Following Christ is a joyful life, but it is not an easy life. It requires personal discipline to study his word, learn his ways, and walk in them. The Lord challenged his audience on one occasion, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and followContinue reading “What It Means to Follow Christ”
Category Archives: Topical
One That Mocked
J. M. Boice said, “Many who have resisted a Christian’s logic have been won by his tears.” I can’t help but wonder if believers in today’s church are mired in a “tearless” Christianity. Without question our responses have been blunted to the open and unashamed sin that permeates our nation. Sexual immorality, unbridled violence, deceitContinue reading “One That Mocked”
In the Image of God
Much of our conduct one toward another in society today is characterized by unkindness, harsh words, blatant disrespect, and even outright hatred. Civility and common courtesy are simply behaviors we now read about in old novels. Our speech one toward another is often filled with outright contempt to the point that we even celebrate andContinue reading “In the Image of God”
Watch and Learn!
Periodically, I have the privilege of playing golf with my twelve-year old grandson. Often, he stands in the tee box and looks back over his shoulder as he remarks to me, “Grandpa, watch and learn!” I laugh every time he says it, whether he hits it well or poorly. I admire his boldness. His challengeContinue reading “Watch and Learn!”
God Rules in the Affairs of Nations, Men, and Me
The Bible teaches us that God owns everything. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods” (Psalm 24:1). He created all things; consequently, he owns all things. This right of ownership extends toContinue reading “God Rules in the Affairs of Nations, Men, and Me”
Peace in Our Times!
We live in uncertain times. But if we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that uncertainty has characterized all of our times. What then makes these times seem different even to the point of fostering fear and anxiety? Current events cast an ominous shadow and threaten the stability of our daily lives. World peaceContinue reading “Peace in Our Times!”
Grace for Living
What a frustrating and disappointing life most Americans live and, sad to say, many believers as well. We are constantly seeking and pursuing ease, comfort, and convenience only to find that such a “quality of life” is fleeting and elusive at best. We deceive ourselves about the enduring nature of these longings. They prove timeContinue reading “Grace for Living”
Be Dependable
It has been conjectured “The greatest ability is depend-ability.” Over the years I’ve come to agree with that simple maxim. We are often tempted to think that what we do is not that important and, therefore, does not matter. We begin to question its significance altogether. Eventually, we see our daily duties become drudgery andContinue reading “Be Dependable”
The Day of Death
Solomon wrote “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). What an odd pairing it might seem at first glance of these two statements. Yet the author has a clear truth he intends on communicating if we take the time to reflectContinue reading “The Day of Death”
We Assemble to Worship
The Bible has much to say about the local assembly of believers. In fact, the word “church” or “churches” occurs 93 times in the New Testament. The word “church” comes from a Greek word that means “a calling out”, i.e. an “assembly.” In professing Christianity, the importance of gathering together on a regular basis forContinue reading “We Assemble to Worship”
From the Chaplain 