Family Worship. In a day and age filled with distractions, most of them having no eternal value, consistency in family worship is difficult. One reason might be that Christian fathers simply over-think it. A Recent Email Earlier this week I received an email from a dad in Oklahoma. He wrote: Good morning once again! It is a blessing to email you this morning. I have been … [Read more...]
Anxiety: It’s NOT Something You Have; It’s Something You Do
This morning I was given the honor and privilege to stand in my pastors' pulpit. This sermon about anxiety is theological, practical, and very personal. Sermon Title: "Anxiety: It's NOT Something You Have; It's Something You Do. Text: Philippians 4:4-7 Excerpt: God does not command His people to flee from or repent of illnesses, diseases, maladies, disorders, and the … [Read more...]
Darrell Brooks Has a Fool for a Client; Do You?
Darrell Brooks has a fool for a client. Do you? Read on to learn why I make the assertion and ask you, the reader, the question. Lincoln's Famous Quote Prior to becoming the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer. We have no shortage of memorable quotes from the man most consider to be one of, if not the greatest presidents in American history. I … [Read more...]
Tetelestai, “It is Finished!”: Jesus Does Not Need Your Help
Jesus' words, "Tetelestai," "It is finished," appear only twice in the New Testament--John 19:28 and John 19:30. "After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.' A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he … [Read more...]
American Evangelicalism: Where Dead People Can Help Themselves
While Christians are often categorized as being "American Evangelicals," American Evangelicalism is not synonymous with biblical Christianity. One reason: included in a large swath of American Evangelicals is the unbiblical belief that dead people can help themselves--the synergistic belief that man cooperates with God in his salvation. You've Seen the Image I often see … [Read more...]
Revisiting the “Sinner’s Prayer”: A Conversation with Kim
One conversation with Kim resulted in another conversation with another Kim. Confused? Allow me to explain. Kim at the Corner of Harrison and Locust A little more than a week ago, I met a man named Kim on the corner of Harrison and Locust, in Davenport, IA. I gave him a gospel tract. He lingered for a moment or two indicating he might want to talk. At one point, I asked … [Read more...]
Still True: Overcoming Anxiety and Knowing Peace Through Prayer
Mahria took a day off work this week to sort through, purge, and organize years of family documents. During the several-hours-long effort, she came across some papers I had written during my time as a student at The Master's Seminary. The stack of papers she handed me included my Letter of Acceptance from the seminary and a paper titled "Philippians 4:6-7 -- Overcoming Anxiety … [Read more...]