Several years ago Barna Researchers conducted a survey to find out what people knew about holiness. Surprisingly, they discovered that “though the Bible talks a lot about holiness, most adults are confused and even daunted by the concept.”
Only 1 in 4 of the Church goers they interviewed believed they were holy.
And when asked what holiness meant, the most common answer was “I don’t know!” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
The graphic scenes we’re seeing from the Russian invasion of Ukraine remind us of the problem of human suffering in this sinful world.
Suffering, however, isn’t confined to faraway places. Nor is it always the result of the intentions of evil men. Or the impact of something as overt as war. You don’t have to look very far to see hurting people.
Hurting people are everywhere. In your community. Your church. Maybe in your home. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
“I would like for you to meet our minister.”
Have any of you preachers ever been introduced by one of your church members to their friends with those or similar words?
Have any of your ever introduced your preacher, as “my minister”? Or “the minister”?
Such a notion may imply that the preacher is entirely responsible for the ministry of the church. This, however, is not a Biblical idea. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Have you noticed in the past 12-18 months the number of reports dealing with mental health problems people are facing?
The virus has not only taken a toll on us physically and affected our economy and politics but also impacted us emotionally and psychologically.
One survey showed that 51% of young adults say they feel down, depressed, or hopeless.
Another survey found that 40% of all Americans have reported some mental health issues related to the pandemic. And 11% had considered suicide. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
There’s an old joke about a woman whose husband died and she had inscribed on his tombstone words to this effect:
“The light of my love has been extinguished.”
In time, however, her heart healed, she met another man and fell in love. As she planned to remarry, the inscription on her first husband’s tombstone bothered her. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Over 8 decades of research by Harvard University reveals a direct corollary between strong relationships and longevity of life.
One study of 7,000 people concluded that those most isolated were 3 times more likely to die than those with meaningful relationships.
Regarding the study, author John Ortberg wrote that “people who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, or alcohol use) but strong social ties lived significantly longer than people who had great health habits but were isolated.
In other words, Ortberg quipped, “It is better to eat Twinkies with good friends than to eat broccoli alone.” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Yesterday, Norma Jean and I boarded a flight out of Orlando for Cincinnati, Ohio. While waiting at our gate I went to get us something to eat. As I approached the food court, I could hear raucous cheers echoing down the concourse.
“What’s going on?” I wondered. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
“I have no peace. All life is at the end of the tether,“ wrote the English writer and philosopher, H.G. Wells at age 61.
The poet Lord Byron admitted, “My days are in yellow leaf, the flowers and fruits of life are gone, the worm and the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”
The literary genius Thoreau opined “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
The Scottish minister, David Livingstone was one of the most popular national heroes of 19th century Britain. He was known as an explorer. Scientific investigator. Anti-slavery crusader. And Protestant missionary martyr.
The story is told that Livingstone once received a letter from the London Missionary Society inquiring about his work in Africa. They asked the explorer, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you? Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
There’s an exercise, which I borrowed from John Maxwell, that I’ve used through the years in Bible classes. In fact, why don’t you try it right now?
Write down the name of a friend who you greatly admire.
_______________________________________
Now write down one thing you admire most about your friend.
________________________________________
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
ThePreachersWord 