Texts, e-mails, contracts, and other forms of communication all share a foundational element. They must be understood in light of the author’s intended meaning. This detail is known intuitively and must be honored for communication to occur. When I send my wife a text, I intend for her to understand what it is I’m writing and why. If she were to interpret the message in any way she feels, my message may be lost entirely. Some intentionally conceal their intended meaning Read the rest of this entry »
“Here try this.” Have you been told this lately? Quite frankly we hear this more often than we care to in our product driven society. We are surrounded by billboards, e-mail ads, web-site banners, and commercials, all trying to convince us that we are in need of the product or service advertised. Now, I don’t have a problem with trying a new coffee bean or restaurant or even, when the situation dictates, a new pair of jeans, but marketing attempts don’t usually affect me much. I recently encountered another “Here try this!” that left me scratching my head and wondering about the unintended message it communicates in a consumer oriented culture.
While sitting in traffic, I began reading the bumper stickers on the rear of the vehicle before me. One sticker simply said, “Try Jesus.” Harmless enough right? Read the rest of this entry »
Do I really have to? This question is often heard when kids try to get out of having to do something. It’s not enjoyable. It’s not convenient. There’s no immediate pay-off. So, therefore the question, ‘Do I really have to?’ This doesn’t only happen with kids though.
We hear the question coming from employees, students, and even the citizenry of communities. No one likes the responsibility of doing things they don’t find convenient or fun. No one likes to be told what to do. This is a mark of our society. Individuals don’t like being under authority and measure most everything by its ‘fun’ factor. This reality has even affected the way people perceive preaching. Read the rest of this entry »
This past weekend I heard a news story on a Christian radio station regarding the ministry efforts of a Florida church. The story related their efforts at providing people in their area with the option of doing church via the internet. Unfortunately, they are not the only group attempting this kind of ‘church.’ When asked about those participating on-line rather than in person, one of the pastors stated, ‘…this will give people the full affect of church.’ Is this true? Are people able to get the ‘full affect’ of church by participating in such a format? Maybe this question itself betrays an error Read the rest of this entry »
Recently we reached an important milestone for our congregation. Since my arrival as Pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church nearly five years ago, I’ve formally and informally preached toward a proper understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ. So much of the Bible relates directly to our shared experience, identity, and responsibilities rather than individual issues. God communicates to His people, not to a large number of individuals that are unrelated to one another and ‘flying solo.’ In light of this preaching, we also began working through the practical implications of membership. Working with our staff, deacons, and membership review committee, we started a membership process three years ago that would ultimately bring us to an accurate picture of who Pisgah Baptist really is.
When I arrived, Pisgah had a membership of 958 people. As a result of congregational action on May 12, we are now a congregation of approximately 385 (any given month we see 324+ participate). This did not occur overnight, nor did it occur in one simple vote. The process involved a lot of discussions, meetings, contacts, investigation, and prayer.
What follows is a response to a thoughtful question Read the rest of this entry »
“Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Can you remember what it was like to turn 16? Thoughts of obtaining your driver’s license, freedom, and buying your first set of wheels, all seemed to occupy your thoughts. I don’t know about you but I can certainly remember. For me it was excitement beyond description. I could finally get a real job. I would no longer have to depend on my parents for rides. No more school bus. Why? Mustang!
That’s right, I had purchased a Mustang. Even though my dad made sure it came equipped with a 4-cylinder, it was still a Stang. Look out world.
Life involves several opportunities for similar excitement, but none of these will ever come close to the opportunity we have with God. Why do I say that? You guessed it; God is Read the rest of this entry »
Q. Are Christians supposed to be Republican?
A. Here are some points to consider in developing a response to this question:
1. A Christian is to be obedient to Christ. It seems difficult at times to know how this obedience works out in the public arena and yet it is quite simple. Read the rest of this entry »
‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’
Hebrews 13:8
We readily acknowledge the reality of change. What, in this life, isn’t affected by it? Change surrounds us like the air we breathe. This has always been the case, but the pace of change has rapidly increased in the past century.
What will change in your life? Beyond the daily changes of gas prices and interest rates, you will likely face significant change. Some good. Some bad. At times you may feel like Solomon and cry out, ‘vanity of vanities!’ In any event, no matter what comes your way, you can stand sure knowing that the most important thing is eternally constant – Read the rest of this entry »
For some time I have struggled with various forms of Eschatology. As I have studied Scripture, I have adjusted my views, though I’m still undecided regarding a few matters. What I can say is that I tend more toward an Amillennial approach. I have come to reject a number of key elements associated with Dispensational Pretrib Premillennialism. The following may help to explain my budding position. I say ‘budding’ because I am still working to formulate a confident understanding of what Scripture teaches in this area. What all who study Eschatology must understand is that this area of doctrine is secondary in the specific details beyond the return of Christ and the resurrection of the saved/lost to life in Heaven/judgment in Hell.
A Brief Summary
It seems that Scripture describes a simultaneous event when Christ returns. . . Read the rest of this entry »
Does the thought of death scare you? Have you experienced anxiety when thinking of your mortality? Most people, at some point in their lives, do fear the inevitable. This is why funerals can be so uncomfortable, apart from the grief. The reality of our mortality can at times cause fear to well up within us. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. For those who have been born-again death is no longer to be feared. The following poem explains why quite beautifully:
Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give. Read the rest of this entry »