As I have transitioned to our new location, I determined to visit a number of churches before settling in on one to attend for now. Each of the five churches we have visited over the last five weeks have provided good messages, a variety of programs for involvement and means of developing relationships. Each of the churches have a variety of “personalities” as far as kinds of people, dress, welcome and leading of worship. Continue reading
Yesterday we celebrated a wonderful holiday for the United States – Thanksgiving. From the pilgrims to we who continue to enjoy freedoms today, there is much to be thankful for – family, food, fellowship with friends, but Continue reading
This article was adapted from the late C. Truman Davis, M.D. as recorded in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary. In honor of the Lord Jesus Christ’s “Good Friday” work as a Substitute for you and me, I submit this for your reflection and prayer for living a life that is holy and pleasing to Him.
Crucifixion
What is crucifixion? A medical doctor provides a physical description: The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place.
The messages for the State of the Church focused on the “Authority of God,” especially in His Word. Authority is like a flywheel between the engine and transmission on a stick shift vehicle. It keeps the organism (the drive train) running smoothly and shifts the Christian life into higher stages of spiritual growth, just like the gears on many cars! Yet it is also the ingredient that the flesh consciously and subconsciously resists, “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God.” (Rom 8:7) Continue reading
It seems we have gone way too far. We have lost sight of what pleases the Lord. We are continuing to press forward without realizing we’re missing out! Over what have we gone too far? Excellence. Continue reading
What an incredible last few days with the fantastic snowfall and perfect temperatures for a winter snowdrama! Yes, the Mayor made road travel “Red Condition” on Monday, the schools are still closed on this Wednesday, the roads have four inch ice holes for some slipping and sliding, but the scenery is outstanding. I have seen frost and even great snow fall on trees, but the wet snow pack and freeze from Sunday reminds me of the cleansing the Lord Jesus provided for my sins and yours. Continue reading
While reading through Genesis 4, I noticed a very interesting phrase that says, “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.” (Gen. 4:26) Why does it say “…men began to call on the name…” when Adam used to sit in Bible class with the Lord (Gen. 3:8)? The Lord came to him! Shouldn’t man just wait for God to come to him? Continue reading
I’ve begun reading through Scripture again (a little early) for my devotions as I read through Scripture each year, and wanted to get a jumpstart on 2014. I was motivated in the study of “The Joy of the Promise” recently and saw a remarkable phrase in Genesis 4:1, “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.” Continue reading
As I had prepared an Advent message on “The Joy of the Promise,” I had spent time in Genesis 2 and 3 and I was reminded of the great passage of Genesis 4:4-5. It’s the first account of how God confronted sin. He did confront it, but He didn’t confront it in the same way most Christians do. Continue reading
Last week, I had the delight to spend a few days away with the love of my life, and drive down to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee. We chose to drive through Cades Cove, which is an ideal setting in the Park, although originally was privately owned. There were many families who settled around 1820, and two churches, until the split came, then there were three.1 Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 