I was privileged to participate in an ordination service for a young man who had recently been called a pastor of a church that had been without a pastor for quite some time. As is boilerplate, the charge was brought centered around the command to "preach the Word" from 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Sadly, you rarely … Continue reading Preach The Word (even through tears)
The local media posted a story this morning with their usual Left-slant, claiming they had talked to local pastors (though an actual investigation finds that they actually quote exactly ONE). Their agenda is pretty clear in attacking armed churchgoers. So I crafted the following reply to post on social media, but thought it justified its … Continue reading Armed In Church? Yes, please.
RACE - a term that teeters on the edge of being classified as a "four-letter word" in many circles. A term that really doesn't mean what it has been made out to mean. Just like so many other terms in human language (especially the English language) that have been adultuerated, redefined, and bent to fit … Continue reading The Critical Question of Race
As I sit on my scheduled "day off", soaking in the after effects of our Palm Sunday services while also ruminating on all that I see in the news of the day, I can't help but reflect on all the insane finger-pointing. The United States is a nation in decline. Yes, our economic state is … Continue reading The Problem…
Today will go down in history, at least in my own little world, as a radical rollercoaster. We had an incredible day at First Baptist Church, Cave Springs today, including the addition of a new church member and a discussion with another couple who expressed their intent to join next week. We had a fabulous … Continue reading Glorious Day, Yet Grieving…
I have watched with great interest (and concern) at the evolution of "church membership" over the years. This obviously is seasoned with my own personal experiences, from an early background attending (and technically a "member" of) the Episcopal Church while growing up, to various excursions into differing faith groups - and ultimately being redeemed, baptized, … Continue reading Redefine or Rediscover Church Membership
There are many misconceptions today about many areas of Christianity. There is even a movement among some Christian groups away from a “formal” church membership. The New Testament never mentions the term (in any translation I am familiar with) “church member”, but the attitude with which Paul writes to the various churches and to Timothy … Continue reading Church Membership? (why should I join?)
Biblically, we see in the New Testament, elders/pastors basically appointed by the faithful to lead local congregations. Those men were entrusted with "feeding" Christ's sheep. They were appointed to be leaders who literally ran the affairs of each local church. Church members (saints) were expected, so long as that elder/pastor remained qualified and faithful to the work, to submit to their authority, and to serve along side them willingly and with joy in the Kingdom work.
As I sit here trying to engage fully in prayer and study, I find my self flooded with tears. Certainly there is plenty to grieve when it comes to the condition of our nation - the hatred, the resurgence of politician and media-fueled (even engineered) racism, the ongoing holocaust of abortion, and of course - … Continue reading US Elections and Divisions Among Brethren
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)
Contending For Christ 