You shall be called… the restorer of paths to live in. – Isaiah 58:12
According to polls, per capita church attendance may be lower than any time in American history. Has the church-age run its course? Is church no longer needed except for the occasional wedding, funeral or concert?
If God has anything to say about it – and He does – church attendance is as important as ever.
Did you know that God establishes blessings at the same time we are busy messing things up? While it is certainly true that God cannot bless your mess, He certainly can bless you in spite of it. He can even transform your mess into something wonderful. Continue reading “12 Blessings Inside The House”
Most of us don’t like having them, yet our culture craves them. We often view them as negative and something to be avoided, yet we are willing to pay big money to see other people have them. Whether it is Jerry Springer, Duck Dynasty, Cross Fire or some other form of modern “entertainment,” the modern world is infatuated with arguments. Continue reading “Who Wins the Day?”
According to a recent ABC poll, 83% of Americans currently identify themselves as Christian. According to your definition, how many of these do you think legitimately qualify for the title?
The Apostle Paul urged the congregants in Corinth to examine themselves in order to make sure they were “in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) This appeal was given in the context of an upcoming visit where he was concerned that he would have to call out sin in the membership. He was hopeful that they would get their lives right with God before his visit so that he could enjoy his visit with encouraging words instead of experiencing an unpleasant trip focused on harsh correction. Continue reading “Where Does the Evidence Lead?”
I did say “please.” 🙂 Not a day goes by when we aren’t lectured by a Talk Show Host, News Commentator, secular University Professor, Actor or some other theologically inept person about the Christian Faith. They hike their noses in haughty disdain for the ignorant Evangelical Bible Thumpers who simply don’t get it. They school us on what the Bible really means or what Jesus would do if He were walking the earth today. I, for one, am fed up! Continue reading “Please Sit Down and Shut Up”
My God, My God why have you forsaken me?
I have lost count of the number of broken people who have sat across from me over the years in extreme torment over the path their lives had taken. Broken relationships, rebellious teenagers, financial disaster and more. Continue reading “More Than A Feeling”
Today, there is a large chorus of people who verbally attack the Church and its members for being judgmental and unloving. Many recite stories of how they have been hurt by churches or Christian leaders. Perhaps most surprisingly, a large portion of this chorus is made up of Christians who themselves do not feel comfortable around other Christians. Continue reading “Do Christians Make You Nervous?”
Tempers are flaring over the Indiana Religious Freedom Bill with the loudest voices getting the most attention as usual. The issues involved are highly socio-political in nature and cut to the very heart of all our freedoms. While it is popular and often effective to appeal to emotions, we cannot afford more heart-felt actions at the detriment of sound and logical ones. Continue reading “It’s Not What It Seems”
The year is only a quarter finished and we have already seen a lifetime of conflict, scandal and downright fearful events. In the news right now, we have leaders trying desperately to work out a deal where our enemy will acquire nuclear weapons. I’m not being hyperbolic, I not talking about a perceived enemy or a possible enemy. I’m referring to a nation that is actually funding and arming our enemies as I write this. These folks have just recently stated publically that they will not stop until they see an Islamic flag flying over the White House. One of their own journalist defected during the meetings in Switzerland and warned us that we are being played. Continue reading “It’s Time to Pick a Side”
Several years ago while working as a Worship Pastor, the leader of the Youth Praise & Worship Team – who I will call Bob for the sake of anonymity – came to my office noticeably frustrated. I set aside what I was working on and asked him what was bothering him. He said, “Pastor Rodney my whole team got up and walked out – they quit.” I looked at him somewhat surprised and said, “You’re whole team?” He answered, “Yes!” I asked, “Even John? (Not his real name.) Bob replied, “Yes.”
Now to put this whole thing into perspective, John not only served on the Youth Praise Team, but also on the Main Team. I had worked with him for some time, and he was a model teen – the kind every parent hopes for. He was personally motivated, extremely personable and very respectful of everyone. This kid took college classes while still in high school and is a highly respected professional today. Continue reading “Maybe It’s You”