Church Blog (Page 2)

In most modern cultures, the idea of “gospel” has become broad, fuzzy, and vague. As Christians set out to evangelize, they will quickly run into the confusion surround this concept. How can the idea of the gospel be refined to present a clearer understanding of its theological impact. The confusion derives from its use more than its definition. Gospel (euangelion) was used in classical Greek to refer to good news or the reward to the bearer of good news. For…

Fraternal clubs like the Lions and the I.O.O.F. support our community with societal development and personal interaction. These organizations are about people helping people and working for a common goal. Each has its own organizational structures, charters, and guidelines to avoid becoming inconsequential through chaos and anarchy. Was God’s church designed without similar organizational structure? God told the church to save the world, build up Christians, and care for the impoverished and oppressed. Nothing in history has more riding on…

Recently I asked someone if her salvation was secure. She gently patted her chest and said, “I know I am saved because I feel it in my heart.” For many people emotions and feelings have become the guarantee of their salvation. Others appeal to their good works or generosity to affirm their security. But Peter’s challenge to secure our salvation involves more than emotions and works (2 Pet. 1:10). When Adam and Eve sinned, it ushered in the fall of…

Who robs a blind man? Who mocks someone who is bald? Who curses someone who is deaf? Who looks at someone in adversity and takes advantage of their limitations? It sounds like bullies on the playground, but God warned the children of Israel, “You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:14). I read that and thought, “Why would someone do that?” People…

On the way from Mizpeh to Shen, the prophet Samuel set up a stone memorial and called the place Ebenezer, meaning stone of help (1 Sam 7:12). The help of God came to the Israelites in the midst of a battle with the Philistines. During the battle, God thundered from heaven, confusing the Philistines. In their confusion, the Israelites pursued them to Beth-car where they defeated the Philistines. To the Christian, God continues to be a great help. Through the…

As a child, I invoked my share of parental correction. Dad’s belt was no stranger to me. Not that I loved to disobey, but I usually became distracted during my chores. On the way to feed the chickens, I might spy a pink hula-skirt mimosa flower and begin spinning it between my fingers. Then I would start throwing horse apples into the pasture. I’d go to the house to wash the sticky horse apple “milk” off my hands. While washing…

It is here. The next step in the evolution of University to better serve the God who has saved us. When Bob Turner came to University to help streamline the work and focus of the church, he left us with several recommendations. One was to organize Focus Groups that would muster Christians to serve the Kingdom. Since brother Turner was here, the elders have sought to follow his advice and organize the Focus Groups. Eight areas of focus have been…

The unpredictable world of fashion is often difficult to keep up with. One week, it is good to wear plaid and the next week we are considered fashion illiterate if we wear plaid. Fashion tips help shape this culture. If fashonistas declare tight clothes are in, teens will flock to the malls and buy “spray-on” clothes. In a few months, the heads of fashion will turn and the malls will be inundated with the fashion conscious again. Fashion shows and…

It was a light blue 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air. He bought it in good condition. In his mind, it was impeccable. His vision included a renovated racer that turned heads and deafened ears. The only hindrance was his lack of knowledge about cars. Not only could he not fix it up, but he also couldn’t keep it up. He used cheap gas, drove recklessly, and never changed the oil. One day, he called for help—he was stranded on the side…

Atticus Finch, Harper Lee’s protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird, became the paragon of morality in a culture of revolution. When the book first appeared, America was in the throes of social upheaval, the civil rights movement was gaining traction, and Lee’s character, Finch, was the symbol of moral valor. His ethical code stimulated many young readers who identified with and wanted to emulate him. As with any moral character in literature, he faced a daunting dilemma—his was to defend…

Henry Dunant looked out his window at the streets of Solferino, Italy in 1859. War gripped the town as Italians, Austrians, and French soldiers fought each other with violent hate. Not content with idleness, Dunant organize aid workers to attend to the soldiers who lay wounded and dying or already dead. He refused to identify whether a soldier was an ally or enemy, instead offering solace, comfort, and medical attention to any combatant in need. Later, Dunant recommended that all…

Late in his ministry, Paul lamented the departure of Demas, “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica” (2 Tim 4:10). Our modern sensibilities are shocked to hear that Demas went from a co-greeter in the letters to Colossae and Philemon to having deserted the mission in only a few years. What happened to Demas? What led him astray? Paul gives an insight when he says Demas was “in love with this present…