Category: Church

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ChurchIs the Christian Church prospering or is it falling apart? Depending on who you listen to or which statistics you study it appears that it could go either way.

Those of us who deeply love the Church, can take great solace in the fact that this is not – as they say in Texas – our first Rodeo. There have been many times throughout history where all hope seemed lost. Gnosticism, the Nicolaitans, the political takeover of the church by the Romans, the crusades, the inquisitions, the indulgences of the middle ages, church splits and the list goes on. Continue reading “”

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Jesus Judo for Biblical Blessings

 

judo_penguinHave you ever experienced a moment when you were having an exceptionally joyful day – one where you felt love for everybody and everything – when all of a sudden, and out of the blue, you were smacked in the face with an insult, rude behavior or someone’s bad attitude?

Isn’t it amazing how our happy, loving and carefree attitude can almost instantly change to anger, hatred and violent thoughts when someone says or does the wrong thing? Believe it or not, there is a Biblical prescription for just such moments. I can’t say that the medicine is sweet, but it is always effective. Continue reading “Jesus Judo for Biblical Blessings”

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Next Gen: Hope or Folly?

precocious-432664__180There are many positive aspects of the up-and-coming generations. They are technologically savvy, they tend to respond more rapidly to changing conditions, and they process more knowledge – more quickly – than any generation before them. In contrast, however, there are many challenges that should serve as warnings before simply putting the older generations out to pasture.

Although I can only begin to skim the surface of this profound and deep topic in this blog, I believe it is high time we dig beyond the platitudes and begin a serious discussion about the future of our world and more specifically the future of the Church.

Continue reading “Next Gen: Hope or Folly?”

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Easter Wars – Part 2

Easter Bunny & EggsHow did Passover become Easter? What’s with the Bunny and the Eggs? Is the day we celebrate really about Jesus’ Resurrection or something else entirely?

It is with great fear and trepidation that I begin this article as I am keenly aware of the strong emotional feelings on each side. I am reminded of the Biblical exhortation, “continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12) My goal, therefore, will be to present a quick survey of the facts and leave the “working out” to each of you. I will love you regardless of your decision. 🙂 Continue reading “Easter Wars – Part 2”

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Easter Wars – Part 1

EasterWars1bWhat could be more cute than little girls and boys, dressed in their new spring clothes, gleefully hunting colored eggs? What could be more fun than those same girls and boys giggling joyfully at the site of an Easter Basket stuffed full of goodies on Easter morning? What could be more innocent than a day full of hope and warm feelings – and perhaps a special church service? Believe it or not, the day is far more controversial than you might imagine.

While the Resurrection of Jesus has apparently been celebrated since the very early days of Christianity, the form of celebration has taken some surprising turns along the way. Initially, the celebration was folded into the Jewish Passover. This seemed appropriate since Jesus had celebrated His last Passover supper with his disciples and had Himself fulfilled the promise of the Passover Lamb. Continue reading “Easter Wars – Part 1”

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Pressing Through Fear

pressingthroughfear1It is often said that without the Apostle Paul, much of the doctrine of the Church would be absent. This executioner of Christians, turned faithful witness of Jesus, wrote most of the New Testament and is known for his seemingly fearless and bold witness that took him around the known world to plant churches when the Church was in it’s infancy. Yet, despite the courageous portrait of this great man of faith, we know that Paul faced fear just like the rest of us.

I am almost certain that many will consider the above statement to be provocative and some will take exception. After all, Paul faced imprisonment, torture, and death on many occasions. How could someone go through all of that and still be such a powerful witness if he struggled with fear?

Continue reading “Pressing Through Fear”

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Rising Above Ridicule

risingaboveJust in case we ever forget – which I’m sure we do not – the election cycle is certain to remind us of the power of ridicule. Every year the name calling and rhetorical slander gets worse and worse.

What astounds me, is how often two politicians can go head-to-head with each other, throwing some of the most abusive verbal mud-balls imaginable, and then end up supporting each other, or even running together, a few months later. It’s like a really bad version of Jerry Springer marries Oprah. With all the attention on bullying these days, you would think that these middle-aged and older “leaders” would grow-up.

Continue reading “Rising Above Ridicule”

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God’s Prescription for Anxiety

prescriptionJesus said that the earth would see a time when men’s hearts would fail them for fear. (Luke 21:26) Although I do not believe we have quite arrived at the time Jesus spoke of, it does appear that anxiety is on the rise. Whether it be politics, terrorism, our children’s safety, marriage, finances or any number of other stress factors – let’s face it – life is tough.

Despite all that we see around us, Jesus said that we shouldn’t let our heart be troubled (John 14:1). If we are honest, however, that is often a lot easier said than done. The good news is that God has already provided our escape from worry in His Word. Here are a few:

Continue reading “God’s Prescription for Anxiety”

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Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 4

GreatestDesire4Today concludes our series “Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled!” as we look at God’s biblical keys to lasting love. You can review the first three blogs here:

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 3

Here are the final four biblical keys.

Continue reading “Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 4”