George Matheson, born in 1842, was a Scottish minister and hymn writer. In his teenage years Matheson was diagnosed with a disease that would render him blind by age 20.
However, he was undeterred by this potential setback. Determined to get an education, Matheson entered the University of Glasgow and graduated with honors. Continue reading
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On Tuesday evening of the Florida College Lectures, Kevin Clark, asked this question: What is the Heart of Christianity?” He then proceeded to suggest several possible answers similar to these scenarios. Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
People were in a hurry. Pilgrims jammed the roads into Jerusalem. Preparations were being made to celebrate the Passover. And offer the Paschal lamb.
Ironically, few realized that God’s prophesied Paschal Lamb was being offered that very Friday. And those who saw Jesus’ crucifixion had little idea of what was really happening.
Yet, it was as if all nature said, “Stop!” “Look!” “Listen!” Continue reading
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Earnest Hemingway, in The Capital of the World, tells a popular Spanish story about a father and his son named “Paco.”
Paco was rebellious. Disobedient. Defiant. And irresponsible. Unwilling to follow his father’s rules, he preferred his own way of living. One evening in the heat of an argument, Paco hurled some hurtful and hateful words at his father. Packed up his few possessions. Stomped out the door, slamming it behind him. And traveled to Madrid. Hoping to never see his father again. Continue reading
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The picture of Gethsemane is familiar. Jesus leaning on a rock. Hands folded. The moon shining. A halo effect over his head. A scene of serenity. The saintly Savior saying His prayers. Trusting in the Father. Safe in His hands. Ready to be offered.
Really?
The apostle Matthew was there. And he paints a different picture. Continue reading
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“Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” is one of the most popular hymns written by Fanny Crosby. Blinded in infancy by a Doctor’s negligence, Crosby was influenced by a godly grandmother and inspired by the famous poet William Cullen Bryant when she was a student at the New York Institute for the Blind. Continue reading
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You may have heard your preacher tell the story of the drawbridge operator. One version goes like this.
In the 1880’s in a remote part of Scotland there was a man whose sole job was to operate the drawbridge that spanned a mighty river. Most of the day the bridge was raised so boats could pass safely through it. But at least twice a day a train would come along and the bridge must be lowered. Continue reading
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The Emperor, Charlemagne, known also as “Charles the Great,” ruled from of Western Europe from 768-814. He wanted to be remembered as the powerful ruler he was. Legend says that he requested to be entombed sitting on his throne. His crown on His head. His scepter in his hand. And his royal cape draped around his shoulders. Continue reading
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The eulogy at the Lord’s Supper is often composed of a scripture reading and a song. Two of the most common that are related in thought are Isaiah 53 and “He Bore it All.”
Prophetically Isaiah paints a picture of the suffering Servant as “a man of sorrows.” “Acquainted with grief.” “Despised and rejected by men.” The suffering and shame that the Savior endured touches our hearts. Weighs heavy on our minds. And reaches down into the depths of our souls. It reminds us that we are the reason Jesus died. Continue reading
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“The most dangerous idea in human history and philosophy remains the belief that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and rose from the dead. And that is the most dangerous idea you will ever encounter.”
These words were those spoken by Peter Hitchens, who served on a panel for the Australian TV show “Q&A, Adventures in Democracy,” which was broadcast from the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Monday, November 4, 2013. Other panelists included feminist Germaine Greer, writer Hanna Rosin and homosexual activist, Dan Savage. Continue reading
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