32 years ago, a phrase entered my vocabulary from two teachers I had in junior high school (Belair Jr. High, Pine Bluff, Arkansas) - my first band director, Mr. E.M. Carlton, and my 8th Grade English teacher Mrs. Sandra Boone. While the phrase wasn't one I remember either of these people using, these two dedicated … Continue reading Make a Difference…
Hard-Learned Advice for the Prospective Young Pastor*
When I went through the Teacher Education program at the University of Central Arkansas (Instrumental Music Education), I was convinced that - upon graduation, I was fully equipped and "ready" to take on the world. After all, I had a mind filled with knowledge, advice from those who had "been there", and a whole semester … Continue reading Hard-Learned Advice for the Prospective Young Pastor*
Defeated
Noun1.defeated - people who are defeated; "the Romans had no pity for the defeated"Adj.1.defeated - beaten or overcome; not victorious; "the defeated enemy"2.defeated - disappointingly unsuccessful; "disappointed expectations and thwarted ambitions"It doesn't take much listening to preachers of today to hear said time and again we are to live "victorious" lives. The bit of truth to that concept is that we, through Christ, are given the victory over bondage to sin and to death. And we are to live lives that reflect that victory (another … Continue reading Defeated
The Injustice of Selective Outrage
Anyone with open eyes or ears today is well aware of at least one, and likely two very high-profile cases. The first, and most dramatic, being that of Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014. An event that almost immediately led to a series of … Continue reading The Injustice of Selective Outrage
How to Discourage Your Pastor (Or Even Kill Your Church)
Jesus promised that the "gates of Hell" won't prevail against His church, but someone once opined "Satan couldn't beat the church, so he joined it". While this might be a bit melodramatic it does sadly portray what has become of "church" in so many ways - whether it be the world coming in and turning the … Continue reading How to Discourage Your Pastor (Or Even Kill Your Church)
Reformation Day, and a Call For a NEW Reformation!
For many, October 31 is known as "Halloween", but for others, it represents something far more important to church history - Reformation Day.Just what IS "Reformation Day"? It is an official holiday in some areas of Europe (particularly heavily-Lutheran Germany) and in Chile, and observed by some protestants that celebrates the "95 Theses" of Martin Luther, … Continue reading Reformation Day, and a Call For a NEW Reformation!
Soft, Gushy, Dead Faith and the Modern Church
There is a disease in this nation (spreading around the globe) that is far worse than Ebola. This disease doesn't typically ravage you physical health quite as directly as Ebola or other viral diseases, yet it most certainly leads to death.This disease is Dead Faith.This is the disease that James wrote of in James 2 that … Continue reading Soft, Gushy, Dead Faith and the Modern Church
Anxiety, Depression, and the Joy of Salvation
I would like to preface this post with a disclaimer - I am fully aware that there is a diagnosable, treatable condition called "depression". I am in no-way dismissing the real condition, though I do propose genuine depression is far more rare than diagnosed, and is almost always complicated by spiritual matters.David wrote, in Psalm … Continue reading Anxiety, Depression, and the Joy of Salvation
False Teachers, Prosperity, and Satan
I will make a startling admission to my readers. You might want to sit down for this massive, earth-shattering confession!I have never, ever trusted, believed, or liked Joel Osteen or his Satan-led, Serpent-pleasing, sugar-coated, snake oil message. There has never, ever been a doubt in my mind regarding his true allegiance.I have taken grief from … Continue reading False Teachers, Prosperity, and Satan
The Other Side of the Ark
Few Bible stories are as familiar or beloved as that of "Noah's Ark". Countless children's events, cartoons, booklets, illustrations, and so forth have been produced around this story. Children can tell you the exciting details... A big, funny-looking boat, two of each kind of animal (except....), Noah and his family, rain, flood, crow/raven, waiting, mountain, … Continue reading The Other Side of the Ark
Contending For Christ 