Ahmaud Arbury. George Floyd. Two men who died unjustly. When I watched the graphic videos, I was left with a raw speechlessness. And even rawer questions. Why chase a young man ruthlessly with guns? Why ignore an older man’s pleas for air? Whatever happened to … Read More
In Memory: Phil Smith, the Chain Breaker!
Today we laid to rest the body of Phil Smith, Julie’s father. Phil was a humble Christian, committed husband, involved father, and loyal Adrian Maple. For those who never knew Phil or anything about his past, perhaps this brief excerpt from chapter 2 of my … Read More
Yes, Your Pastor Needs Pastored
One reason churches need elders is because there will be times when an elder needs elders. Or, to say it another way, one reason churches need pastors is because there will be times when a pastor needs pastors. For yours truly, one of those times … Read More
The Grace and Grit to Regather
Leaders across our state and country are asking this question increasingly: When, and how, should we begin regathering? What does it look like to reconvene in a COVID-19 culture? It Will Take Grace Without a doubt there are multiple answers to that question. They will … Read More
Weep Not For Me
I’ve had a lifelong desire to live to be 100. For some reason, I have always felt a pull to be a centenarian. Admittedly, only God knows our ordained days. But if I could pick a target age, I’d shoot for the first of the … Read More
Idols are like Weeds: They Grow Back
COVID-19 has brought us face to face with many of our idols. As various elements of our lifestyle were wrangled away from us in varying degrees—sports, work, entertainment, shopping, leisure, to name a few—the stark reality of our addictions were exposed. The days and weeks … Read More
Not Beyond or Below: What Does the Bible Actually Say?
When it comes to discerning what we read, hear, and especially what we say, a necessary rule to use is this: “Does this line up with what the Bible actually says?” Notice the point – what the Bible actually says, not what you wished it said, … Read More
Union with Christ: 4 Recommended Books
Union with Christ is that key doctrine underneath so many other doctrines. With more than 175 references to either “in Christ,” “in Christ Jesus,” or “(Christ) in you,” union with Christ is a permeating thread through all of the New Testament. It is the necklace … Read More
Marvelous!
There are some words that leave an eternal imprint on us once we read them. Their impact never goes away from the moment we see them. We never forget them once we hear them. Such is the case with “marvelous” in Mark 12:11. Meaning strikingly … Read More