Monthly Archives: February 2019

February 28, 2019 · 5:56 am

Voting on Morality

The United Methodist Church voted on Tuesday at a special conference in St. Louis to uphold that homosexuality is contrary to Biblical teaching.

For several years the UMC has been engaged in an emotional and often contentious debate regarding same-sex marriage, the ordination of homosexual ministers and denomination’s position on LGBT issues in general.

Tuesday’s vote rejected the “One Church Plan” which basically said each church could determine their position on homosexuality. Instead, they approved the “Traditional Plan” by a vote of 438-384, which affirmed the denomination’s stance as stated in their Book of Discipline pronouncing homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Continue reading →

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February 27, 2019 · 6:32 am

A Passage to Ponder: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Yesterday New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, was officially charged with two counts of first-degree solicitation.

It was revealed by authorities last week that “Kraft visited a Florida massage parlor for sex acts on the morning of the AFC Championship Game, which he attended in Kansas City later that day.”

“According to documents released by the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office on Monday, it was the second visit by Kraft to the parlor in less than 24 hours.” Continue reading →

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February 26, 2019 · 5:14 am

AIN’T ANYTHING MEANER THAN KILLIN’ BABIES

Rarely, if ever, in 7 years have we published an entire article from another author. Today’s post merits an exception. While we have addressed the issue of abortion several times, this well-written and deeply thought-provoking piece by my friend Kenny Chumbley offers a unique perspective and deserves wider circulation.

May it encourage and inspire you to say or do something to protect the most vulnerable among us.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Continue reading →

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February 25, 2019 · 6:32 am

Word of the Week: Circumspect

Circumspect is not a word that we often use in our everyday speech.

For example, I never heard my Dad use the word when I was a kid walking with him out in the pasture where the cows were grazing. Nor did my mother tell me to be circumspect when crossing a busy street. And neither did my Driver’s Ed instructor warn us to be circumspect when driving on a hilly, curvy road. But they did use words to warn me of the consequences of failing to be circumspect. Continue reading →

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February 22, 2019 · 6:25 am

Three Spiritual Lessons from the Jussie Smollett Case.

Even if you’re not a news junkie, by now you’ve probably heard about the Jussie Smollett story that has gone from hate crime to hoax.

Smollett, an actor on hit Fox TV show “Empire” claimed late last month he was attacked and assaulted by two masked men who shouted racist and homophobic slurs, saying “This is MAGA country.”

The African-American actor who is homosexual said the two men wrapped a noose around his neck and covered him in bleach. Apparently, Smollett also tried to mislead police about the suspects, claiming the area around one attacker’s eyes were white skinned. Continue reading →

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February 21, 2019 · 6:33 am

We Have An Anchor

Last September we were privileged to visit Rome as we concluded our Mediterranean anniversary trip.

We enjoyed wonderful food, touring the ancient sites and worshiping with the brethren. But among the highlights for us was visiting the Catacombs.
Led by a knowledgeable and interesting tour guide we descended from the warm air above, down a steep stairway and through narrow passageways, where I often had to duck my head, and into the cool and musty burial-place of early Christians and revered martyrs. Continue reading →

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February 20, 2019 · 6:17 am

A PASSAGE TO PONDER: Philippians 1:9-11

In the neat little book, “Children’s Letters to God” compiled by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall they share the directness, honesty and often humor when kids decide to address their Creator.

“Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that okay? Neil.”

“Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all the people in the world. There are only four people in our family and I can never do it. Nan”

“Dear God. Thank you for the baby brother. But what I prayed for was a puppy. Joyce” Continue reading →

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February 19, 2019 · 6:24 am

A State of Emergency

President Trump has declared “A State of Emergency” on our Southern border in an effort to secure funding to build his promised border wall.

This declaration has further polarized Republicans and Democrats. Conservatives and Liberals. Pro-Trump and Non-Trump advocates. Of course, the media is having a field day with political pundits in their respective corners pontificating about the merits of this declaration or the lack thereof.

Predictably, many on social media are passionately sharing their views. Some with harsh and hateful language. Sadly some who profess allegiance to Christ have dimmed and diminished their light with vitriolic speech. Continue reading →

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February 18, 2019 · 6:23 am

Word of the Week: Builder

Yesterday, Norma Jean and I visited the Wesley Chapel Church and heard my former summer intern Justin Lewis deliver a wonderful sermon on “The Two Builders.”

Typically when I think of a builder, I contrast it with a wrecker. Some people build up. Others tear down. Some edify. Others ruin. Some encourage. Others discourage.

However, Justin made the observation that “we’re all builders. Everyone is building something.” Continue reading →

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February 15, 2019 · 7:00 am

Beware, Brethren!

I recently read a story shared by Texas preacher Donnie Martin about Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper.” It is told that da Vinci looked for models to sit for Jesus and His disciples.

He found a handsome and innocent looking man in a choir in one of the churches in Italy. He portrayed him as Jesus in the painting. The man’s name was Pietro Bandinelli.

Years passed as da Vinci continued to work on the painting. He left the face of Judas Iscariot till the last. One day da Vinci went out into the streets of Rome and looked for the most forlorn person he could find. Continue reading →

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