Robert W. Herron once wrote that “good listening is like tuning in a radio station. For good results, you can listen to only one station at a time.”
Ever find yourself traveling and driving out of a station’s range? The next thing you know, you are hearing static, plus another station trying to come in. It’s very annoying and distracting. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
My good friend, Ralph Walker, recently gave me a book by Mark Templer entitled The Cross of the Savior. I’ve just begun to read it, but it looks very good. The back cover promises “a fresh perspective on the cross of Jesus.”
“The message of the cross was perplexing to Jews and Gentiles alike–a scandalous stumbling block to the Jews and a meaningless act of self-sacrifice to the Gentiles,” writes Templer. “But to us as Christians it is power and wisdom of God, the focal point of our faith. It is the light that shines in our darkest night. It is the hope that keeps us sane when all are losing their heads. It is our lifeline when we are drowning in the muck. It is our only hope in a dark and sinful world.” Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
“If you’re not offending someone, you’re not preaching the gospel,” wrote blogger Mike Duran.
His statement reminds me of an expression I remember hearing from older preachers many years ago, “Just preach the Truth and let the chips fall where they may.”
Now, I understand the gist of both comments. In fact, Mike correctly writes about occasions where Jesus’ preaching was offensive to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and political leaders of His day. He was also plain-spoken with Peter and the other apostles when they needed to be corrected or rebuked. Continue reading
Filed under Preaching
Ivan the Great was the 15th century czar of all of Russia He brought together the warring tribes into one vast empire–the Soviet Union. He was known as a brilliant general and a courageous fighter.
The story is told that Ivan was so busy waging war that he had never married. Soon his advisors were concerned there would be no heir to the throne. The great czar agreed, but said he had no time to find a wife. So he commissioned them to find a suitable bride. Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
It’s an exciting time to live in Kansas City. The Royals, affectionately known by the locals as “the boys in blue” beat the New York Mets Sunday night in 5 games to capture the World Series crown.
It’s not just that they won. But it’s how they did it. Eight times they came from behind, seven of those by more than two runs to win. The final game was epic. Trailing 2-0 going to the ninth inning, they tied the game with clutch hits, daring base-running, and being opportunistic with opponents errors. The game and the series was won in the 12th with a five-run explosion. Continue reading
Filed under Perseverence, Persistence
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) – A Spanish businessman and devout Roman Catholic who stopped to pray at a church during a trip to Stockholm ended up a millionaire, the Bild newspaper said Wednesday.
The church was empty except for a coffin containing the remains of a man, so Eduardo Sierra knelt down and prayed for the deceased for 20 minutes, the Hamburg-based daily said.
Sierra, 35, signed a condolence book after he saw a note saying those who prayed for the dead man should enter their name and address. He noticed he was the first to sign. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus'” (John 12:20-21).
The spirit of these Greeks who came to worship was commendable. They wanted to see Jesus. So should we. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
ThePreachersWord 