Uncategorized
-
The Church – part two
I began last week a consideration of the importance of the church. We live in a time when the local church has been denigrated in the culture … and not always without cause. Because there are imperfect people in the church, abuses and scandals happen far too often. The accusation that the church is filled Continue reading
-
The Church – part one
A mother once asked her child if he knew what a church was. With a big smile on his face he replied, “Yes, Mommy, that’s easy. The church is where God lives.” That the church is where God lives is true, if we don’t equate the church with the building. The church is the body Continue reading
-
Proof of Faith
I grew up in the Christian faith. I heard the stories of Samson, David, Moses, Noah, and the like. I was taught the Ten Commandments and the Sermon the Mount. I went to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and youth group. And there came a time in my life when I accepted the truths of Continue reading
-
Redeeming Love
A song has been playing in my head throughout the week. It’s not a new song. It was written in 1800 by a brilliant man, but one who was often given to bouts of deep depression. The man was William Cowper. The song is “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” Here are the words Continue reading
-
Rediscover Life
Transforming Grace What is life all about? The pursuit of ease and happiness? The acquisition of wealth and material possessions? Filling every hour with activity and motion? Doing good deeds and attending church services? I guess, if we asked people what life was all about we’d get quite a variety of answers. Think for a Continue reading
-
What It’s All About
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Continue reading
-
Gift Giving
In the midst of our shopping sprees and wrapping frenzies, remember this quote from Robert Flatt: “The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.” You may be disappointed that the box doesn’t contain the gift you Continue reading
-
5 Less Conventional Ways to Celebrate Christmas
Every year Americans spend bucket loads of money (much of it on credit cards) in order to give Christmas gifts to family and friends. Some of those gifts are appreciated and used during the year. Others find their way to the back of the closet never to be seen again. In truth, we end up Continue reading
-
I’m Glad the Church Needs Money!
The following is a blog from Don Linscott. It is thought-provoking! “I wish we didn’t talk so much about money,” is a comment I have often heard while working with churches to raise funds for their important purposes. I understand the sentiment but hold an opposing viewpoint. In fact, I hope my church always needs Continue reading
-
Easily Angered
I have been privileged to officiate at two weddings over the past two weekends. In each of them, the beautiful and powerful expression of love found in 1 Corinthians 13 has been read. As I reflected on those words, one phrase has kept echoing back – “Love is not easily angered.” We live in a Continue reading
beyond the sermon 