This column first appeared in the Cook County News-Herald Saturday April 13, 2019. Millions of Christians around the world will observe Palm Sunday on April 14, 2019. Children will march into sanctuaries waving palm branches, some real, some paper, some plastic. They will sing as they proceed. In some places the donkey that carried “Mary” in...
I think, were we better students of church history, that we would be amazed at how often past history blooms in present experience. I was reading an article this morning that summarizes the Canons of Dort. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the international conclave called by the Dutch Reformed church in November 1618...
4:30 AM, Monday December 31, 2018. I awaken to a small electric hum that takes me a few seconds to identify. It is the battery backup on the recliner Linda sleeps in now because of her vertigo. Normally the backup makes no sound other than an occasional beep or squeak as some internal process plays...
This is the column I wrote for the local paper that apparently exceeded space available and got edited in an unfortunate spot (the last four paragraphs were excised): The American holiday we call Memorial Day, observed since 1971 as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, began in the late 1860's as a recognition...
Jesus said, “Consider carefully what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured out to you” (Mark 4:24). He is responding to His disciples question regarding His use of parables. What He means, I think, is this: When it comes to God’s truth, and the resulting blessings of understanding and application, you’ll...
We, in our home Bible study, have been studying Peter's first letter to the "elect exiles" scattered throughout the world for quite some time now. We're focusing on 1 Peter 4:12 tonight, which reads, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were...
The Heart of Faith 2 Timothy 1:8 INTRODUCTION Telling The Most Important Person the Most Important Thing I want you this morning to think of the most important young person in your life. Could be a son or daughter, a grand child, a niece or nephew, or a friend, or student. And not just the most important young...
Someone I know and love is struggling with a spiritual issue. Frustration and disappointment met in their life like vinegar and baking soda and boiled over into an "out of character" response to God. They are struggling with their sense of guilt at having spoken to God in the manner they did. They wonder how...
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.—1 Corinthians 15:58 That word, “therefore,” which starts this verse that you’ve set your heart to memorize—that word, every time you see it, deserves the same question: “What’s it there for?”...
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”—John 6:35 Okay, so Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” and we immediately get excited and start thinking about spiritual fulfillment and contentment in Christ, which are not necessarily wrong, but let’s take a...
