Monthly Archives: July 2025

July 31, 2025 · 6:40 am

21st Century Tools for Preaching the Gospel

Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in The Chosen was an unknown actor, until this series soared in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently they’re filming for its sixth seson.

Recently Roumie to spoke by video to a conference of “Digital Missionaries” and religious influencers urging them to continue spreading the gospel online.

“As someone who’s been blessed to portray Jesus in The Chosen, I’ve seen firsthand how a story shared online can touch a heart, soften a soul, even change a life,” Roumie observed. “You’re doing the same, whether it’s through a post, a reel, a comment thread, or a live stream—you’re showing up in these digital spaces with the heart of Christ. Continue reading →

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July 30, 2025 · 6:49 am

Matthew 13:33–A Little Leaven

 

Norma Jean and I are currently in Welland, Ontario, Canada, where I have been preaching and teaching. Today’s passage reminds me of a true story I learned last year on our trip.

A number of years ago a man named John was preaching in the little town of Timmins in Northern Ontario. He met a man, Richard, who was a laborer who expressed interest in the gospel. After a series of studies he was converted. Continue reading →

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July 29, 2025 · 6:42 am

What? There are Standards?

The other day Norma Jean and I was watching the Canadian version of CBS headline news when another story appeared about the company Astronomer.

By now everyone knows their CEO, Andy Byron was caught in a romantic embrace with his HR Director, Kristin Cabot, on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. Both are married to other people.

“I’m tired of seeing this,” Norma Jean remarked. Maybe you are too. But would you please read one more post from another perceptive? Continue reading →

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July 28, 2025 · 4:04 am

Employing Your Zeal

Throughout the years of local church work, I have encountered many well-meaning, godly Christians who love the Lord, but their zeal is misdirected in terms of their ministry choices.

Some young men have shown a zeal for preaching the gospel, but lack the necessary communication skills, organizational ability, and temperament to be an effective public proclaimer and preacher. I’ve seen those who want to lead singing in worship, but lack the musical ability. Continue reading →

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July 26, 2025 · 4:26 am

Weekly Recap: July 21-25

Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada

Recently in correspondence with a fellow preacher, I encouraged a humorous miscommunication.  I mentioned where we were and abbreviated Canada as CA.  He thought we were in Ontario, California.  While I’m sure that Ontario, California, is a lovely place, I would rather be here.

Although, the recent heat wave affected us up here with higher than normal tempts, for the most part the weather has been a delightful change of pace from hot, humid Florida.  Walks in the park, watching the ducks play in the Welland river, and eating outside by the canal in Port Colborne are all wonderful.  But most enjoyable is being with our Canadian brethren again.  To share in a ministry of the Word. To enjoy fellowship. And support these disciples in Kingdom activities.  This is really why we’re here. Continue reading →

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July 25, 2025 · 4:25 am

The Price of an Affair

Last Friday we posted, “When Sin Tracks You Down,” based on the news regarding Astronomer’s CEO and his HR Director. As a follow up on Tuesday we discussed The Guilt and Shame of Sin.

Today’s post is from my facebook friend Phillip Martin. He speaks frankly. Honestly. And passionately. Read. Reflect. And realize. Continue reading →

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July 24, 2025 · 7:46 am

What Defines You?

On Sunday the world’s #1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, won The Open Championship, often called the British Open. His first-place finish wasn’t so much a surprise, as the dominant fashion in which he won.

However, what captured even more headlines was his press conference prior to winning when he said, “This is not a fulfilling life. It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.” Continue reading →

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July 23, 2025 · 7:00 am

Matthew 8:18-22: The Cost of Discipleship

Several years ago, Norma Jean and I were blessed to travel with Barry Britnell and a group of fellow Believers to Israel. It was a great trip. One I highly recommend to all Christians.

Today’s text reminds me of the day we entered the village of Capernaum, billed as “The Town of Jesus.” As we entered I snapped this picture of the statue of “Homeless Jesus” by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmaz. Continue reading →

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July 22, 2025 · 4:09 am

The Guilt and Shame of Sin

 

Last Friday’s post, “When Sin Tracks You Down,” was based on Andy Bryon, the married CEO of the tech company, Astronomer, cuddling with his HR Director and exposed on the Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert.

While there is a lesson to be learned about the seriousness and consequence of sin there is also an important lesson regarding the reaction of both Bryon and his mistress when their pictures flashed on the giant screen. She turned her face, and he ducked down out of view. Continue reading →

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July 21, 2025 · 4:07 am

How Your Passion Fuels Others

The 19th Century poet and professor William Herbert Carruth, paid this tribute to a teacher named Mark Hopkins.

Mark Hopkins sat on one end of a log
And a farm boy sat on the other.
Mark Hopkins came as a pedagogue
And taught as an elder brother. Continue reading →

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