Monthly Archives: August 2017

August 18, 2017 · 6:28 am

Our Annual Anniversary Blogging Break

Two or three times a year we take a break from blogging. This next week is one of those times. Norma Jean and I will be celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary on August 23rd. We’ve been blessed for the past several years to take a trip during the week of our anniversary.

Typically I will post when away during meetings or some other trips. The year after I began blogging and we took our anniversary trip, Norma Jean asked, “You’re not going to do your blog on this trip are you?” Continue reading →

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August 17, 2017 · 6:29 am

The Character of a Godly Leader

Our Wednesday Bible Class at West Main is studying the history of the Old Testament this quarter. Last night we surveyed the book of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah led the third group of Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity in about 445 B.C. His mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Although he was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, he demonstrated tremendous wisdom and leadership in his role not only in rebuilding the walls but in spiritual and moral reform. Continue reading →

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August 16, 2017 · 6:52 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 19:1-2

 

This morning when I turned on my computer, this random screen saver appeared, pictured above. The caption reads: “You’re looking at a spiral galaxy containing upwards of 400 billion stars and 100 billion planets. Ahhh….”

Immediately my mind went to one of the great verses of the Bible, Psalm 19:1-2. “The heavens declare the glory of God, And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.” Continue reading →

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August 15, 2017 · 6:34 am

The Biblical Answer To Racism

The events last Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia, fueled by racial bigotry were wrong. Sickening. Shameful. And sinful.

A 32-year-old woman, Heather Heyer, who was “a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised” was killed when a car was driven into a group of counter protestors. At least 19 others were injured. Continue reading →

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August 14, 2017 · 6:39 am

Word of the Week: Habits

A wise old man was once taking a stroll through a forest with a shiftless young fellow by his side. Seeking to teach him an important lesson he stopped and pointed to four plants close at hand. The first was just beginning to peep above the ground, the second was a little larger with some roots, the third was a small shrub, while the fourth had grown into a small tree.

The tutor said to his young companion, “Pull up the first plant.” The boy did so eagerly, using only his fingers. Continue reading →

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August 11, 2017 · 7:06 am

What is Christianity?

“Christianity has not been tried and found wanting;” once quipped G.K. Chesterton, “it’s been found difficult and not tried.”

Christianity has been defined by many different people over the years in a variety of ways.

By definition Christianity “is the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.” From that perspective, we understand the importance of the gospel accounts–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And we realize why Luke records in the book of Acts that the preachers and apostles went into every city and village preaching that “Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 17:3) Continue reading →

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August 10, 2017 · 7:14 am

Will Marriage Equality Soon Include Polygamy?

“Will Polygamy be legalized in the United States?” asked Kiley Crossland in a recent WORLD News Service report.

“Acceptance of polygamy is at an all-time high, according to recent Gallup poll.”

“The survey found 17 percent of Americans say the practice of having more than one spouse is “morally acceptable,” up from 14 percent a year ago and more than double the 7 percent who found it acceptable when Gallup started polling in 2003.” Continue reading →

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August 9, 2017 · 7:06 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Luke 12:15

“Flashy displays of wealth do not impress me,” wrote Lauren Lyons Cole in a recent article for Business Insider

Cole is a New York City financial planner who has worked with everyone from Wall Street professionals to lawyers to social workers. She said, “I get to see behind the curtain of people’s finances all the time,”

During her ten-year career Cole says, “I’ve realized almost everyone gets the same thing wrong about money:” Continue reading →

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August 8, 2017 · 6:39 am

How NOT To Convert Muslims to Christianity

Last Saturday an explosive device was detonated at a suburban Minneapolis mosque as people were preparing for morning prayers. Although the windows of the imam’s office where shattered, fortunately, no one was killed or injured.

Various news outlets that reported this attack also cited an increasing number of such incidents targeting Muslims. Continue reading →

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August 7, 2017 · 6:54 am

Word of the Week: Submission

Paul Aiello tells a story about the captain of the ship who looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message” “Alter your course 10 degrees south.”

Promptly a return message was received: “Alter your course 10 degrees north.”

The captain was angered; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: “Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am the captain!” Continue reading →

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