Well, here it is. Again. Another birthday.
Remember when you were a kid and they couldn’t come fast enough? Oh, to be a teenager and turn 13. And then the magical age of 16 to get your driver’s licence. And, then 18, with graduation looming, and college plans on the horizon. And, of course, finally feeling like an adult at 21. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
A recent Barna survey found that only 25% of “practicing Christians” live in households that they termed “spiritually vibrant.”
As a part of a new “Household of Faith” report Barna partnered with the Lutheran Hour Ministries and surveyed 2,347 adults and teens who claimed to be practicing Christian. Their goal was to determine how families practiced their faith together, and not just as individuals. Continue reading
Yesterday I preached and taught the Bible class for the brethren in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Since most of the congregation are only fluent in Spanish, and I’m only fluent in English, we needed a translator. Thus, I was able to speak so they could understand.
Several times this week I needed to communicate something, and it was difficult when a translator was not available. Words were spoken. But there was no understanding. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
For the past several months, we have enjoyed visiting new places, traveling to different countries, worshiping with the brethren, and sharing the Word whenever we can.
These opportunities have allowed us to revel in the beauty of God’s creation. Experience tasty food. And learn about the customs of local people. Costa Rica has been no exception.
One of the terms we learned this week from our new friend and guide, Edgar, is the local expression “Pura Vida” (pronounced poo-rah vee-dah). Literally translated it means “simple life” or “pure life.” In Costa Rica, we’re learning it’s more than a saying–it’s a way of life. Continue reading
Filed under Life
In the book “Children’s Letters to God”, a little boy named Mike wrote, “Dear God. What happens when you die? Nobody will talk to me about it. I don’t want to do it. I just want to know.”
A lot of folks are like Mike. They’re not ready to die. But they do have questions about it. Lots of questions. Continue reading
Filed under Death
Yesterday we toured the National Museum of Costa Rica in San José.
The fortress was built in 1917 and was originally a military barracks. The exterior walls still have bullets lodged in them from the country’s 1948 civil war. Interestingly, Costa Rica does not have an army. The military was disbanded in 1948. In 1950 the building became a museum.
Among the fascinating exhibits and artifacts displaying the country’s rich history is a section on the Spanish Inquisition which began in 1478 and was not officially abolished until 1834. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Yesterday one of my friends on facebook saw some of our pictures with the brethren in Costa Rica and shared this post.
“And this is how I want to spend my ‘retirement.’ Y’all are sprinting to the finish line!! I love it.”
I chuckled. Then I thought “sprinting toward the finish line” means I’m nearing the end of the race. So I responded, “I hadn’t thought about it exactly like that. Maybe you could say we’re starting the last lap.” Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living
This week Norma Jean and I are in San José, Costa Rica.
It is the home of one of my former preaching interns, Gabe Chaves. We’ve wanted to come for a long time to meet Gabe’s family, worship with the brethren in Alajuela, and see their beautiful country. By God’s grace, this is now a reality.
Numerous brethren in the United States have enjoyed fellowship with the Costa Rican brethren for many years. More recently among them are Kenny Moorer, Kerry Keenan, Ken Embry and Jack Gagle. Everyone who has visited here speaks highly of these brethren. Now I know why. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Jeff Strite says this actually happened in a southern church years ago.
The local preacher had been preaching on the importance of evangelism. In the congregation was a young man who was mentally challenged who took these lessons to heart. Consequently, he began telling everyone who would listen about Jesus and asking if they wanted to become a Christian.
One Sunday a man visited who really didn’t want to be there. He was invited by a family who was members. He was a skeptic. But attended just to be polite.
At one point, the young man approached the visitor and asked, “Do you want to be a Christian?” Continue reading
Filed under Evangelism
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
Filed under Authority, Homosexuality
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