The passing of Ronald Reagan has brought about interesting discussions about the role Christianity played in shaping his political life. The consensus seems to be that Mr. Reagan was defined by his faith, perhaps not as overtly as our current President, but in no less impactful ways. This is proper and commendable, in my view;… Continue reading Church Matters*
Category: Faith
Unintended Consequences
Today’s email newsletter from the Southern Baptist International Mission Board features an article by Erich Bridges describing some of the challenges — and the victories — of Christian evangelism in the Muslim world. This reference to the impact of The Passion of the Christ caught my eye (emphasis mine): Governments in some Muslim countries are… Continue reading Unintended Consequences
The Lowdown on Dropsy
I was reading in the Bible book of Luke last week, and came across this passage: One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law,… Continue reading The Lowdown on Dropsy
Prayers for the Simple of Heart
Prayer is a big part of my life. I start each morning with a cup of coffee and a Bible, and spend the next thirty minutes reading and praying…with an emphasis on the latter. It’s not always easy to get up at 5:30 a.m. to do this, but if I don’t, I know that I’ll… Continue reading Prayers for the Simple of Heart
Truly Changed…or Merely Churched?
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.Colossians 4:5-6 Our pastor’s sermon yesterday morning was entitled “Reaching the Radically Unchurched,” and it seemed especially relevant in view… Continue reading Truly Changed…or Merely Churched?
Classical Mass
If your church is open to some musical ministry in a somewhat different key, I highly recommend this guy. Rodrigo Rodriguez is a classical guitarist from Ecuador, now residing in Florida, who has turned his musical gift into a fulltime ministry. He’s got a great testimony, and an amazing talent. The highlight of the service… Continue reading Classical Mass
Wading Children and Swimming Elephants
I was operating a TV camera in our worship service this morning, so I didn’t catch much of what the pastor said in his message entitled “Who is Jesus Christ?”, but this phrase did stick with me: The Gospel of John is like a pool in which a child may wade and an elephant may… Continue reading Wading Children and Swimming Elephants
“True Religion”
I think I’ve mentioned before that one of my goals each year is to read the Bible through, cover-to-cover. I began this discipline in 1990, when I assumed a position of responsibility for a Bible study group, and figured I’d better increase my familiarity with the Owner’s Manual. I use as my guide a little… Continue reading “True Religion”
Death observed, embraced, conquered
I watched my mother-in-law die this morning. Her labored breathing — “chain breathing,” I believe the charge nurse called it [Update, many years later: the phenomenon is Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and it often occurs in those nearing death] — grew quieter, slower, more shallow, and at 6:15 a.m., 12 days shy of her 85th birthday, she… Continue reading Death observed, embraced, conquered
The nations rage in vain
In Memory of Those Who Perished…In Honor of Those Who Persevere…In Support of Those Who Protect…In Praise of the One Who Provides. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its… Continue reading The nations rage in vain