May 24, 2016 · 5:03 am

Why America Is Heading the Wrong Way?

Wrong Way

Last week both a Real Politics and Ramsmussen Poll showed that most Americans think that our country is on the wrong track. 65% to 68% of the 2500 eligible voters surveyed believe we are heading the wrong way. Accordingly, only 27% felt the country was headed the right direction

However, this is nothing new. I looked back to 2009 and found that over 60% felt the same way then. In fact, one week the poll revealed an 80% dissatisfaction among our populace.

Why are Americans feeling this way? Continue reading →

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May 23, 2016 · 4:42 am

Word of the Week: Stuff

Moving Boxes

This morning I am surrounded by stuff. Over 250 boxes of stuff! Well, that is what happens when you’re married for almost 48 years! You acquire a lot of stuff. Allied Van Lines has estimated that we have about 20,000 pounds of stuff as we make our move to North Texas.

The King James Version of the Bible actually uses the word “stuff” to describe goods, possessions, belongings or baggage. Continue reading →

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May 20, 2016 · 4:09 am

Friendship. Fellowship. Forever.

IMG_0178 (2)

Norma Jean and I are on the way to a Gospel Meeting in Chillicothe, Ohio, but paused to spend some special time with dear friends, Dave and Nancy Wyckoff in Hillsboro.

The church in Hillsboro was my first “full time’ work as a 22 year old kid, fresh out of college. Brash. Naive. Inexperienced. And idealistic.

The brethren were patient with me and gave me an opportunity to learn, grow and develop some ministry skills. Wednesday night we returned to visit the brethren. Continue reading →

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May 19, 2016 · 5:09 am

Answering the Call of God

Called by God 2

When you’re a preacher you get some pretty interesting questions. Particularly from people who are not familiar with the church. One question received several times through the years, especially when we move, has to do with my “calling.”

“When did God call you to preach?”

“How were you called?”

“Did you feel called to move to Texas?” Continue reading →

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May 18, 2016 · 4:59 am

Great Verses of the Bible: 2Corinthians 4:8-9

2-Corinthians-4-8-Crushed-But-Not-Despairing-orange-copy

When you think you’ve experienced more challenges than you can handle and your failures are crying for you to quit, consider this man.

In ‘16 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

In ‘18 His mother died.

In ‘31 Failed in business. Continue reading →

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May 17, 2016 · 6:27 am

How Should Christians Respond to the Bathroom Battles?

Bathroom battles

This is a confusing and frustrating time for Christians.

Homosexual relations, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights are more than social or political issues, they speak to Biblical principles. Our moral foundation. And our spiritual values. We have occasionally addressed these issues from the perspective of “What does the Bible say?”

The latest cultural bombshell now involves the use of public restroom facilities. Continue reading →

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May 16, 2016 · 5:03 am

Word of the Week: Complete

Complete

Yesterday was my final sermon as the located preacher at the Hickman Mills Church in Kansas City. We leave the brethren with mixed emotions, fond memories, and special bond forged in faith and fellowship.

My parting sermon was based on 2 Cor 13:11 where Paul bade farewell to the Corinthian church. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Continue reading →

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May 13, 2016 · 5:52 am

What’s Your Story?

Confident businessman drinking coffee in cafe

Yesterday I heard Shane Brethowr share a neat story about a man who went to a coffee shop, ordered and sat down at a table with a sign that read, “FREE COFFEE, if I can tell you MY STORY.”

He sat there for two hours and no one took him up on his offer. He left disappointed. Frustrated. And perplexed.

But the next day, he returned to same coffee shop at the same time. Ordered. Sat at the same table. But this time with a different sign that read: Continue reading →

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May 12, 2016 · 6:35 am

Truth vs Subjectivism

 Truth.Subjectivism

“Some say it’s generational, the tolerance of young people for same-sex marriage and so many other social issues,” wrote Cal Thomas in today’s transcript. However, Thomas thinks it’s something else.

The conservative Columnist opines “it is a falling away from the notion of objective Truth.” I believe Thomas is right. And it’s something gospel preachers have been saying for years.

Last year I heard 3 High School Students participate in a speech contest for our local Rotary Club. Each year the theme for the students is based on the Rotary 4 way test. Continue reading →

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May 11, 2016 · 5:09 am

Great Verses of the Bible: Luke 6:40

Discipleship

Several years ago a study was done in Colorado in which 3000 high school seniors were asked about their best teachers. From their responses this four-fold composite was drawn.

The ideal teacher….

(1) is genuinely concerned and interested in students as individuals;

(2) requires students to work; Continue reading →

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