Read Isaiah 1:16-20 … It seems like this has been a proverbial saying as long as one can remember. On one hand, the little saying describes the relationship between Christians and those in the world that have been caught up in their sins. Yet, on the other hand, there have been several that point out … Continue reading Hate the Sin; Love the Sinner
Demons, Tongues, Poisons, and Healings
Read Mark 16:15-20 … The Great Commission given by Jesus is just that, a commission given to the Apostles to spread the Gospel – the Good News – of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and the salvation that came along with that sacrifice. This driving mission statement has rightly been taken up by … Continue reading Demons, Tongues, Poisons, and Healings
Is Talent Enough?
Read Rom. 12:3-8 … One of the better known parables told by Jesus is the parable of the Talents. A similar version of this parable occurs in both Matthew and Luke with the major differences being the number of servants and the amount of money given to each. In Luke there are 10 servants each … Continue reading Is Talent Enough?
Metamorphosis
Read Colossians 3:1-17 … Sometimes folks get into a rut and a well-meaning friend might give the unsolicited advice of – “Why don’t you (fill in the blank)? The change will do you good.” While there is value to being in a rut at times: it gives one stability, it makes life more navigable, it … Continue reading Metamorphosis
An Open Mind
Read Matthew 7:24-29 … Where I work there used to be a sign hanging in that one certain spot that almost everyone passed which said, “Communication is the bridge to a successful OR.” A sign like this could hang in almost any business that employs a lot of people having to work together toward a … Continue reading An Open Mind
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Read Acts 2:14-21 … During the time of the OT prophets, the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom was a topic that brought forth images of peace and comfort. Isaiah speaks of a time “in the last days” when the LORD’s temple will be established and “the law will go forth from Zion and the word … Continue reading Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Baptism: A Separation, A Death, A Washing
Read Acts 2:36-39 … Baptism has a long history in the story of the people of God. The Jewish people had pools, called a mikvaoth, that were specifically designed to provide a place where washing was allowed to provide a ceremonial purity. The regulations regarding washing in the Mishnah, the written form of the Oral … Continue reading Baptism: A Separation, A Death, A Washing
Behold, He is Coming
Read Luke 3:1-6 … One thing that most events have in common is the fact that they (typically) do not just “show up.” From great operatic companies to flash in the pan rock bands, from traveling productions of award-winning Broadway shows to community-based productions – all of them will publicize their impending arrival. From television … Continue reading Behold, He is Coming
What’s in a Name?
Read Isaiah 62:1-5 … Reading the sermons of preachers that have had a great influence on those of his time, and even further, can be entertaining and enlightening. The lessons delivered by N. B. Hardeman in the Ryman Auditorium are such sermons. There are times, as one reads Hardeman’s sermons, that his colloquial manner of … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
Treasure Talent Time
Read Proverbs 24:30-34 … There is always a time in the work of the Church when it’s the giving season. In our world everything seems to have a price, a cost that needs to be paid. Little wonder, as the things we have increase so do the resources needed for the management and care of … Continue reading Treasure Talent Time
the odd weekend preacher 