Billie Burke was a famous actress of the early 20th century. She played “Gilda the good witch” in the Wizard of Oz musical. The story is told that Ms Burke was once traveling on a cruise ship when she noticed a man at the next table suffering from a bad cold.
She asked, “Are you uncomfortable?” The man nodded in the affirmative. “Well,” she instructed, “I’ll tell you what to do. Continue reading
Filed under Authority, Discipleship, Jesus
“Shocking,” is how one researcher described a recent study by the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University, as reported by The Christian Post.
According to CRC a “nationwide study of about 1,000 Christian pastors conducted between February and March” revealed that “just over half of all U.S. pastors of Evangelical churches (51%) have a biblical worldview.” Continue reading
A recent survey revealed that 71% of the respondents claiming to be a Christian “consider their feelings, experiences, or the input of family and friends as their most trusted sources of moral guidance.”
The study, recently released by the George Barna Group in connection with the cultural research center at the University of Arizona, came to this conclusion: Continue reading
Filed under Authority
Several news outlets reported this week about a Belgian farmer, apparently annoyed by a stone that had been in his tractor’s way, decided to move it 7-8 feet away from his field.
No big deal? Not newsworthy? Continue reading
Filed under Authority
On and off yesterday I watched some of the Senate Judiciary hearings regarding the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
In her opening statement Judge Barrett shared one principle of her judicial philosophy when she said the following: Continue reading
David Sargent, minister, and author of Living Water, relates the unusual story of Dennis Lee Curtis.
In 1992, Curtis was arrested for armed robbery in Rapid City, South Dakota. In his wallet, police found a list of rules Curtis had written for himself – guidelines for his robberies. For example, he wrote:
“I will not kill anyone unless I have to.”
“I will take cash and food stamps — no checks.”
“I will not rob mini-marts.” Continue reading
Filed under Authority
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
Though it happened years ago, I will never forget driving into the parking lot of the High School where I lived and seeing for the first time a bumper sticker that challenged: “Question Authority.” I’m guessing it wasn’t on a teacher’s car. Since then, I’ve seen and heard it many times.
This slogan was popularized by the late, controversial psychologist Timothy Leary who was known for advocating the use of LSD and psychedelic drugs.
Questioning authority is nothing new. Continue reading
Filed under Authority
This week finds Norma Jean and me attending the Florida College Lectures, as well as sneaking in some time with our grandchildren. As I have reflected on the lecture theme, “Inquire of Past Generations: Lessons From Church History,” a central thread has emerged in all of the presentations. Continue reading
Several years ago I attended an event at a local high school. As I drove into the parking lot, a bumper sticker on a student’s car caught my eye. I’ve never forgotten it. It was only two words. But they say a lot. Continue reading
Filed under Authority
ThePreachersWord 