Monthly Archives: April 2020

April 11, 2020 · 6:45 am

Jesus Christ: Superstar or Son of God?

“Jesus Christ, Superstar, do you think you’re what they say you are?”

This question, sung by Judas Iscariot and a backup chorus, is at the heart of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, which NBC will re-air tomorrow night on Easter Sunday.  Superstar is the adaption of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s 1970 musical stage play, with musical star John Legend playing Jesus.

The question regarding Jesus’ identity has not only reverberated across our culture for the past 50 years, it has, in fact been an issue for almost 2,000 years.  It’s a question that’s at the very core of Christianity. It’s fundamental to our faith.  And vital to the assurance of our Hope Continue reading →

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April 10, 2020 · 7:32 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Dispelling Darkness

S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) was a prominent African-American preacher known for his dynamic, passionate, and fervent sermons. One of his fiery lessons was “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s coming!”

In the early days of our blogging we wrote a column with that title. For two years we looked at the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion to see the drastic change in people’s lives and the world’s history from six hours that Friday to  very early Sunday morning.

Friday was a metaphor for betrayal. Denial. Cowardice. Hate. Suffering. Despair. Defeat. And death. But Sunday symbolized victory. Help. Hope. Healing. Love. Joy. And eternal life. Continue reading →

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April 9, 2020 · 9:03 am

Passing On Our Faith To The Next Generation

Yesterday Bernie Sanders suspended his Presidential campaign ending his quest for the Democratic nomination.

Behind Vice President Joe Biden by some 300 delegates, Sanders admitted that the “path toward victory is virtually impossible.” However, while losing the vote for the nomination, Sanders claimed that his movement is “winning the ideological battle” and the support of younger people under the age of 30. Continue reading →

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April 8, 2020 · 7:10 am

A Passage To Ponder: Luke 18:1-8

When Abraham Lincoln was facing the crisis of a divided nation during the civil war, he was faced with many tough decisions. Often he was second guessed. Criticized. And even mocked.

It’s no wonder he admitted, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.”

During this current crisis, we may wonder where to go. Literally there’s no place to go. Everyone is told to stay home. At times, the advice of the experts seems contradictory and confusing. We ponder what the future holds. Will life ever be the same again? Continue reading →

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April 7, 2020 · 7:31 am

Lean On Me: People Supporting People

Jayde Powell, is a University of Nevada honors student whose idea to help others during the coronavirus crisis has sparked a movement that’s spread into all 50 states and around the world.

Powell, a Pre-Med student, started “Shopping Angels,” an organization that provides “free shopping services to those populations at higher risk of contracting the novel COVID-19 virus, to include individuals over the age of 60 or those with impaired immune systems,” as stated on their facebook page. Continue reading →

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April 6, 2020 · 7:51 am

Word of the Week: Refuge

In the Old Testament, when Israel conquered, divided and possessed the land of Canaan, God designated six special cities called the “Cities of Refuge.”

These cities were a place of safety for the man who accidentally killed another person. It was a place where he could flee and find protection from “the avenger of blood.” Continue reading →

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April 5, 2020 · 7:44 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: Social Distancing, Not Spiritual Distancing

By now we’ve all received the message loud and clear from our President, Vice-President as well as Dr. Fauci and Dr. Brix to practice “social distancing.” Stay home. And if you do go out for a walk, to the grocery, or to a carry out restaurant, stay 6 feet apart from others.

These mitigation efforts have forced almost all churches to temporarily suspend public assemblies. No Sunday morning or Wednesday Bible classes. No Sunday worship. No ladies classes. No gospel meetings. No potlucks. All of this social distancing can leave us feeling disconnected, detached and even disjointed spiritually. Continue reading →

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April 4, 2020 · 7:30 am

Weekly Recap: March 29-April 3

For those of you who may have missed one of our posts this past week, here are  the quick links to get you caught up.  Each of these posts will help you in navigating your feelings and fears during this current crisis.  Please feel free to share them on social media, email them or in some way share them with others.  Also is a special, free edition from Pressing On magazine compliments of Mark Roberts.

 

Sunday Seed Thoughts:  Today is a Special Day

 

Continue reading →

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April 3, 2020 · 7:44 am

What Sinners Can Teach Saints

Today’s Bible reading contains a parable of Jesus that is puzzling, perplexing and paradoxical.

It’s a story that presents a cast of characters that were all rascals. Yet Jesus uses it to teach a lesson to the righteous.

Take a minute to read Luke 16:1-13. Continue reading →

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April 2, 2020 · 8:16 am

How To See Through The Darkness

Norma Jean and I are blessed to be “sheltering in place” in the Smoky Mountains. Since my April meetings have been postponed and my current preaching appointments cancelled we’re going to remain here for the month of April.

As I write in the early morning darkness I look out my balcony window and it’s pitch black. There’s a beautiful mountain view, but I can’t see it. Yesterday we awoke to rain. The clouds and fog covered the mountains, so we could hardly see. Continue reading →

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