April 17, 2020 · 8:19 am

The Jerusalem Church: A Divine Model For the 21st Century

Our Bible reading today is Acts 2. One of the greatest chapters in the Bible.

In Acts 2 we see the fulfillment of Joel 2, Isaiah 2 and Micah 4. Jesus’ promise that the kingdom of God would come with power was coming to pass (Mk. 9:1). His command for the apostles to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power of the Holy Spirit occurred in dramatic fashion before an astonished crowd.

Peter’s sermon was Christ-centered. He argued that Jesus was the Son of God, based on His miracles and His resurrection from the dead. And that He was the fulfillment of David’s Messianic prophecy. The miraculous events of Pentecost were further evidence. His riveting message cut to the hearts of those he charged with wickedly crucifying Christ. Continue reading →

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April 16, 2020 · 8:25 am

Be Patient

Numerous news outlets, as well as the President’s own Coronavirus Task Force, report that the American people are becoming increasingly frustrated and impatient with the social distancing guidelines. Protests have even erupted in Michigan in defiance of the Governor’s guidelines.

The President has often said that people are “chompin’ at the bit to get back to work.” To attend ball games. Eat out at restaurants. And get this country open again.

I’m reminded of a story about the 19th century New England Preacher Phillips Brooks. He was known for his poise. Patience. And quiet manner. However, like all of us, the pressure of his work caused him to suffer from periods of frustration. Continue reading →

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April 15, 2020 · 8:25 am

A Passage To Ponder: Psalm 146

The late R. J. Stevens and his son, Tim, have done more for lifting and improving the praise worship of God’s people than any two men I’ve ever known.

But their work has gone beyond teaching the fundamentals of music, how to beat time, or pitch a song. They have reminded us of the why and the Who behind our praise.

Tim once observed that praise is not just an outward act. Praise stems from who we are. The inner person. The heart. Like the ancient poet, we should exclaim, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart! (PS 11:1). Continue reading →

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April 14, 2020 · 8:10 am

10 Things the Coronavirus Cannot Do

As we continue living through this new normal, which is so abnormal, our hearts are touched by the amount of sickness and death we are seeing and hearing reported by the media.

In fact, by now you may know someone who’s contracted COVID-19. We know a few folks personally who are suffering from it. And so far, thankfully winning the battle.

Yet, in the midst of this current crisis we continue to hear uplifting stories. Stories of heroism. Courage. And self-sacrifice. People helping people. Neighbors looking after one another. Shepherds employing innovative ways to watch for souls. Preachers learning and using new techniques to teach and preach the gospel. Continue reading →

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April 13, 2020 · 8:17 am

Word of the Week: Waiting

The other day Norma Jean and I  were discussing our travel plans for May and the rest of the summer.

“Do you think “sheltering in place” restrictions will be lifted by May 1st?” she wondered.

“I don’t know.”

“When you do think the Canadian border will open?”

“I don’t know.”

“Where are we going if the border doesn’t open in May?” Continue reading →

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April 12, 2020 · 6:51 am

Sunday Seed Thoughts: We See Jesus

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone” (Heb 2:9).

We. See. Jesus.

Today. On this day. On this first day of the week. Every first day of the week. We see Jesus more clearly than on any other day. Continue reading →

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April 11, 2020 · 5:38 pm

Weekly Recap: April 5-11

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.   You will find the posts from Sunday, Monday and Tuesday especially encouraging during our present distress.

On Wednesday we discussed the parable of the persistent widow and the  unjust judge.

Thursday addresses the important issue of  passing on our faith to our children and grandchildren.

On Friday we focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

And today, we sent out an extra post you must read about the blasphemous rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar that airs on NBC tomorrow night Continue reading →

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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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