To the tired believer in Jesus Christ
You are worn out, ragged and weary. You feel tired and at times you think; “I am at the end of my rope.” You find yourself wondering… where is the hope?
Continue reading To the weary believer in Christ
I read a lot. Some is for fun and some is for work. Currently, I have my nose in four books that were all written to help the reader grasp and grow in one’s worldview. One book sits on the desk next to me, two of them are on my computer Kindle App, and the last one sits on my nightstand waiting for me to return home. The other day it occured to me that I almost always have my nose in a book on worldview. It isn’t intentional, maybe I drift there, maybe I need it, or maybe it’s a bit of both. But, it has me thinking today: Why do I always have my nose in a book on worldview?
Continue reading Worldview Matters: 5 Reasons Why I Always Seem To Have My Nose In A Book On Worldview
The last day of school had finally arrived. I had just finished my fourth-grade year. My friend and I were so excited to begin our summer vacation. We got busy making our plans. We went back and forth saying things like “this summer I want to dig out that fort”. Over and over again we said, “this summer I want to…” You fill in the blank. We had big plans. In our minds summer was going to last forever. However, before I knew it, I was sitting at my desk on the first day of 5th grade being assigned my textbooks for the new school year. Where did the summer go? We had plans!
What is a worldview? Do you have one? Does Scripture express a worldview? Does my worldview really matter? These are some of the questions we are seeking to address in these posts on Worldview Matters.
Continue reading Worldview Matters Part 2: The House Upon A Rock (By Steve Page)
How Is Your Urgency?: By Lea Lockhart
I was rereading a page in one of my old journals. It was an update of a time when Allen had been in the hospital for a few days, but the update wasn’t about Allen; it was actually an update about his hospital roommate at the time. His name was Tony and by his strong accent, we knew he was definitely from Jersey. He looked like a very weak old man, but despite the fact that Tony was very ill, with tubes running here and there, Allen and I got to know him pretty well over the three days.
The cross, for the most part, seems to be accepted in our society. People seem to be comfortable with that old rugged cross. No offense is taken by it as it hangs around one’s neck in wood, silver or gold. Furthermore, culture accepts and even appreciates the rows upon rows of white crosses at Arlington. And so, the cross is accepted…. or is it?
“While the Gospel is something worth contending for, there are right ways and wrong ways to go about this business.” D.A. Carson
I “know” the gospel. I know it factually. And while that may be good (we need to know the gospel) I realize I often do not live in the good of the gospel. I regularly do not “own” it. Whenever, I find myself seeking to self-atone (seeking to earn God’s favor and salvation), I have lost my way from the truths of the gospel. Don’t misunderstand. I believe in “effort”! Paul said to the Ephesians that we were saved “for good works.”
Recently, my wife Kim and I were on a plane returning from Minneapolis, MN when we began to hit our fair share of turbulence. You know that feeling when the plane unexpectedly drops and suddenly jerks itself back into place.
I have been unable to blog these past few weeks. I hope to explain why in my next post. For now, a post from Acts 4.
Recently, Orlando’s news included the needless shooting death of Christina Grimmie. Christiana was, by everyone’s estimation, set to become the next vocal superstar. Then, roughly twenty-four hours after Grimmie’s death, a gunman walked into the Pulse Nightclub and ended the lives of 49 people. Then, a few days later, a mother and a father were lounging on a beach while their two-year old son played in a mere foot of water when an alligator attacked and killed him. Unthinkable – Tragedy!
Ahhhh, the political election season…. it just gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, doesn’t it?!? Have you checked the headlines today? I have, but I will spare you by not posting them here!
A few thoughts for us as we navigate the chaos:
It is that time again where we, here in America, are inundated with reasons to stay away from the mailbox, tv, and voicemail. Tis the season for empty promises, shallow arguments, and overused talking points. Do you remember the last time you took the time to read that shiny flyer in your mailbox? Neither do I, for it seems that the 30 seconds the flyer requires is far too big an investment of time. And so, we drown in political junk mail, campaign commercials, and voicemails to “remember to vote”.
Continue reading Gospel, Politics, And My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less
The start of another year kicks off with yet another disappointing Presidential debate. More, Ridiculous banter, pathetic ridicule, and pre-planned talking points. Ugh!
In the midst of the presidential banner, the turn of the calendar also has me preparing sermons on racial unity and the Sanctity of Life. Sadly, in 2016, babies continue to be born clinging to life as a result of a botched abortion. Born living and breathing, these babies are then denied proper care and are left to die and ….it’s legal! Pouring over Psalms 139 and mingling among the massive statistics of dead babies leaves me angry, sad, numb, and oddly enough…. full of hope.
