Church Blog (Page 3)

Ferguson, Charleston, and Minneapolis have become synonymous with racial strife and flashpoints for debate. To the shortsighted, racism has plagued America since its birth. According to these people, we walk on ground saturated with the blood of racial violence, and recent events continue to fertilize the fruits of racism. But these claims are simplistic and misleading. Racism has dogged humanity since the tower of Babel. The division of languages forced separation and developed new cultures in isolated regions (Gen 11:9).…

Mercy defined the Savior’s life and mission. From lepers to sinners, he had compassion on those in need—even when they didn’t know their need. In his mercy, he offered health and life, and taught his disciples to do the same. Even now his gauntlet lays before us, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Mat. 5:7). Mercy? The Romans didn’t show it. Their philosophy of “no quarter” led to cruel measures to keep order in occupied Palestine. The…

When God breathed life into Adam, he became a living soul and body (Gen. 2:7). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, access to the tree of life was cut off and death entered into the world (Gen. 3:24; Rom. 5:12-14). Man’s creatureliness and frailty were revealed when the paradise of Eden was lost. Earth became hostile to human life. At the fall, tragedy entered the world. Where once no disease was known, plagues appeared. Where once no calamity threatened, natural…

When Jesus came to the earth, the world was dominated by the Roman Empire. Israel had been subjugated for 60 years and longed for a reprieve, and most of the Jews looked for the Messiah to usher in the peace. The prophets had promised it and the people wanted it. The Jewish people were divided about what they expected. The Pharisees were the religious people, and they wanted a miracle-wielding Messiah that would call down God’s power on Rome. The…

Our culture seems to be getting more sensitive. I remember my mother teaching me, “Sticks and stones may break my bone, but words will never hurt me.” She sought to prepare me for an offensive world. People say mean, insensitive things, and as a chunky kid I had to be prepared to endure the insults. However, many have abandoned the pursuit of thick skin, and instead are trying to make the world inoffensive. Protests, wailing, and weeping abound as people…

A soft melody played in the background, but nobody heard it over the conversation and laughter. In every corner of the old house cousins and siblings reminisced about growing up or bragged about new accomplishments. In the backyard the newest generation squealed and giggled playing tag. And the elderly matron drank in the moment and said to herself, “My cup overflows.” For three thousand years David’s overfilled cup has been a symbol of blessing and prosperity (Psa. 23:5). Even those…

When we contemplate the course of our lives, often we wonder, “Was that the hand of God?” Maybe it was an accident avoided, an opportunity taken, or even an opportunity missed. After Paul had converted Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, he sent him back to Philemon saying, “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (Phile. 15-16). Perhaps God’s providence brought Onesimus to Paul. Perhaps. Julie and I grew up…

“Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen”. – Psalm 89:52 The word Amen is one of the most familiar and common words in the English language, yet at the same time it is a word that many of us don’t fully understand. Simple as it may seem, the word Amen is actually brimming over with meaning and purpose. Amen as a Closing to Prayer Most of us know the word Amen as a closing to a prayer. When…

There was a time when God was recognized (at least He should have been recognized) as King in ancient Israel. Israel’s form of government has been termed a theocracy. Boice notes that, “monarchy is a form of government in which rule is in the hands of a single individual, a king. Democracy is government by the demos, or people. Theos means ‘god.’ So, a theocracy is the direct rule of a people by God as king.” Psalms 93 is the…

Do you remember the words of the song you may have learned years ago entitled, “The Apostle Song”? It is the best way to remember the names of the twelve, but have you ever noticed the opening words? “Jesus called them one by one, Peter, Andrew, James and John…”. He called them, but the emphasis is that He called them one by one. Those four fishermen in the first chapter of Mark, who left their nets to follow Him, obviously…

Do you remember your grandmother sitting in her rocking chair and knitting? Her needles twirled and spun as row after row of tiny knots began to form. She examined the pattern, counted stitches, pulled out a few, retied them, and continued. Each knot was held together by the knots surrounding it until she completed her task. In Colossians 2:2, Paul said, “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance…

There is no subject more debated in Christianity than baptism. The debate ranges from who should be baptized to how they should be baptized. Further, the discussion centers on the purpose of baptism. Is baptism a covenant for a young child to be realized later in life? Is baptism an outward sign of an inward grace? Is baptism essential for salvation or the remission of sins? Entire denominations and religious movements have been founded over the answer to the above…