Author Archives: StriderMTB

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About StriderMTB

Hi, I'm Matt. "Strider" from Lord of the Rings is my favorite literary character of all time and for various reasons I write under the pseudonym "StriderMTB. As my blog suggests I seek to live out both the excitement and tension of a Christian walk with Christ in the 3rd world context of Asia. I started my blog as an unmarried man who was blessed to oversee an orphanage of amazing children in South-East Asia. As of 2022, I am a happily married man to an amazing missionary wife serving together on the mission field. I hate lima beans and love to pour milk over my ice-cream. I try to stay active in both reading and writing and this blog is a smattering of my many thoughts. I see the Kingdom of God as Jesus preached it and lived to be the only hope for a broken world and an apathetic church.

Why the Church can’t celebrate gay marriages

I think homosexuality and in particular the issue of gay marriage is fast becoming the defining mark of cultural discussion today. Unfortunately most Christians are so inept at articulating their position without sounding arrogant, judgmental and insensitive. We desperately need … Continue reading

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Conan O’Brian–the philosopher

“Sometimes it is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound … Continue reading

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Should truth translate into policy?

“Truth doesn’t always translate into policy–nor should it. There is no one to one connection between truth and policy.” I heard this today and have been chewing on it ever since. The notion is that just because something is true … Continue reading

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I read an article recently that highlighted studies that are reversing the general tone of thought on self-esteem. Much recent research on self-esteem is challenging our former notions.   The Chimera of Contingent Self-Esteem

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Commitment quote

“Commitment is the result of choice, not conditions…commitment lasts when it is based on values.” -John Maxwell This struck me today in two ways. First I see so many men in Cambodia break their marital commitments and justify their cheating … Continue reading

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A faith liberated to do for others

               As a 1st world believer now living in a 3rd world I have been struck by how some scriptures don’t at all seem relevant to my life. Yet the fact that they are … Continue reading

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Adoption is growing in the heart not the tummy

I heard a statement on adoption today that was probably the most profound description I’ve ever heard. It came through one of those cheesy e-mails we sometimes get that are typically more annoying that informative. But this one gave me … Continue reading

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Singleness vs. Wrong Relationship

“Being single is smarter than being in the wrong relationship.” -a rare wise facebook post

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Why Christians Can Look Like Silly Hypocrites

The church would have a great deal more moral credibility and clout in regards to the current dialogue over gay rights IF her own house were put in order first. This is not to say the church will consist of … Continue reading

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Women Mentally Date Celebraties

I overheard a woman share an explanation today on why many women find it difficult to discover love. According to her: “Women are unable to discover true love today because their standards are too unrealistically high due to the unfortunate … Continue reading

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