Dear Brethren in Christ, I write to you today with a heart full of love, concern, and a deep desire to see not only our church fellowship grow in Christlikeness and unity, but to see the growth and glorious witness of Churches in general to impact our communities wherever you may be. It is my … Continue reading A Pastoral Letter on the Use of Our Words
We’ve all known someone like this: the person who seems to take special joy in pointing out everyone else’s flaws. Maybe you remember them from the schoolyard—the one who mocked the overweight kid, the short kid, the one wearing discount-store sneakers, or the one whose parents drove a rusty old beater because that’s all they … Continue reading Fault-Finders and the Fracturing of Grace
I began an expository preaching series through the book of Romans this year, and just finished assembling the 30th message. It has been an incredible journey thus far - but one that has been extremely convicting. The seemingly obvious over-arching theme of Paul's letter is "UNASHAMED", with each facet of Paul's message pointing in some … Continue reading Admit it – Maybe you actually ARE ashamed of the Gospel…
I am a broken man. A man who easily preaches grace, bu often fails to demonstrate it. A man who has honestly tried to do what is right for my family and those I have been called to serve and lead. Yet I am still a broken man. And no - I don't want sympathy. … Continue reading A Broken Man And His Need for Grace…
Have you ever simply felt numb? The kind of numbness that envelops you like the cold depths of a lake as you sink ever-deeper into the cold grip of the waters? Yeah... I now am beginning to understand the concept. For those who may not know - in April, I lost my mother, Judy Harris. … Continue reading Numbness and Psalm 51…
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
Just got home from taking a group to see The Pilgrim's Progress, based on John Bunyan's classic book that he penned while in prison for his faith. I have been looking forward to seeing this film, but have been cautiously optimistic. Far too often when a film shows real promise, particularly when based on a … Continue reading The Pilgrim’s Progress – Solid Rendering of this Allegorical Classic
XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper We believe that the Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our … Continue reading Baptism and Faith
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
We hear a lot in this nation the term "Gospel". Those of us in ministry focus a great deal on the term - yet so many have such a limited understanding of what the Gospel REALLY is.The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, … Continue reading What IS The Gospel?
Contending For Christ 