 2^nd century.

I am not suggesting that brick and mortar are unimportant. In many ways, the place where God’s people gather offers the first impression to the community about who they are. Yet, location and facilities alone do not make a church. Theologically, the church is the assembly of the Christ’s bride for the sole purpose of worshipping the Lord.

When describing the church at Corinth, for example, the Apostle Paul refers to them as “those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus” before identifying the people there as “saints” (1 Cor. 1:2). The idea is that a church is set apart for the Lord, in order to think, believe, and live differently than the world around them. Saints are those who are holy, both positionally because of the work of Christ on the cross and practically because of the continued work of sanctification by the Holy Spirit.

Also of interest is the fact that these descriptions apply to the body of Corinth as a whole, not to individuals. In other words, they were set apart, together. They were the holy ones of God, together. In addition, the overwhelming Scriptural references to the church refer to single, local congregations rather than the universal church (all believers in all places). The implication is that the local church functions as a means to mature and grow our faith in ways that would otherwise be impossible.

One only needs to consider the abundance of New Testament admonitions which regulate our behavior toward one another in the body of Christ in order to appreciate the transformative impact of a local church. We are told to . . .

Be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10).
Be of the same mind toward one another (Rom. 12:16).
Build up on another (Rom. 14:19).
Accept one another (Rom. 15:7).
Admonish one another (Rom. 15:14).
Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25).
Greet one another (1 Cor. 16:20).
Serve one another (Gal. 5:13).
Bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).
Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32).
Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32).
Encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11).
Pray for one another (James 5:16).
Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7).

I could keep going, but you see the point. Living out our faith fully is impossible apart from the local church. No wonder the writer of Hebrews instructs us not to forsake our assembly together with other believers (Heb. 10:25).

Reminders like these are essential in our highly individualistic age. If I may state it bluntly, we have lost our sense of congregational identity in American Christianity where some Christians change churches as much as they change their wardrobe and others opt out of church participation altogether. Some circles even boast, “I love Jesus, but I hate the church!”

The root of misguided practices and assertions like these is the notion of walking with God alone. How can I grow? How can God bless me? What do I need? What is God doing in my life? Though questions like these are not unimportant, they are but a fraction of the sanctification that we need. Spiritual growth is without question an individual reality, but it is also congregational process. We simply cannot become the Christians God desires us to be apart from the life He wants us to live within a local assembly of believers.

Adam B. Dooley
August 13, 2025

Jul 29

Love0

A Promise for Troubled Days

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, God, Trials No Comments

Do you ever worry that you’re going under if something doesn’t change? Do you fear that you cannot deal with the stress of your circumstances any longer? Do you ever feel like God has abandoned you? If so, I want to encourage you with a promise for believers that has given me strength over the years. Joshua 1:5 says, “Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”

Thankfully, God’s pledge to Joshua was not an isolated incident. Moses’ successor reminded God’s people of the same promise when they fought against their enemies (Joshua 10:25). Before King Solomon built Israel’s temple in Jerusalem, his father David assured him that God would never fail or forsake him until the work was finished (1 Chr. 28:20). After Assyria invaded Judah with intentions of conquering Jerusalem, King Hezekiah admonished his citizens by insisting that the Lord was with them and that He is greater than any enemy they faced (2 Chr. 32:7-8).

Every time a leader relayed the promise of God’s presence to others, Scripture reveals a strong call to be strong and courageous as a result. Not only was this the pattern employed by Moses as he encouraged Joshua, God Himself follows the same progression three times as He speaks directly to His new leader (see Joshua 1).

Be strong and courageous . . . (v6) for I will give the people the land I promised.
Be strong and courageous . . . (v7) as you obey my commandments.
Be strong and courageous . . . (v9) because I will be with you wherever you go.

These appeals to strength and courage are the direct result of God’s repeated intention to remain with Joshua no matter the situation. The Lord assured him, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5).”

Remarkably, God frequently reassured His children by directly asserting His presence with them. When temptation assailed Abraham, the Lord promised to be a shield for him (Gen. 15:1). As Isaac endured the envy and hostility of others, God again guaranteed His presence (Gen. 26:24). While serving under harsh circumstances due to the Babylonian threat, God maintained His intention to save and deliver the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 42:11). Though the Apostle Paul suffered greatly for serving His Savior, the Lord again acknowledged His presence and admonished the apostle not to fear (Acts 18:9-10). Even while Israel faced the self-inflicted consequences for their rebellion, God came to them with compassion saying, “Do not fear, for I am with you (Isa. 41:10; 43:5).”

In addition to these stated examples of Yahweh’s determination to remain with His people at all times, the Bible often observes that God is with His servants even when He does not say so. Consider again the escalating hardships of Joseph in the book of Genesis. The narrative reveals that his brothers hated him. After they sold him into slavery, Potiphar’s wicked wife falsely accused Joseph of adulterous intentions, resulting in an unfair prison sentence. Yet, despite God’s apparent silence on the matter, the Bible continually consoles us:

The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man (Gen. 39:2; emphasis mine).
His master saw that the Lord was with him . . . (Gen. 39:3; emphasis mine)
The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer (Gen. 39:21; emphasis mine).
The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper (Gen. 39:23; emphasis mine).

Joseph seemed to lean hard into the reality of God’s presence. Toward the end of his life, while looking back over his most painful events, he found comfort in knowing that what others meant for evil against him, God strategically used for good (see Gen. 50:20).

If these examples still seem too far from the world where you live, drink deeply from the profound insight of Acts 17:27-28, which assures us that God is “not far from each of us” because “in Him we live and move and exist.” Our heavenly Father invites us to enjoy contentment apart from financial or material ambitions simply because He promises to never desert or forsake us (Heb. 13:5) due to His relentless priority of meeting our needs (Heb. 13:6).

In addition, Jesus, when speaking directly to all Christians in every age, guaranteed His presence in our lives as we go about the work of making disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). Regardless of how severe our misfortunes might be, we can rest easy knowing that God “will not forsake His godly ones” (Psalm 37:28). He is ALWAYS with us!

Adam B. Dooley
July 29, 2025

Jul 08

Love0

Unexpected Blessings in Dark Places

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, Comfort, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Sovereignty, Trials, Uncategorized No Comments

How can we make this work? My wife fought back tears as she tried to process the mixed emotions that gripped her. We sat in what felt like eternal silence, occasionally looking at one another but without words to articulate our feelings. During the darkest valley of our adult lives, this news was the last “blessing” we expected to receive.

This week marks 15 years since childhood cancer rocked our world. Those were tough days due to a regimented and exhausting routine. Because we lived in Mobile, AL then, every Tuesday we boarded an early flight to Memphis, TN for my oldest son’s weekly chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Usually arriving before dinner, we ate a quick meal at what was formerly the Grizzly House (now Tri-Delta Place) before heading over to the hospital for lab work meant to measure his immunity levels. Then, early the next morning, we met Carson’s attending physician in the clinic in who cleared us for his weekly cocktail of medication. Despite the occasional lumbar puncture sprinkled in every few months, we usually finished by lunch on Wednesday before returning to the airport for the reverse flight home.

The only ingredient worse than the grueling pace of this drill was the daunting prospect of maintaining its grind for 128 consecutive weeks. Early on, my wife and I decided to alternate trips, but with 75% of the treatment protocol remaining everything was about to change. Fighting childhood cancer was difficult enough with two children. How could we possibly add a third to such a frantic schedule? With a sick child needing so much attention, how could we adequately care for a newborn? How could we manage another responsibility?

But the test did not lie.

Thankfully, neither did God’s Word. I knew and believed that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). I understood that all human life is valuable because every person is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). I also remembered that Jesus compared the pain of childbirth to the sorrow surrounding his death, while also insisting that the joy of giving birth will mirror the joy of his disciples after His resurrection (John 16:21). God seemed to whisper through my doubts, “Consider this an unexpected blessing.”

But in the interest of transparency, can I admit that it did not feel like a blessing? Don’t misunderstand, we wanted more children. Our plan, however, was to weather our storm before expanding our family. Surely, God knew the timing was all wrong! Anyone could see this was too much to ask in our situation! Yet, the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Now, all these years later, I am embarrassed by my shortsightedness. That unexpected blessing was my third son. Though the news of his arrival initially felt like an ill-timed intrusion, it actually became a healthy distraction during our deepest valley. Yes, some days were challenging, and we often wrestled with anxiety, but it was also impossible to dwell on our trial and wallow in our misery. God, in His goodness, gave us joy in the midst of our darkness.

As unexpected as it was, the birth of our son was exactly what we needed at precisely the right time. Because of our new addition, we laughed, we celebrated, and we marveled over our God instead of living in doubt. When I look at him today, I see myself behind his piercing brown eyes. He is smart, athletic, mischievous, and the life the party. We cannot imagine life without him.

I still grieve that I did not see it at first.

God has many purposes through our suffering, many of which we may never understand. Yet, undoubtedly, the Lord often works in the midst of our adversities to drop unexpected blessings into our lives. He may gift you with greater character and hope (Rom. 5:3-5). He may comfort you in order to make you a blessing to others (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Maybe He desires to correct your waywardness and to protect you from problems you don’t see coming (Heb. 12:5-11). Whether the goal is greater humility (2 Cor. 12:7), deeper intimacy with the Lord (Psalm 119:64-68), or increased heavenly reward (2 Cor. 4:16-18), you can rest knowing that God is working in ways you cannot see to provide blessings you do not expect.

Trials are deceptive, not only because of the wounds they leave behind, but also because of the vision they steal from us. Be careful. The light of God’s faithfulness will always penetrate the darkness of our heaviest burdens, even if not immediately. You may not see it now, but you will one day.

So, look around. You are likely more blessed than you think. In fact, the very trial that you hate may be the means God chooses to deliver an unexpected blessing that you do not deserve.

Trust Him (Rom. 8:28).

Follow Him (James 1:2-4).

Rest in Him (Matt. 11:28-29).

You will be glad that you did.

Adam B. Dooley
July 8, 2025

**This post first appeared with the release of Hope When Life Unravels. Purchase your copy today wherever books are sold.

Jul 01

Love0

Happy Birthday, USA!

By Adam Dooley America, Christian Living, Church, Future, Persecution, Pluralism, Politics, Priorities, Separation Church and State No Comments

Every birthday is important. The passing of another year is worthy of celebration because each trip around the sun measures the gift of existing and all the blessings that come with it. For the United States, the Fourth of July marks the significance of our national beginning. After months of laboring over its final wording, the Continental Congress delivered the Declaration of Independence, completing the birth of our country. Every fireworks show, barbeque with friends, and national anthem rendition is a fitting observance of America’s birthday.

Remembering the spiritual groundswell that led to our rise is also an important part of our patriotic celebrations. Though some revisionists regularly dismiss Christianity’s profound influence on both the formation of the American colonies as well as their decisive break from Great Brittain, honest historians acknowledge the seminal guidance of biblical faith toward producing a constitutional republic. Of the settlers in our new land, 98% were Protestant believers (admittedly of different stripes), 2% were Catholic, and slightly over 2000 were Jewish.

Furthermore, the prevalent claim that most of America’s Founders were deists is verifiably false in light of their frequent appeals to divine providence. After recognizing endowed rights from our Creator, the Declaration of Independence concludes with “a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.”

It was no accident that later, the very First Amendment codified into the US Constitution (1789) guaranteed the freedom of religion, insisting that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Sadly, many recklessly abuse this sacred right by insisting on the freedom from religion rather than freedom of religion. With frequent appeals to a separation between church and state, today’s common refrain is that faith has no place whatsoever in the public square.

Historically, Baptists have been the greatest proponents of the “the separation between church and state,” but few phrases suffer more misuse than this one. If you expose the atrocities of the abortion industry, offer a biblical definition of marriage and gender, or appeal to the morality of any public policy, many will quickly lament the mixture of religion and politics as if the two cannot coexist. Ironically, the loudest voices claiming that the church is becoming too political have no problem at all when their politics becomes more and more theological.

We need to acknowledge that the concept of “separation between church and state” is not found anywhere in our U.S. Constitution. Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase in 1802 while writing to Danbury Baptists in Connecticut. These believers expressed concern that the ratification of the First Amendment did not go far enough in protecting religious minorities from governmental intrusion.

Remember, many of America’s earliest citizens sought freedom from the oppression of the state sanctioned Church of England, and Baptists in particular were fearful of similar overreach in their new land. For smaller denominations, the rising influence of early Congregationalists and the taxes funneled to them felt eerily similar to the missteps of their previous experience.

Thus, Jefferson sought to reassure these Christians of their freedom to practice and verbalize their faith without interruption from the government. Rather than exile Christian ideas out of political debate, our third president sought to preserve their expression by eliminating the fear of legal blowback. From his perspective, the First Amendment successfully prevented the federal government from espousing a preferenceof religion without eliminating the presence of religion from our budding republic.

Tragically, our modern sensibilities erroneously maintain, contrary to Jefferson, that Christian influence is more dangerous than governmental interference. Religious liberty is the foundational cornerstone upon which our nation was built. Our founders understood that the best ideas will rise to the top when we persuade, not punish, those with whom we disagree.

Discriminating against distinctly Christian ideas because of their morality is a failure to recognize that a code of ethics governs ALL expressed views. Divorcing morality from public policy is impossible. Thus, the issue becomes whose virtues we applaud and prioritize. Even the most secular adherents are often quite religious about their atheism! In doing so, nonreligious elites ironically insist on a separation between church and state for everyone but themselves.

Christians rightly understand that government is a gift from God established for the good and safety of society (Rom. 13:1-7). The kingdom of God, however, is not of this world (John 18:36), so the former has no jurisdiction over the latter. As salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16), followers of Jesus are to contend for the souls of men and women first (Matt. 28:19-20), followed by the welfare of the cities wherein they live (Jer. 29:7). We have every right to express our views concerning morality, legislation, and the people who lead us. The world would be even more frightening if we did not. Regardless of outcomes, we should rest knowing that the kingdom of our God will prevail over the kingdoms of this world (Rev. 11:15).

Adam B. Dooley
July 1, 2025

Jun 04

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Are All Sins Really the Same?

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, Faithfulness, Sanctification, Sin, Truth, Uncategorized No Comments

All sins are the same.
Sin is sin.
No single act of disobedience is any worse than another in God’s eyes.

Chances are you’ve heard statements like these repeated by sincere believers and cynics alike. The faithful sometimes parrot these words to avoid sounding judgmental or harsh while discussing wrongdoing. Critics of Christianity, too, will champion notions of equal offense as they mock any efforts to warn about the dangers of particular sins.

But is the premise behind these declarations true? Are all sins equally obnoxious to God? Is gluttony just as offensive to the Lord as adultery? Should we really equate speeding on the highway with taking the life of another person? Is a stolen piece of bubblegum just as damning as the pilfered lifesavings taken from an elderly person?

Well, it depends.

In one sense, a single sin of any kind relationally separates us from our Creator. Each act of disobedience falls short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Every person is by nature a sinner who is not righteous, does not seek God, and is incapable of good (Rom. 3:10-12).

As result, apart from grace, we stand before the Lord condemned, dead in our sins as children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3), resulting in eternal death (Rom. 6:23). Any sin, whether great or small, leaves every human being without excuse or defense in the presence of a holy God (Rom. 5:12). We minimize the gravity of our shortcomings to our peril.

In another sense, however, the Bible clearly teaches that there are categories of sinfulness which bring varying levels of consequence, both temporally and eternally. Though every sin offends the righteousness of God, all sins are not equally egregious to the Lord. Some transgressions, for instance, can lead to physical death while others do not (1 John 5:16-17). The degree of the offense is key.

Few would dispute that God hates all sin, yet Scripture reveals seven specific actions that are uniquely wicked in His eyes (Prov. 6:16-19). While describing Judas Iscariot to Pontius Pilate, Jesus made this principled distinction, “He who delivered Me to you has the greater sin (John 19:11).” Clearly, God not only delineates between right and wrong, but also between wrong and more wrong.

Sexual sin, for example, is especially objectionable because, unlike other trespasses, it wreaks havoc against our physical bodies and well-being (1 Cor. 6:18). God does not say, “flee immorality” because He resents our physical pleasures, but due to His desire to protect us from psychological trauma and physiological harm. Defiling the marriage bed destroys many conjugal unions before they ever get started (Heb. 13:4). Severe consequences like these reveal the seriousness of fornication and God’s judgment of it.

Likewise, homosexuality represents an increased level of carnality because its indecent acts are contrary to God’s design of nature itself. Scripture describes same sex unions as dishonorable, degrading, unnatural, indecent, depraved, and improper (Rom. 1:26-27). Lest you think I’m overstating it, the homosexual perversion of Sodom and Gomorrah led to its destruction (Gen. 19). As the Lord looked upon their wickedness, He declared, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave (Gen. 18:20).” Clearly, these behaviors were not like other shortcomings.

Though some erroneously insist that the real problem in Sodom and Gomorrah was a lack of hospitality, such an assertion contradicts the clear witness of Scripture. Jude described the citizens in Sodom as those who “indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh,” making them worthy of eternal fire (Jude 7). The Apostle Peter explicitly stated that God condemned these cities due to their “sensual conduct” in order to make “them an example of those who would live ungodly lives thereafter (2 Peter 2:6-7).” In other words, increased obscenity kindles the wrath of God differently than other sins.

Even worse than these sexual proclivities, though, is the repeated aversion to and ignoring of truth. The more God reveals Himself to us, the greater offense we cause by resisting Him. When Jesus spoke of the cities who rejected the apostles, He measured their condemnation by saying, “Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city (Matt 10:15).”

You read that correctly. The perversion of Sodom was less offensive to Jesus than the rejection of His gospel message. The same warning appeared in Luke’s account when Jesus chastised Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for dismissing the miracles in their midst. Vile and wicked cities like Sidon and Tyre will fare better in the judgment than these places that had access to truth but trampled it under foot (Luke 10:10-16). The latter offense is greater than the former.

Simply put, increased revelation equals increased accountability. Though the witnesses of creation (Rom. 1:18-20) and our conscience (Rom. 2:14-16) are enough to send us to hell apart from the cross of Jesus, dismissing or misrepresenting the fuller revelation of Scripture brings additional judgment and consequence. No wonder Jesus warned about the severity of making children stumble in their faith (Matt. 18:6). Similarly, James cautions that not many should desire to be teachers of biblical truth because it invites stricter evaluation (James 3:1).

Some sins are indeed worse than others, but that does give us an excuse to justify ANY sin in our lives. None of us will stand before the Lord and point to the misdeeds of others in order to cover the wrongs we have done. Thank God that the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from every stain, great or small!

Adam B. Dooley
June 4, 2025

Mar 27

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The Art of Finishing Well

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, Discipleship, Holiness, Righteousness No Comments

The year was 1949. CIA operative Douglas Mackiernan fled for the border of Tibet as Mao Tse-Sung’s communist army swept through China. Though the national boundary was a treacherous 1200 miles away, getting there was the only hope for survival. For seven months he endured the elements. First, he needed to cross the desert. Going without water for three days at one point left Doug and his companions nearly dead. A seeping spring saved their lives.

Next, Mackiernan faced the Himalayas in the dead of winter. While traversing the jagged terrain at 16,000 feet, the air was so thin and cold that speaking was simply too painful. Speaking only through hand signals, Doug and his comrades pressed on. The piercing winds threatened frostbite. Mounds of snow obscured the path. Losing his horse made the trek more difficult. But Mackiernan pressed on, never veering too far off the centuries old path marked by large piles of stone.

What were these mounds? They were above ground tombs for those who endeavored to make the arduous journey before. With the ground frozen solid beneath them, local residents did not attempt to dig graves. They simply pulled the deceased to one side of the trial and heaped piles of rocks over their bodies. These markers to the left and right of the path formed a natural map for those brave enough to keep pressing forward. Each grave was a visible reminder that despite your progress along the trail you could not let your guard down until you finished.

The same is true for Christians today. No matter how long we serve the Lord, how faithful we’ve been, or how much distance we’ve covered, we can never let our guard down until we get to heaven. Finishing the race of faith well is much more important than how we begin. As we age and mature in our walks with God our temptations may change, but they never go away. Remaining faithful to the Lord until the very end requires much discipline and intentionality.

For as long as I can remember the Old Testament character Gideon has fascinated me. Living during one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of Israel, some might refer to this unassuming man as a coward. The first time we meet him he is hiding in a winepress from Israel’s oppressors, the Midianites (Judges 6:11). Through a dramatic turn of events, God empowered Gideon to confront the false prophets of his nation and defeat the enemies’ army (Judges 6-8). His acts were heroic, and his humility was refreshing.

When it was all over, Gideon was so popular that his countrymen attempted to make him king over Israel (Judges 8:22). The honor was misguided, though, because at this point in their history God was the only King over His chosen people. Thankfully, Gideon resisted the opportunity, at least with his words (Judges 8:23). Forty years of peace ensued as the entire nation reaped the rewards of faithfulness.

I wish the story ended there. Yet, as a testimony of its veracity, the Bible reveals that that Gideon’s practice did not mirror his profession. He divided the spoils from war like a king (Judges 8:24-26). He took multiple wives and concubines for himself, just like a king (Judges 8:29-32). He even named his son Abimelech, which means my father is king (Judges 8:31). In other words, despite what he said, Gideon lived as if he was king in Israel. God’s faithful servant stumbled at the finish line and, consequently, led the nation back to the same apostacy he worked so hard to overcome (Judges 8:33).

Unfortunately, this biblical plot is often far more common than we care to admit. Do you remember Douglas Mackiernan? After seven months he finally made it to the Tibetan border. The week prior he radioed the US embassy requesting that they inform border guards of his arrival. When he was finally close enough to see the crossing between the two nations, Doug’s exhaustion turned to joy and he began running ferociously toward freedom. When he was only 100 yards away, tragedy struck as shots rang out.

Doug Mackiernan was hit, and he fell dead on the path. The guards never received his message, and they mistook him for a renegade bandit. Soon, they pulled his body to the side of trail and covered it with stones. The man who labored a lifetime for his country became another boundary on the path. His ending was a tragic warning for those that followed in search of freedom (Adapted from Steve Farrar, Gettin’ There, 118).

Chances are you have heard a similar story. Maybe about a man who lived with integrity for most of his life, until he didn’t. Or a woman who was the epitome of faithfulness, until she wasn’t. Stumbling at the finish line is so familiar that we all have examples to share of families ruined, relationships broken, lives scarred, and faith shattered. We know far too well the devastation that comes when we don’t finish well.

So, let’s learn from the mistakes of those who admonish us through their pain. You and I do not have to be another spiritual casualty in the kingdom of God if we will heed the warnings of those whose mistakes instruct us. The freedom we find in Christ will be worth the discipline finishing well requires.

Adam B. Dooley
March 27, 2025

Jan 16

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Why Did Jesus Tell Us to Mourn?

By Adam Dooley Christian Living, Comfort, Grief, Mourning, Repentance, Sin No Comments

Though making an annual trip to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee admittedly causes a certain amount of anxiety, there is no greater feeling than hearing that my son remains cancer free after a decade since being treated for leukemia. We praise the Lord each year after learning that his scans are clear, just as we did all those years ago when we first heard the word remission.

This trip felt different though, because of our visit with a beautiful little girl from our city who is just beginning the same journey we traveled back then. Her parents were strong and optimistic, but their tired eyes told on them. When we walked into that little hospital room, I immediately felt the same fears and anxieties that plagued me on the day cancer rocked our world for the first time.

I still remember the musky smell of the room. Cartoon characters decorated wood paneled walls and bundles of children’s books were on both sides of our chairs as we waited. When the doctor walked in, her facial expression communicated great concern. Bracing for the worst, I knew deep down that whatever came next would not be good. “I wish I had better news,” said the doctor, “but I believe your son has leukemia.”

As we talked with this family about navigating three years of chemotherapy, I realized that the backdrop of my son’s joyful news from earlier was coming to grips with the painful reality from his toddler years. Or, you could say that we had to receive the BAD NEWS of his diagnosis in order to receive and appreciate the GOOD NEWS of his health now. Ignoring his condition was never an option. Our soaring joyfulness today is proportional to the depth of our trepidation then.

Ironically, Jesus echoed the same pattern about our spiritual condition. The Bible teaches that the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for any who will call upon the name of the Lord to be saved (Rom. 10:13). Welcoming the gift of His grace, however, requires admitting that our sin falls short of God’s expectation for our lives (Rom. 3:23). Denying our wickedness is equal to rejecting the divine cure.

The subject of sin is almost always controversial because ours is an age that resists any notions of absolute truth, much less concepts of right and wrong. Because much of our world mocks and dismisses scriptural norms, labeling Christian morality as hate speech is a common ad hominem tactic used to avoid biblical assertions. Added to these external factors is our internal struggle to frame calls to repentance as an affront to personal autonomy. Simply put, we don’t want to talk about sin, even to the point of resenting any brave soul willing to do so.

Even worse for some, is the idea that we should feel guilt or shame over any of our lifestyle choices. One weakness of the American Church is our eagerness to falsely associate jovial, lightheartedness with Christianity itself. We want greeting card theology, picture perfect smiles, unlimited optimism, and painless sacrifice. Prizing carefree thoughtlessness is our best effort to avoid guilt trips and low self-esteem. Sadly, the result is often a watered-down gospel that minimizes wickedness while celebrating superficial expressions of faith.

Jesus taught just the opposite. Blessed are those who mourn, He said, for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4). These words are not a call to grim cheerlessness. Neither are they intended to reassure us regarding life’s burdens and trials. Though there is much in our lives to grieve over, the focus here is not the hardships we necessarily endure. Instead, Jesus is teaching us exactly how to respond when we stray from Him.

The prophetic words of the psalmist serve as the background of this Beatitude (See Psalm 61:1-3). There, Judah mourned over their exile to Babylon, which was the severe consequence for their waywardness. Seeking to make the same application for believers today, Jesus is challenging us to lament, weep, and mourn due to the weight of our transgressions. We should mourn that our sins offend our holy God. We should mourn that we are so easily enticed by temptation. And we should mourn over the sins that blind and enslave the people we love.

Such a message is rarely popular, but according to Jesus, it is a blessing that leads to comfort. Learning to grieve over what causes grief is the first step toward healing and restoration (James 4:9). In fact, God promises to . . .

Comfort us with the relief of His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Comfort us with the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12).
Comfort us with the freedom of His presence (2 Cor. 3:17).
Comfort us with a hope for our future (Jer. 29:11).

In addition to these present realities, God promises the eternal comfort of His people in the place called heaven. He assures us of a future home where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13), where He wipes all tears from our eyes (Rev. 21:4), and where death is swallowed up for all time (Isa. 25:8-9). In other words, weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psa. 30:5).

None of us enjoy sorrow, and it is always difficult to admit when we are wrong. Yet, when we understand lament as an opportunity, our lives change for the better. The Apostle Paul explained, “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us (2 Cor. 7:9).”

No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Adam B. Dooley
January 16, 2024

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