What’s the Use of Church?
Published June 25, 2011This title may not inspire you. You know what the church is, right? It’s the place where you go on Sunday to fulfill your religious duty, and hope that this gets you some credit before God. But, if the truth were known, you’d rather be at home, or out recreating, than sitting through another Sunday service. Is this too harsh? Maybe. Is it truthful? Oh, yes. In fact I had a Christian friend, who’s active in his church, tell me as much with a tinge of guilt. Why feel this way? Well, first of all, church takes work. You can’t [...]
read moreThe Church Today
Published May 13, 2011In the last year I’ve read several contemporary books on the church. They have not been doctrinal, nor for that matter, definitive. No. Each one has said that the American church is in trouble, and if it doesn’t “get a grip” it will go extinct. “How so?” you may ask. Well, for one thing, Americans don’t see the local church as essential anymore. That means that going to church is only one of many preferences, kind of like electing to eat out or to go on a Saturday picnic. Part of the reason for this disinterest in the church is [...]
read moreEaster Then and Now
Published April 18, 2011As Easter approaches, I’m reminded of a snapshot from my childhood. In the photograph, my sister and mother and I are all wearing new dresses, hats, and gloves. My brother and father are attired in their best suits and wearing a tie. We’re all dressed up in our brand new Sunday finest, ready to go to church on Easter Sunday. When I was growing up, my family was largely “Holiday Christians”. We always attended church on the big holidays – Christmas and Easter – but didn’t make it a point to attend every other Sunday of the year. I didn’t [...]
read morePower
Published January 27, 2011Power is an issue. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about using energy in our homes or cars, or if we’re talking about spiritual matters of faith, perseverance and behavior , we need power. Sadly, most of us feel powerless. Why? Because we seemingly have no control over our lives. Each day is another stumbling gamble. This should not be the case for Christ revering believers. First of all, we have the power of salvation. The Bible says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rom. [...]
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