Yesterday comedian Bill Cosby was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for his conviction on sexual assault.
Cosby’s sentencing is the culmination of several years of rumors. Accusations. Denials. Conviction in a civil suit. A hung jury in a criminal trial. And finally a retrial in April.
More than 60 women told similar stories of being drugged and sexually assaulted by the man who was affectionately dubbed as “America’s Dad.” Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Do We Still Need to Believe in Hell?” Dr. Scott G. Bruce, professor of history at Fordham University, argues that “Hell is a cruel and oppressive concept.”
The professor writes that “Hell lost some of its purchase on humankind in the 19th century when new scientific theories such as Darwinism eroded the authority of the Bible and the tides of sentiment turned against God’s wrath in favor of His mercy.”
“… In some distant, better future,” Bruce opines, “the foreclosure of Hell will be an important step in the maturation of human communities that can mete out justice on their own, without supernatural aid.” Continue reading
Filed under Hell
Last night Norma Jean and I worshiped with the Temple Terrace Church and heard a fine lesson presented by Nathan Caldwell.
Nathan is from Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada, where we spent the summer and enjoyed our association with his parents, Rob and Sharon Caldwell. He preaches “part-time,” as we often express it, and does a good job.
His sermon was entitled “Our Purpose in Life” and focused on the human need to find fulfillment. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Last night Norma Jean and I were privileged to attend the annual Florida College Leadership dinner and hear J. C. Watts.
Watts was a quarterback for the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the late 1970’s and led his team to two consecutive Big Eight Championships. After receiving his B.A. degree in journalism, he played in the Canadian Football League for several years.
In 1994 Watts ran and won a seat in the United States House of Representatives and served until 2002. Today he is involved in business. Serves on several boards. Is involved in ministry. Is a frequent speaker. And the author of “Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within.”
Last night Mr. Watts spoke to us about the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. The value of our relationships with others. And how to develop trust. Continue reading
Filed under Change
Today Norma Jean and I are traveling to Tampa So I’m going to do a throwback Thursday and re blog a pass post Hope you enjoy It
In his book, with the captivating title, “Even Eagles Need A Push,” Dave McNally tells about a man being awakened one night with a loud knock at the door. He rolls over and looks at his clock. It’s 3:30 AM!
“I’m not getting out of bed at this time,” he thinks, and rolls over. Then, a louder knock follows.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” whispers his wife.
So he drags himself out of bed, and goes downstairs. He opens the door and there is a man standing at the door. It doesn’t take him long to realize the man is drunk.
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Filed under Uncategorized
Four preachers were discussing the merits of various translations of the Bible.
One preferred the New American Standard version because he believed it was more literal and comes nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek.
The second preacher favored the New King James Version since it was updated from the King James he grew up with and retained the beauty of the language.
The third preacher thought the English Standard Version was the better choice for modern readers.
When the fourth preacher was asked his opinion, he replied, “I like my mother’s translation best.” Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
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.” Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
This week Norma Jean and I are just south of Birmingham, Alabama, where I’m holding a meeting for the Helena Church.
The church is served by two fine Shepherds Ken Craig and Jim Driskell and two dedicated preachers, Bryan Moody and Joe Hickman, who was a classmate of mine at Florida College back in the late 1960’s. In just two days we’ve enjoyed a wonderful fellowship with these brethren and feel a real connection to their church family.
All of the lessons are based on the theme “Developing the Mind of Christ.” I’m grateful the Shepherds chose this theme because I have not presented this series in a long time and needed to hear them again myself. (Yes, preachers need preaching. And personally profit from the lessons they present.) Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
This morning as I awake enjoying my coffee in the comfort and safety of a friend’s home in Missouri, many are facing what is being described as a “monster storm” in hurricane Florence.
Winds are battering the coastal cities of North Carolina and torrential rains are expected to cause “catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding” according to authorities and news reports.
Even though Florence has been downgraded to a category 1 hurricane, officials are bracing for the worse as winds extend 80 miles from the center and tropical force winds to 195 miles. Continue reading
Filed under Life
Last night I concluded a meeting with the church in Madrid, Iowa. The brethren were welcoming and hospitable. They were very receptive to the lessons. And lifted and encouraged us.
It was obvious that they worked hard to promote the meeting and invite their friends. We had guests visit us every service. Some as a result of their advertizing. It was a week in which I felt like I received as much or more than I gave.
However, and other Preachers can attest to this, the best of meetings can be difficult to enjoy if your living accommodations are uncomfortable, cramped, or just plain unpleasant because of the conflicts within the family you’re staying with. Well, this was none of the above. Our week was made very comfortable and enjoyable by staying with one of the elders, Scott Chumbley, his lovely wife Amy, and their two sons, Jeffery and Edward. Continue reading
Filed under Family
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