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Diverting Disaster: A Letter to President Trump from a California Pastor
When I heard about the attempt on your life, my heart sank. I was in Southern California, less than half a mile away from where I had been, when I heard the news that Ronald Regan was shot forty-three years ago. I will never forget either one of those days. Pastoring...
Discipline: The Key to Finishing Strong
Excerpted from my sermon on discipline. Few things are more critical and more overlooked in the life of a believer than discipline. It truly is the key to finishing strong. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down,...
In Dire Times, Faith Must Fight
Excerpted from my sermon, Faith Must Fight: 8 Takeaways from Joshua to Ruth. Years ago, I was very frustrated at the spiritual condition of the church and our nation. I prayed, “Lord, many of us have faith that things can change, but nothing seems to be working!” ...
LGBTQIA+ — Why We Can Love But NOT Celebrate
Reflecting on why some celebrate Pride Month, and my appearance on Fox News in debating a pastor who supports homosexuality, I decided to re-release these points: 1. Tolerance is simply putting up with differences, but love embraces regardless of differences. In the...
As Churches Consider Ordaining Female Pastors, We Should Consider These Things
For the last two days, the Southern Baptist Convention has been holding its annual meeting conference to vote on some important issues — and one of the most hot-button items on the agenda is whether to permit women to become pastors. From the SBC to Mainline...
Before Celebrating PRIDE Month, Please Read This
The celebration of Pride Month in our culture has become an opportunity to attack Christianity and say that it is a religion of hate. To say that authentic Christians hate or fear homosexuals or the trans community demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of...
Trump Guilty — What Could God Be Teaching the Church?
We don’t always understand why some things happen, but we know God is sovereign. Putting the blatant inconsistencies of the Left aside, such as if Trump was a Democrat, none of this would be happening, to ignoring the Epstein list and the Biden family criminal...
Self-Defense — What Does the Bible Say?
With recent shootings in public and in churches, the question of self-defense has been coming up lately. But first, let's be clear: What we are seeing today is not a gun problem; it’s a moral problem called sin. Vengeance is Not Self-Defense One Scripture often used...
The Church Needs Conviction, not Candy
Let me state up front that I’m quite aware of my own shortcomings as a pastor. We all struggle with something, but do we humble ourselves, repent, and return to the “power of the Spirit,” or do we continue to quench and grieve the Spirit? The difference is...
The BIG Lesson Learned from the Aftermath of the Missouri Men’s Conference
Watch "Stripper-gate Men’s Conference & Mark Driscoll — What’s Going On?" on YouTube. Hear my thoughts in under four minutes, click here. Let me begin by saying that I know that it’s extremely hard to be a pastor in these times. Toss in the armchair quarterbacks...
Is the Holy Spirit Kicked Out of California?
Special Note: Listen to more on the topic on my podcast Idleman Unplugged A conference is coming to my area of California in October 2024 to discuss how and why the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased. Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 and the book of...
WWTD: What Would Taylor Do? “Swifties & Faith”
Let me start by saying I like Taylor Swift because I like people. Most are aware of her astonishing fame: She is one of the most prominent music celebrities of the 21st century and has millions of devoted followers known as “Swifties.” Additionally, Taylor Swift says...
God Isn’t Done with America, Especially California — Here’s Why
It’s often said, “As California goes, so goes the nation.” This saying usually pertains to bad legislation and horrible trends. But can it also apply to good things? From Billy Graham’s crusades, the Jesus Movement, and Hollywood being started by a church, good soil...
Friendly Fire: Canceling the Cancel Culture in the Church
The cancel culture is a recent movement set on destroying a person's character and their calling in life. It involves the mass withdrawal of support through public disapproval or shaming to exert social pressure and remove (“cancel”) an individual’s influence and...
Are We A Nation Out of Time?
This article was taken from the sermon, “God Breaks You to Make You”, watch it here for more on this very important topic. Whether it’s children twerking on TikTok as adults applaud (it’s not cool; it’s sick and perverted), drag queens reading at libraries, pedophiles...
Timing: What Should Trump Do NOW?
Because of the significance of the hour, I’m re-releasing this article with editorial changes. Whether it’s key evangelical leaders turning to Trump or chastising him, or the media's outright hatred for him, or the other extreme thinking that Trump is their savior,...
After Iowa: Can a Christian Support Donald Trump?
With Trump maintaining a commanding lead, many are asking, “How can you follow Jesus and Donald Trump?” Let’s be crystal clear here: We are not following a man; we are shaping a movement. A better biblical question is, What direction is the country heading? ...
Brace for Impact: Are You Ready for WAR in ‘24’?
Watch the sermon here where this article originated. In 2024, It’s clear that a massive battle will take place in America. But this battle, unlike most battles, will primarily take place in our homes and in our hearts. In American politics, the Right talks of civil...
We Need Fiery Preaching Again to Consume America
“And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies” (Rev. 11:5). As I was teaching in Revelation, the verse above reminded me of what we desperately need today—fire! Words of Fire Devour, Purify, and Heal Commentaries are...
From Death to Life — Fitness & Faith
Written by SJ McShane Beating Addiction Is One Reason This Professional Is Thankful This Thanksgiving Shane Idleman’s journey has gone from obesity and addiction to hope and fitness Despite Shane Idleman’s impressive history in fitness, helping over thirty thousand...
The Breaking of America: What Hurts the Most
The state of our nation today reminds me of The Twilight Zone reruns that I watched as a young boy. They were always very eerie and unsettling. This is Fact Not Fiction For those unfamiliar with The Twilight Zone, it was a science fiction horror series that ended in...
Overcoming Fear: 10 Tips for Troubling Times
During difficult seasons we often ask, “Where is God?” The irony is that it often takes stormy seasons to turn us back toward safety. The developments in Israel affect all of us in profound ways. It’s not that you or I will never fear but it’s what we do with the fear...
A Call to Christian Leaders: “We are Not Celebrities”
Without question, one of the hardest jobs is being a Christian leader, especially a pastor. Close friends leave you, others betray you, social media slams you, the world hates you, and demonic forces rally against you and your marriage. This is why thousands exit the...
Whatever Happens Next: DO NOT COMPLY
Watch the critical sermon on 9/3/23 by the same title by subscribing here. The title above may not be the best choice, but my goal is to prepare us for what may lie ahead. To be clear: Christians, in many cases, are to comply, but when compliance becomes capitulation...
5 Crucial Lessons Learned From Planting A Church
Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California arose out of a desperate need to encourage Christians to seek God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. The overwhelming response simply reflects the need that we all have for the truths found in God’s...
Tears — The Battle Cry of a Dying Nation
Note: Fast-forward to 53-minutes here and watch the sermon that inspired this article.) “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their...
Sin Never Stands Still—It Either Grows or Withers
Dan Delzell, in a riveting blog from a decade ago titled, Google Executive's Tragic Death Sends Somber Warning, wrote the following: “How do you go from being a devoted father of five and a successful Silicon Valley executive, into a 51-year-old man convulsing from a...
Fathers – Families Would Rather “See” A Sermon
Our ministry often receives email correspondence from desperate wives and mothers. They often read something like this, “I’m at a loss. My ‘Christian’ husband is verbally and physically abusive. Ironically, he thinks that I’m the problem; he sees no need to...
They Will Fight for Your Children — Will You?
I recently attended a small gathering of Christian leaders in Dallas, Texas. One of those attending, Steve Deace (creator of the film, Nefarious), said something regarding the ongoing moral battle that really stood out: “Who wants victory more?” No Fight — No Victory...
MrBeast Goes Beast Mode on Transphobes
MrBeast is a famous YouTuber whose videos focus primarily on expensive stunts and money give-aways. His channel has over 146 million subscribers, most of them teenagers. Because of this, he has a huge platform to influence the younger generations. MrBeast recently...
Pastor Boldly Challenges School District: “This is Child Abuse and You Are Responsible”
Watch the 3-minute clip here to watch what I said at this school board meeting. “Don’t tell your parents!” My local school district, in California, appeared to sneak a book under the radar by Jodi Patterson titled, A Boy Named Penelope. The book promotes mental and...
The Asbury Revival: When You Lay Hold of God Never Let Go!
For my commentary on the revivals breaking out (Asbury for example), and what genuine revival looks like, see the links at the end. Many years ago, a very old man who experienced a revival when he was younger, was asked why the revival ended. His eyes were filled with...
Why Are Mass Shootings Increasing?
As our prayers go out to the families of mass shootings, it begs the question: What in the world is going on? As a pastor, it's clear that our nation has rejected God and we are reaping the whirlwind. Just as water rapidly eroded the banks of the mighty Colorado River...
The #1 Problem with the Conservative Movement in America
Note: To hear the sermon where the article originated, click here. As I’ve said before, whether it’s news headlines filled with gore and gruesome violence or chaos and confusion echoing across our land, we must realize that there is no Plan B. Our only hope is a...
God Answers by Fire: The Day Fire Fell
Note: to hear the sermon where this article originated, click here: Whether it’s news headlines filled with gore and gruesome violence, or chaos and confusion echoing across our land, we must realize that there is no Plan B — our only hope is a mighty move of God’s...
Fasting For Spiritual Breakthrough in 2023
Special note: for those who need help in this area, we recently released a documentary on my 40-day fast that can be viewed here. You choose: Will it be the pain of discipline or the pain of regret? One yields a sense of extreme fulfillment; the other, a lingering...
Deeper Than We Thought: The Stench Has Reached Heaven
Whether it’s Balenciaga sexualizing children and degrading every piece of moral fabric left in our society, or men dressed as women encouraging kids to place money in their G-string, our sickness is worse than Sodom and parallels the days of Noah. Pushing Porn Goes...
An Open Letter to Trump: You Can Help Heal Our Nation
Special note. If you prefer to watch instead of read click here. This is my honest and straightforward commentary. Please make sure to read the entire article before commenting and follow me on my brand new Rumble channel. Whether it’s key evangelical leaders turning...
5 Things that Hinder the Presence of Christ
Watch the sermon here where this article originated. Most believers understand that God is everywhere, but the Bible is also clear that the power and presence of Christ can fill the heart of the believer who completely surrenders to Him. His presence changes...
A Nation Hangs in the Balance — What Can We Learn?
Click here to listen to the audio version and my added commentary. As I write this, it appears that the Democrats will retain control in the Senate. The election results were shocking and eye-opening. There is no doubt that some form of voter fraud took place —...
An Open Letter to T.D. Jakes from California
Let me state up front that I have no ax to grind. Although I don’t necessarily line up in all areas of theology with Bishop Jakes, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Potter's House in 2003 and meeting Bishop Jakes (the clip is here at the 1:40 mark.) A...
His Presence Must be Our Pursuit
(The sermon by the same title is a must-hear; the link is here.) Although God is everywhere, or what theologians call omnipresent, there is a marked difference between a believer who is dry spiritually and dead inside compared to one who is full of passion, desire,...
Christian Nationalism: Do Both the Left and the Right Have it Wrong?
Click here if you’d like to listen to Pastor Shane read the article with extra commentary added https://youtu.be/EMhuiWgMuig Whether it's being called a fundamentalist because you agree with the fundamentals of the faith, a bigot because you challenge false...
Crazy America: Is this Hindering Another Spiritual Awakening?
Listen to the audio version of this article here. Whether it’s violence in our streets or perversion in our schools, something needs to change. You know it’s true when shock rocker Ozzy Osbourne wants to leave “crazy” America! Conviction, Not Cockiness Sadly, the...
Is the Bride of Christ Being Raped?
Listen to the audio version here. I recently attended an event for pastors sponsored by Turning Point USA Faith. One of the speakers made an incredible statement. He said that we can no longer remain silent while the Bride of Christ is being raped. Does that statement...
Only the Pulpits Have the Power to Change America
Listen to the audio version here. One thing is crystal clear in America: If we truly want change, we must re-spark biblical boldness and flame the fires of biblical action. If we won’t fight, then spiritually speaking, we will fade away. I recently attended a large...
The Battle Cry of America — Awake and Arise!
A battle cry is used to summon armies to war. A loud, unified shout could intimidate the strongest of enemies. Confidence in battle often tilts the scale toward victory, whereas timidity, fear, and cowardliness will surely lead to defeat. In these dreadful times,...
Excerpt from my sermon, You Hurt Me! Now What? Of all the tricks of the enemy, of all the things that knock us off course, of all the things that cause division among Christians, being hurt by others is at the top of the list. It’s also the primary reason behind most...
Encountering Storms Even in the Center of God’s Will
When I came back to the Lord in my late twenties, one of the biggest surprises I encountered was that following God is not easy. We get sick and even go through financial, relational, emotional, and mental challenges. My life actually became more difficult, but a...
Spiritual Explosion — “My Eyes Have Seen the King”
The greatest hindrance to a spiritual awakening is our satisfaction without it A desire to truly experience God runs deep within our veins. However, for most Christians, experiencing God is either elusive and frightening or impossible and improbable. But to the...
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Shane Idleman
