November 6, 2017 · 6:07 am

Word of the Week: Sympathy

Yesterday morning about 11:20 a.m.(CST) a gunman entered the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas and opened fire on those gathered for Sunday worship.

At least 26 people were killed and 20 more were wounded. Among those killed was Annabelle Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of their preacher Frank Pomeroy.  Also among the slain victims were a 5-year-old child and a pregnant woman.

Obviously, the church and residents of this little town 30 miles Southeast of San Antonio are in mourning over this senseless act of violence in a house of worship. Continue reading →

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November 3, 2017 · 8:05 am

A Significant 500 Year Anniversary

This past Tuesday was the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther’s famous 95 Theses.

According to tradition the German Monk and Bible Professor challenged the Pope to a debate on 95 issues by nailing them to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. His revolutionary opinions would spark the Protestant Reformation and alter the course of history. Continue reading →

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November 2, 2017 · 6:15 am

Five Lessons We Learn From the Jerusalem Church

Last night we concluded a meeting with the Northside church in Hillsboro, Ohio. It was special to return where we first began full-time preaching 47 years ago.

Our theme was WHAT MATTERS MOST based on Acts 2:41-47. Continue reading →

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November 1, 2017 · 6:24 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 51:1-2

Kent and Barbara Hughes, in their book on ministry, tell of a gifted young preacher who had experienced an overwhelming failure in his ministry.

He borrowed a pickup truck and wheeled in the church parking lot. Everyone watched as he backed across the church lawn to his study door. Refusing any assistance from the members and without any comments, he began emptying his office upon the truck bed. First, he emptied the content of his desk draws. Then His files. And finally his books. “He tossed them carelessly into a heap, many of them flopping askew like slain birds.” Continue reading →

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October 30, 2017 · 3:37 pm

Hallowed and Halloween

Today is October 31. So, it’s Halloween. An annual holiday celebrated in the United States as well as some other countries.

The word “Halloween” literally means “hallowed evening” or “holy evening.” It appears Halloween has its origin in ancient Celtic harvest festivals, with possible pagan roots. Later the Catholic Church, as decreed by Pope Gregory III, designated November 1 as a time to honor saints, so October 31 became known as “All Hollow’s Eve.” Continue reading →

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October 30, 2017 · 5:09 am

Word of the Week: Remembrance

This week Norma Jean and I are in Hillsboro, Ohio, in a gospel meeting. While each meeting with different churches has its own story, character, and meaning, this one is special. Extra special.

We are returning to a church where I began my first full-time work in May of 1970. I was fresh out of Florida College and ready to convert the world. And of course, greatly improve the brotherhood. I was ready to preach the gospel and impart to these brethren my years of experience and vast knowledge of Scripture as a 22-year-old neophyte to full-time ministry. Continue reading →

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October 27, 2017 · 5:14 am

Reflections on a Recent Visit to the Smoky Mountains

Norma Jean and I were recently in the Smoky Mountains for a short get-a-away. It’s been one of our favorite places through the years to visit and relax.

We were wondering how the Mountains would look since the fires last November burned over 17,000 acres of forest, destroyed or damaged more than 2000 homes and buildings and took the lives of 14 people, as well as injuring 145. Continue reading →

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October 26, 2017 · 5:09 am

Militant Secularists: “We Want Your Kids”

On Tuesday Baylor University began a new initiative on faith, ethics and public policy in Washington D.C. They kicked it off with a panel discussion on “faith and the challenges of secularism.”

The “Triaolgue,” as it’s called, is named after Robert P. George, an American legal scholar, Princeton University Law Professor, and considered by many as “one of the country’s leading conservative intellectuals.” George has defended traditional marriage in his book, “What is marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense.” He is also in favor of banning abortion as he argues in his book “Embryo.” Continue reading →

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October 25, 2017 · 5:05 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Psalm 40:1

Phillips Brooks the 19th century New England Preacher, author and writer of the song “O Little Town of Bethlehem, was noted for his poise, patience, and dignified deportment.

Brooks, however, suffered moments of frustration and irritability in his ministry. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. “What’s the trouble, Mr. Brooks?” he asked.

His response was classic. Continue reading →

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October 24, 2017 · 5:09 am

Have You Been Totally Immersed?

Ivan the Great was the 15th-century czar of all of Russia. He brought together the warring tribes into one vast empire–the Soviet Union. He was known as a brilliant general and a courageous fighter.

The story is told that Ivan was so busy waging war that he had never married. Soon his advisors were concerned there would be no heir to the throne. The great czar agreed but said he had no time to find a wife. So he commissioned them to find a suitable bride. Continue reading →

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