June 5, 2015 · 6:36 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Look at Jesus and “Behold…”

Jesus.Silent

Last Sunday, our summer preaching intern, Justin Berss, delivered the Eulogy before communion. He took the single, simple word “behold” to focus our minds upon the cross.

“Behold” is a word of emphasis. It means “to look, to pay attention to.” It suggests something that should not be overlooked or neglected.

Several times in the New Testament “Behold” is used specifically pointing to Jesus. In his lesson, Justin spoke of four ways we need to behold Jesus that I want to share with our readers. Continue reading →

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June 4, 2015 · 7:18 am

Does Sin Negate the Christian Faith?

Duggars

Last night Norma Jean and I watched Megyn Kelly’s exclusive interview with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar as they discussed the child molestation charges against their son, Josh.

Leading up to the interview we saw clips of the intense criticism toward the Duggar family from various news outlets. They have been called “hypocrites” and much worse. The vitriolic venom emanating from some sources has been excoriating. Continue reading →

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June 3, 2015 · 7:49 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Proverbs 14:34

Bible Flag Cross

We are 18 months away from the 2016 Presidential election, and already it’s the daily topic of political pundits.

Many conservative news commentators seem to believe all of America’s ills can be solved by new leadership in Washington. A stronger military. Or a robust economy. The challenges our country faces today are greater and more serious than any of these.

In one of the great Bible verses, Proverbs 14:34, the wise man forever encapsulates the greatness or decline of any nation in a single sentence. Continue reading →

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June 2, 2015 · 6:31 am

Our Mixed Up, Messed Up Culture

Sexual Preference

Mary Gonzalez, a Texas Legislator, is trying to trying to change people’s minds about gender diversity. Mary is a pansexual.

Pansexual? Yes. In 60+ years on earth I’ve never heard of a pansexual. I guess I live too sheltered a life! So, of course, I googled it. Continue reading →

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June 1, 2015 · 7:41 am

WORD OF THE WEEK: CHURCH

church

All of the polls reflect the fact that church attendance is down. Barna. Gallup. Harris. And they record similar sounding comments.

“Church is boring.”

“The church is not relevant to my needs.”

“The church is just after my money.

“I’m spiritual, but not religious.” Continue reading →

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May 29, 2015 · 6:19 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! The Blood Of The Cross

Cross. Blood Stained

“I used to think it strange that the Bible keeps talking about the cleansing power of the blood,” admitted the late and renowned surgeon Paul W. Brand.

“It seemed to me that blood was messy stuff. I needed to wash my white lab coats if they became stained with blood,” wrote Dr. Brand in his book God’s Forever Feast. “Today, I love the analogy; it is so true of the body. The blood is constantly cleansing every cell, and washing away all the debris that accumulates all the time. I like Paul’s phrase in Hebrews.3 ‘How much more shall the blood of Christ purge [cleanse] your conscience from dead works?” Continue reading →

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May 28, 2015 · 7:35 am

Do You Need A Push?

Eagles Push

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. Continue reading →

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May 27, 2015 · 6:52 am

GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Genesis 1:1

in-the-beginning

He was just a little lad,
and on the week’s first day,
Was wandering home from Sunday School,
and dawdling on the way.

 He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
he found a caterpillar
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
and blew out all the filler. Continue reading →

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May 26, 2015 · 6:58 am

Are You An IDIOT?

Cell phone addictionNorma Jean and I enjoy evening walks in the park close to our house. Not only it is  good exercise, but it’s an opportunity to talk, connect and to share some quality time together.

A couple of weeks ago we were walking and decided to sit on a bench and relax a few minutes in the Memorial Butterfly Garden.  As we talked, I noticed a young couple sitting  on a bench across the garden holding hands.  How sweet!  But what struck me was their eyes. Their intensive gaze.  They seemed oblivious to everyone and everything around them.  They were focused. Continue reading →

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May 25, 2015 · 6:27 am

Memorial Day 2015

Memorial Day Graves

“Memory is the way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose” wrote author Kevin Arnold.

As I sit here in the early morning darkness, sipping a cup of hot coffee, I am alone with my memories on this Memorial Day. Memory can be a wonderful blessing. It can bring smiles, laughter or even tears of joy as we look at pictures, share stories, or just think about the good times of by gone days. Continue reading →

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