Tag Archives: Authority

What Does it Means to be “Christian”?

A recent survey revealed that 71% of the respondents claiming to be a Christian “consider their feelings, experiences, or the input of family and friends as their most trusted sources of moral guidance.”

The study, recently released by the George Barna Group in connection with the cultural research center at the University of Arizona, came to this conclusion: Continue reading

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A Passage To Ponder: Acts 15:1-29

Have you heard the old joke about the fellow who studied the Bible by letting it fall open and putting his finger on a verse for instruction and inspiration?

The first verse he turned to was Matthew 27:5. It said, “Judas went out and hanged himself.”

“Wait a minute!” he cried out. “This could not be right. I’ll try again.” Continue reading

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Interpreting Scripture And Solving Problems

On and off yesterday I watched some of the Senate Judiciary hearings regarding the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

In her opening statement Judge Barrett shared one principle of her judicial philosophy when she said the following: Continue reading

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Weekly Recap: October 4-9

Good morning from the Bluegrass State!

In fact, we’re in the heart of the Commonwealth, Lexington, KY  where I began a meeting tomorrow at the University Heights church on the topic of HOME IMPROVEMENT.

Unlike many meetings today, especially in these post-COVID-19 times, we’re here for the whole week, Sunday-Friday.  If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you. Click here for service times and meeting location. Continue reading

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Whose Standards Are You Living By?

 

David Sargent, minister, and author of Living Water, relates the unusual story of Dennis Lee Curtis.

In 1992, Curtis was arrested for armed robbery in Rapid City, South Dakota. In his wallet, police found a list of rules Curtis had written for himself – guidelines for his robberies. For example, he wrote:

“I will not kill anyone unless I have to.”

“I will take cash and food stamps — no checks.”

“I will not rob mini-marts.” Continue reading

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A Passage To Ponder: Acts 15

The story is told of a preacher who chanced to meet an old friend, Frank, who was having some serious financial problems. His heavy debt was about to destroy his business.

“What should I do?”

“Go home,” the preacher said. “Open your Bible at random, stick your finger on the page and there will be God’s answer.”

Some time later, the preacher bumped into Frank, who was wearing a Gucci suit, sporting a Rolex watch and had just stepped out of a Mercedes. Continue reading

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Voting on Morality

The United Methodist Church voted on Tuesday at a special conference in St. Louis to uphold that homosexuality is contrary to Biblical teaching.

For several years the UMC has been engaged in an emotional and often contentious debate regarding same-sex marriage, the ordination of homosexual ministers and denomination’s position on LGBT issues in general.

Tuesday’s vote rejected the “One Church Plan” which basically said each church could determine their position on homosexuality. Instead, they approved the “Traditional Plan” by a vote of 438-384, which affirmed the denomination’s stance as stated in their Book of Discipline pronouncing homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Continue reading

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From Heaven or From Men?

Though it happened years ago, I will never forget driving into the parking lot of the High School where I lived and seeing for the first time a bumper sticker that challenged: “Question Authority.” I’m guessing it wasn’t on a teacher’s car. Since then, I’ve seen and heard it many times.

This slogan was popularized by the late, controversial psychologist Timothy Leary who was known for advocating the use of LSD and psychedelic drugs.

Questioning authority is nothing new. Continue reading

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Great Verses of the Bible: 1 Peter 4:11

This week finds Norma Jean and me attending the Florida College Lectures, as well as sneaking in some time with our grandchildren. As I have reflected on the lecture theme, “Inquire of Past Generations: Lessons From Church History,” a central thread has emerged in all of the presentations. Continue reading

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By What Authority?

Several years ago I attended an event at a local high school. As I drove into the parking lot, a bumper sticker on a student’s car caught my eye. I’ve never forgotten it. It was only two words. But they say a lot. Continue reading

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