“I’m not into organized religion. Can’t I be a good Christian without being a member of a church?” This sentiment of this statement and question is very common. But is it so? Must one be a part of a local church family?
Can You Be A Christian Without A Church Family?
Filed under Church, Fellowship
The Cross of Discipleship
The following are actual responses from comment cards given to the staff at Bridger Wilderness Area National Forest in Wyoming.
◆Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.
◆Trails need to be wider so people can walk holding hands
◆Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the areas of these pests.
◆Please pave the trails.
◆Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Uncategorized
Are You Gettin’ Better?
Baseball has begun. So it must be Spring! And how about those Tampa Bay Rays beginning the season with a 3-0 sweep of the Yankees?!
One of my favorite baseball stories involves famed St. Louis Cardinal pitcher, Dizzy Dean, a member of the so-called “gas-house gang.” In 1934 Dizzy had a 30-7 record. He led the league in strike-outs. Led the league in shutouts. And won two games in the World Series, including the deciding seventh game to beat the Detroit Tigers. He was named MVP in 1934. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
Pass It On!
A couple took their son, Tommy, to a concert to hear a famous pianist. During the intermission while they were busy talking with friends, Tommy wandered away. He entered the backstage area through a door that said STAGE ENTRANCE. NO PUBLIC ACCESS.
When the couple returned to their seats he says, “Where’s Tommy?”
She says, “I thought he was with you.” Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Finding An Excuse To Sin
“Dozens of UK Fans Arrested Swiftly” read an AP news headline on Tuesday.
This was a result of fans celebrating Kentucky’s NCAA basketball championship over Kansas Monday night. Continue reading
Filed under Sin
What’s The Future for Today’s Youth?
Today’s youth are often depicted as selfish. Uncaring. Hedonistic. Egotistic. We often see news stories about drug and alcohol abuse. There are movies, songs and shows that picture today’s youth in a negative light. Too often older people shake their heads lamenting, “What’s this younger generation coming to?” Well, here’s what I think. Continue reading
Filed under Youth
IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! The Importance of the Cross
John Wooden, the late, legendary basketball coach for UCLA always kept a cross in his pocket. When asked why, he responded, “To remind me that there is something more important than basketball.”
I really enjoy the game of basketball, but I need to realize some things are more important. I don’t want to be like the fellow who watched so much basketball that his wife said, “I think you love basketball more than me.” To that he thought for a moment and responded, “Yes, Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!, Uncategorized, Worship
A Change in ThePreachersWord Coming on Friday!
Tomorrow, I’m beginning a new weekly column on ThePreachersWord called– “ It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!”
This title comes from an old sermon by S. M. Lockrige that was made famous by author and speaker Tony Campolo some thirty years ago. But more on that later. Continue reading
Filed under Uncategorized
Wanna Fight About It?
For sports fans March Madness is a great time of year. Basketball played at its highest level. Close wins. Exciting upsets. Fierce rivalries. This Saturday could feature all of the above in match up between bitter rivals Kentucky and Louisville. But things are already heating up in the Bluegrass State between their respective fans. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Civility
Who Am I? Friend Or Foe?
Who Am I?
Can you guess the answer to this riddle?
I am your constant companion, your greatest helper, or your heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command. Half of the things you do, you might as well turn over to me, and I will do them – quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed – you must be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically. Continue reading
Filed under Habit
ThePreachersWord 