I just read another article defending opening a worship service with a secular song.*  The usual culprits were there: reaching the lost by using something they are familiar with; being sensitive to the culture; the element of surprise; yadda, yadda, yadda. Please, don’t get me wrong, I love music.  My tastes are quite eclectic.  Whether … Continue reading »

I am thrilled to be writing my first post for my brand new blog.  As I type this I am excited to begin anew, to have a clearer focus and a new zeal for writing. My hope is that this blog will prove to be provocative, not for the sake of controversy, but for the … Continue reading »

Harold Camping is just the latest in a long list of doomsday prophets who have fallen flat on their faces.  As I watched the aftermath of his failed prediction I was struck by the sincerity of some of his followers.  Sure, they were gullible and easily led astray.  And yes, it’s easy to look at … Continue reading »

It is tempting to cheer, and at first I did.  Hands went in the air triumphantly at the news that one of America’s greatest foes had fallen.  Justice was served.  The innocent blood of thousands was avenged, and I rejoiced. But in my heart something broke.  Beneath the jubilation was a great sadness, a mourning … Continue reading »

Our dog had puppies.  Five adorable, food consuming, poop producing puppies.  This was not a planned pregnancy (our pooch was not even a year old when she lost her innocence to a rag-tag scoundrel of a dog that lived across the street).  No, this is not a post about puppies having puppies (although I highly … Continue reading »

Last Friday was a great day for me.  We had a full week of revival and Friday night was our final night.  A fantastic choir from a local church sang spirituals and that was followed up by a great message on the nature of Jesus Christ.  But that’s not what made the night great.  As … Continue reading »

I am constantly amazed that God chooses to use such a broken jar of clay as myself.  You may have noticed that my usual ‘post-a-week’ pace has slowed significantly.  This is partly due to a busy schedule.  This time of year is a busy time as we get ready for revivals, community-wide Palm Sunday services … Continue reading »

The written word.  It’s a powerful thing.   Our history is littered with important documents: The Torah, The Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution.  These are works that have shaped not only our history, but the very culture that is Western Civilization.  There are other works that have left a mark on history, … Continue reading »

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is by far the central tenet of the Christian faith.  It is at once the core of our doctrine and the source of new life in Christ Jesus.  When I saw Charles Foster’s The Jesus Inquest was available, I jumped at the chance to read it.  The book is extremely … Continue reading »

Let me begin by saying I love the Church.  As a minister I have had a front-row seat to see the Bride of Christ in action.  I have sat as a witness to God’s people mourning with those who mourn and rejoicing with those who rejoice.  I have seen the hungry fed, the homeless sheltered, … Continue reading »