I started the new year writing about how God continues to restore us within the church with the help of our leaders, noting my new, additional role as an elder within this body. Having served as an elder for only four months, I am noticing a few things about myself and about leadership that I … [Read more…]
At the end of Jesus’ life, as he was dying on the cross, Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). While the people standing near the cross thought Jesus was calling to Elijah to rescue him, it is clear that Jesus did not cry out in desperation but to … [Read more…]
There has been a lot of talk lately about the Holy Spirit and God’s working among people in a very public way. Unfortunately, it seems that many people, even many Christians, view the Holy Spirit only from a perspective that expects dramatic or even miraculous work or actions, thinking that if there is no work … [Read more…]
As I wrote last month, my theme for preaching and teaching through 2023 is “restoration in Christ,” understanding that the gospel is good news for both those who do not know Jesus, as well as those who do. We most often think of restoration in Christ in the context of restoring sinners to God through … [Read more…]
Throughout 2022 I have been preaching and teaching about the new life that Jesus came to bring – what it looks like, how we can find it and receive it from God through our faith in Jesus, and how we can live out that new life in our day-to-day lives. For many people, hearing about … [Read more…]
Traditions are comfortable, and many of us find great comfort in our traditions surrounding Christmas. My mother had a pattern of preparing for and celebrating Christmas, so we could expect several things to happen every year. My mother began Christmas shopping at the end of September. Right before Thanksgiving, Mom began baking and filled several … [Read more…]
The Thanksgiving holiday and season is a great opportunity for the church. Many people, whether they have faith or not, are prompted to be grateful for those things we might take for granted, like daily food, a place to live, the freedoms of our country, and so on. In Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13, Solomon reminds us … [Read more…]
Throughout this year of preaching and teaching about the new life that God provides through Jesus’ death and resurrection and our faith in him, I have pointed out the contrast between that new life and our old lives. Through each message, I have invited people to make an exchange of their old life for new … [Read more…]
My siblings and I are big fans of the TV show MASH. One of my favorite bits is from the “Bug Out” episode in which Radar, the company clerk, brings Col. Potter his lunch, a cold Spam sandwich, which Potter rejects, ordering Radar to tell the mess sergeant to get the kitchen back together. When … [Read more…]
It’s amazing how easily we are distracted from our primary focus. Think about what happens when a cellphone rings. Even the most careful driver is tempted, if not immediately prompted, to look when it rings while they’re on the road, but just for a moment, right? Even if the phone isn’t your own, do you … [Read more…]