Comedian Rodney Dangerfield seriously said in an interview a few years before his death, “I have never been happy. My whole life has been a downer. Similarly, Katherine Hepburn once said, “I don’t know what one means by happy. I’m happy spasmodically. If I eat chocolate turtle, I’m happy. When the box is empty, I’m […]
Read More Pursuing happiness…Because of God’s Mercy… Romans 12:1 August 30, 2020 A few weeks ago, Americans received an unexpected COVID-gift from the United States government. And the topic quickly became, “what are you going to do with your money?” Some paid bills. Some paid down debt. Some made purchases for which they had been saving. Some gave […]
Read More Sermon: Because of God’s MercyLewis Sperry Chafer delineated at least 33 blessings that the believer receives upon coming to Christ. He comments: “The Scriptures reveal 33 stupendous works of God which together comprise the salvation of the soul. They are wrought by God instantaneously, are grounded on the merit of Christ, and are eternal. Accordingly each member of the […]
Read More 36 Spiritual Blessings of SalvationIn God’s grace, technology (video conferencing, conference calls, live-streaming, blogs, vlogs, and yes, even social media) can be and is being used in many ways to encourage and strengthen the church of Christ and extend our ministry to our shaken communities. In the past week I have come across many helpful resources. I will try […]
Read More Helpful biblical resources during the CoronavirusApart from all the typical rhetoric and bluster of a typical political campaign, during this election cycle I have been particularly frustrated with the tone of the arguments. Many — too many — of the candidates have degenerated into ad hominem attacks, verbal bullying, condescending comments, and generally rude behavior. A number of years ago, […]
Read More Why manners matterThis has been a good book reading year for me; so far I am significantly ahead of my goal for the number of books I would read this year (and I’ve already read more than I did all last year), so I thought that at the mid-year point, it might be good to reflect on […]
Read More Best books of the year (so far)“Paul, God, and the Gospel” Pt. 4 Romans 1:1-7 June 14, 2015 A couple of years ago, Business Insider reported the following story: In 1962, a man named George Walton wanted to find out what his 1913 Liberty Head nickel coin was worth. But on his way to the coin show, his car crashed and […]
Read More Sermon: Paul, God, and the Gospel (Pt. 4)When we awoke one early spring Saturday morning, the temperature was cooler than anticipated, the wind was blowing and the skies were cloudy. It all added up to one more day to build a fire in the fireplace before the spring weather arrived for good. All day we enjoyed the warmth and coziness of the […]
Read More Fanning spiritual flamesWhen the Well Runs Dry Psalm 63 March 15, 2015 Many years ago — in what was probably one of the last great adventures my brother and I had before I got married — we went on a day hike in the Cleveland National Forest in CA. We didn’t make plans that were too extensive; […]
Read More Sermon: When the Well Runs DryOne Thing to Ask God Psalm 27 February 8, 2015 In A View from the Zoo, Gary Richmond describes the birth of a giraffe: The first thing to emerge are the baby giraffe’s front hooves and head. A few minutes later the plucky newborn calf is hurled forth, falls ten feet, and lands on its […]
Read More Sermon: One Thing to Ask GodLife with God Psalm 15 February 1, 2015 History remembers Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan as a dashing Irishman who tickled America’s funny bone in the late 1930s, during the dark days of the Depression. He became a national folk hero, creating a household phrase still bestowed on those who do things the “wrong way.” Corrigan […]
Read More Sermon: Life with GodIn his book Finding God in Unexpected Places, Philip Yancey recounts the story of some early Spanish sailors who reached the continent of South America after an arduous voyage. “The caravel sailed into the headwaters of the Amazon, an expanse of water so wide the sailors presumed it to be a continuation of the Atlantic […]
Read More Hungry?This morning we concluded our study of the book of 1 John. After 36 sermons, we’ve had a clear look at what John has to say about salvation, spiritual life and obedience, and eternal life and assurance. This morning’s final sermon is designed to help us remember the big picture and essential truths of the […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers: 1 John and assuranceChrist on Trial 1 John 5:6-12 July 6, 2014 The darkest night of the disciples’ lives was the night of Jesus betrayal, arrest, and trial. They knew that Jesus was hated by many — the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Him, Nazareth rejected Him, even His own siblings rejected Him. But to see Christ on trial […]
Read More Sermon: Christ on TrialNew Life in Christ: Victory 1 John 5:4-5 June 29, 2014 I went to my first Texas Ranger game sometime in the summer of 1972. As far as baseball goes, they were not very good that year, but they were my team and I loved to watch them. Even now, when I read their names […]
Read More Sermon: New Life in Christ: Victory
