As some of you know, we often engage our church in Q & A during the service. Not every week, but periodically. I like that kind of environment and I think it gives people an opportunity to participate (which I believe is biblical value for … Read More
The Shack Smack
There’s been no less than a storm of reviews regarding Young’s best-seller, The Shack. Few are ambivalent. The vast majority either love it or hate it. Regardless of how you feel, it has swept the Christian community like a mighty wind – or a ravaging … Read More
The Gospel and Love
Many people claim to understand love. Some view it as something you fall into, like it’s a great big, surprising pit you tumble into with a pillow-top mattress and a hot chick waiting for you at the bottom. Others see it as something that is … Read More
New IA Texting Law is Indicative of Root Problems in Legislature
The way in which I heard that Iowa had a new texting/driving law was quite ironic. And sadly humorous. Get this – I was travelling on I-235, headed to one of our hospitals on a pastoral visit, when a reporter broke the news on … Read More
Wide World of Easter
It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it usually turns out to be a double blessing. Curious? Well, I’m talking about the years that Easter falls on the first Sunday of the month, which is also when I conduct the service at one of … Read More
The Heartbeat of the Gospel
One of my favorite weekly readings is Dr. Al Mohler’s blog, and today he provides excellent insight into the Gospel, the extra-special focus of Easter weekend in churches all across America. Granted – the Gospel matters every week, but it does garner some even greater … Read More
One of my Favorite (but Strangest) Verses
A strange verse exists in Romans 3 (verse 26 to be exact): “It (God’s acceptance of Christ’s blood as payment for our sins) was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who … Read More
Not Fishing — Trashing!
One of my favorite verses is one written by Peter, and in it he exhorts us to continually be “casting all our anxieties upon him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). What an encouragement in all times, but especially in seasons of stress … Read More
Do I Have To?
I got a most intriguing question from a friend the other day: “Do you think I have to go to church?” Several things weren’t included, so I was left answering a very general, “no way out” kind of question (which was his goal I … Read More
Looking Back
A thoughtful look backward can lead to a fruitful look forward. That’s exactly what happened Tuesday as our family visited the origins of the Stiles family – Blue Ridge, GA. We visited homesteads and cemeteries, looked at pictures and tombstones, and heard stories and memories … Read More