During the Communion service, to help fix my mind on Jesus, I like to read the accounts of Christ’s crucifixion.
One Sunday I was reading John’s account and came upon a verse I hadn’t noticed before. I was stunned. Shocked. Startled. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Surrender is a bad word today.
Surrender means losing. Quitting. Failing. It evokes images of a soldier “raising the white flag.” Of a boxer” throwing in the towel.” Or a wrestler “Tapping out.”
Surrender is negative. It is yielding to an opponent. Admitting defeat. Or forfeiting the contest. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Some time ago a friend sent me an email with these encouraging words. “I read an article that said the way to achieve inner peace is to finish things that you start. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
“Why did my Savior come to earth?” asks J.G. Dailey in his famous hymn.
“Why did He choose a lowly birth?”
“Why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe?”
“Why on the cross be lifted up?” Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Several years ago the San Diego Union newspaper ran an amusing story about two men on trial for armed robbery. The robbery wasn’t funny. But what occurred in court was more than amusing.
An eye-witness took the stand and the prosecutor got up to begin his questioning. First he asked the eyewitness, “You were at the scene of the robbery?” Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
There are over 200 titles, names and metaphors in the Bible that identify Jesus. Christ. Lord. King. Priest. Immanuel. And Son of God.
However, Jesus most often referred to himself as the Son of Man. Why? What does it mean? How did it originate? And how it is relevant today? Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) was a prominent African-American preacher known for his dynamic, passionate, and fervent sermons. His most famous sermon was “He’s my King.” Several years ago author and speaker Tony Campolo was so impressed by Lockridge’s lesson on “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!” that he began to deliver the lesson himself and even wrote a book with that title.
Two years ago we began a Friday column under that heading. Since we have so many new readers I would like to share again a part of that famous sermon by Lockridge. But first a brief explanation. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Last Friday night, Norma Jean and I saw the movie Son of God. Without critiquing the movie’s “mistakes”, overall we enjoyed the movie and found it inspirational.
The thesis of the movie is captured in the title: SON OF GOD. It is in stark contrast to many other movies through the years that cast doubt on Jesus’ Deity. The 1973 Rock Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, written by Andrew Loyd Webber and Tim Rice, pictured Jesus as a mere man, questioning and doubting the whole idea of dying on the cross. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Have you ever felt like everyone was against you?
Your spouse was discontented. Distant. And disengaged. Your kids seemed sullen and angry. Your boss was demanding. Impossible to please. A friend betrayed you. Others turned on you. No one listened. Or understood. Or seemed to care. People who lauded and praised you a few days ago now turn on you with a spiteful venom. Those who hailed you as great now want your hide. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
There is an ancient proverb that says “Silence is golden.” Sometimes it’s better to listen. To refrain from responding. To ignore insults. To turn a deaf ear to absurd accusations.
On the most famous Friday in history, we witness an example of such silence. When Jesus was accosted and accused by His enemies, He was noticeably silent. The prophet Isaiah foretold this. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
ThePreachersWord 