Category Archives: 2018 Top Posts

Two Memorable Quotes From the Funeral of George H. W. Bush

Today we conclude our countdown of the top 10 posts for 2018. Surprisingly this recent post resonated with readers and was shared so many times, it became the most read for the year. 2018 has been a good year for us personally and for ThePreachersWord. Thanks to our loyal readers for your encouragement and support.

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“Some of the best public speaking we hear is at funerals,” posted my preaching and facebook friend , Warren Berkley, “It is storytelling from the eloquence of the heart. Nobody outlines the structure or critiques the delivery. We just listen.”

After watching most of the funeral service for President George H.W. Bush and hearing the eulogies, I have to say Warren was right.

The stories told by family, friends and colleagues were heartfelt, poignant, and often humorous. They spoke to the character of Mr. Bush. His gentleness. Kindness. Courage. Dignity. Decency. Loyalty. Honor. And grace under pressure.

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A Sexless, Unconventional Marriage

This January post has been reblogged numerous times and received the 2nd most hits in 2018.

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New York socialites Quentin Esme Brown and Peter Cary Peterson got married last weekend in Las Vegas. But it’s not a typical, traditional marriage.

“He has always been my soulmate in every sense of the word and we felt mutually that Vegas was the place to finalize our commitment to partnership,” Brown posted on Instagram. “Peter and I are not romantically involved — in fact we are still dating others and will continue to seek love in all forms.”

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A Blasphemous Abuse of Baptism

We are now down to the top 3 most read posts in 2018. Interestingly this recent post on baptism ranked #3.

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The Church of England, according to a report from the ChristianNews.Net will begin a baptism-style celebration for transgenders announcing their new sexual identity.

“The apostatized Church of England,” wrote Heather Clark on CNN, “has released new guidance for “parishes planning services to help transgender people mark their transition,” a move that has raised concerns among those who were already worried about the direction of the denomination.”

In a news release, the Church of England both encouraged and welcomed “the affirmation of trans people.” They equated it with diversity in the Body of Christ “into which all Christians have been baptized by one Spirit.”

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Atheist Stephen Hawking is Dead

During the holidays, we are reblogging the top 10 posts for 2018 based on reader views. This March post received the 4th most reader hits.

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Stephen Hawking, the renown physicist, and avowed atheist died Wednesday.

Hawking, who was 76, wasn’t expected to live past age 25. When he was 21 he was diagnosed with ALS, the incurable neurodegenerative disease. Although he beat the odds for more than 50 years he once said that he “lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years,”

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How To Treat a Loved One Who’s a Homosexual

While we are taking a holiday blogging break, we are reblogging the top 10 posts of 2018. This one, at #5,  was in response to a reader’s question. It was received very favorably by our readers. We hope it helps.

ThePreachersWord

In a recently published post, “The Love God Hates,” I pointed out that we should not love that which God hates.

In numerous passages the Bible speaks of hating wickedness, unrighteousness and ungodliness. (Ps 45:7: Prov 6:17-19). As the people of God we are commanded to be holy and not to love worldliness (1 Jn 2:15-17), but to “hate evil (and) do good.”

In the post I related the story of man who’s daughter admitted she was a lesbian. While he initially expressed his disapproval, eventually he joyfully embraced his daughter’s choice and apparently is going to host the wedding.

A reader responded and asked my advice on how to handle the situation. Here are 7 things I would suggest.

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Attributes of God From A-Z

Today we resume our top 10 countdown of the most read posts for 2018. This one from Athens, Greece, came in at #6.

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Yesterday, as Norma Jean and I toured the National Museum of Archaeology  in Athens and viewed the artifacts of the great thinkers and philosophers of Greece and Rome, it occurred to me that with all their intellectual acumen, most did not truly know Jehovah God.

Yesterday’s post discussed Paul’s sermon revealing to the Epicureans and Stoics “The Unknown God” as Jehovah God. Many mocked the apostle’s message. Regardless, God has revealed Himself to us.

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Don’t Use the “R-Word”–At Least Not Yet

This January post elicited the 7th most readers views for 2018. The transition to this new phase of ministry has been everything we could have hoped for and more. We are definitely enjoying our “non-retirement.”

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“So, I hear that you’re retiring,” a friend said to me recently.

“Don’t use the ‘R’ word,” I replied.

“Oh, I thought you were leaving West main?”

“Well, I am at the end of May. But I’m not retiring from preaching.”

After a puzzled look, I explained that I am leaving local work, but seeking a more  flexible schedule that allows for a broader ministry in the brotherhood. Although I will turn 70 in March, my health is good and I still feel very energetic.

Since my December post announcing this new chapter in our lives, some of our plans have taken shape. In addition to my love of preaching, are traveling and enjoying the fellowship of brethren in other locations. So, we are going to combine the two for a period of time.

This summer we are spending 7 weeks in Welland, Ontario, Canada. The church in Wellandport will…

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Pray for the Brethren In Bulgaria

This November post received the 8th most hits for 2018. There, is, however, an important update at the end of the post.

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Yesterday on facebook my friend and preaching colleague, Wilson Adams, posted a prayer request  for the Bulgarian brethren.

Demetra Dimitrova from Sofia, Bulgaria, sent Wilson “an urgent note asking prayers for her country.” Apparently “a controversial new law is before the Bulgarian Parliament that could keep minority faiths from freely worshiping, teaching, and evangelizing.”

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Chick-fil-A. Christianity. And Bigotry.

We are on a holiday blogging break and reblogging the top 10 posts for 2018 based on reader views. This September post ranked #9.

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How did I miss this insightful essay?

Back in April, the New Yorker published a piece by freelance writer Dan Piepenbring entitled “Chick-fil-A’s Creepy Infiltration of New York City.” While the article exposes the evils of fast foods, their advertising slogan “Eat Mor Chikin,” and his disapproval of opening their stores in the Big Apple, the writer seems more upset about the values of the founder, the late S. Truett Cathy, his son, Dan, the current CEO, and the conservative culture of the Corporation.

Piepenbring’s essay includes these complaints “The brand’s arrival here feels like an infiltration, in no small part because of its pervasive Christian traditionalism.”

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Some Thoughts on Small, But Not Struggling Churches

We’re taking our annual holiday break from blogging and reblogging the top 10 posts of 2018 based on reader hits. This one inspired by MIke Stephens came in at #10.

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When we first arrived in Ontario, Mike Stephens, the Wellandport preacher for over 20 years, and I were discussing my schedule for the summer. This discussion turned to the topic of small, struggling churches. He commented regarding one of the congregations, “Oh, they’re struggling to reach 200, but they are not struggling spiritually.”

In reflecting on the summer and my association with several, but not all, of the Ontario churches, I echo this sentiment. Often in the States, we equate strength with numbers. But careful observation and scriptural consideration reveal this is not necessarily so.

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