Posts Tagged ‘Church’
Choose a Team
When we are young, we cringe at the idea of ‘choosing teams’ in gym class. The ‘time tested’ method of choosing who you wanted to compete with brought stress both to the captain and to those remaining unchosen. Choose incorrectly and you lose. Brethren, you who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your…
Read MoreThere is One Path
As human beings we are determined to make our own way in life. We leave our home as young adults to forge a path free from the expectations and limits of our parents. We attach ourselves to others along the way but only if they share our goals. Our path is our path. Theirs is…
Read MoreBe Blameless When Society Is Wicked
Sometimes we like to think is was ‘easier’ to be a Christian in the past. We read the stories about Church growth and mass baptisms. We then think of today. We can’t imagine the same stories taking place today. It is so much harder to be Christian today than ‘back then.’ Brethren, as you have…
Read MoreWe Long for Each Other
Throughout human history we have lived in groups and families. This is by design from God. “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2.18) God wasn’t talking about super bowl parties. He wants us to help each other find God. We are meant for Communion. Brethren, God is my witness, how I…
Read MoreThe Household of God
Our host parish in Tarpon Springs was in the throngs of a doubleheader hurricane in the past three weeks. At one point I was forced to evacuate my home with my family for a safer place to ‘ride out the storm’ before returning home. Leaving, wondering if you will return is emotional. Returning home is…
Read MoreStubbornness Leads to Death
Our host parish in Tarpon Springs is still in a state of emergency from Hurricane Helene. Thankfully our town was spared the ‘worst’ of the storm, but we still learned a lesson. Refusing to evacuate causes more damage than property. People die from storms when they remain. The Lord said, “Why do you call me…
Read MoreTwo Faced Christians
For years I have witnessed with frustration Christians welcome visitors, even invite visitors, only to reject visitors who may want to join the Church. Its one thing to visit. Its another thing to join. So long as visitors keep a safe distance, we’re happy to welcome them. Just keep a distance. Brethren, when Peter came…
Read MoreWhen Will We Learn?
There is a reason the saying, “hindsight is twenty-twenty” is so popular. It is true. Looking in the rearview mirror is always a reminder that we should have known better. As Bugs Bunny’s used to say, “I knew I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.” We do know better. The Lord said to…
Read MoreDon’t Give Victory to Darkness
Political debates. Race riots. Homeless camps. Rampant gangs. Drug overdoses. Out of control abortion clinics. These are just a few examples of the darkness of our world. Around every corner lurks darkness waiting to pounce and swallow up your joy and peace. At that time, the Pharisees took counsel against Jesus and said to one…
Read MoreDon’t Bury Your Head in the Sand
It is a common response to stress. We avoid stressful situations. We hide from conflict in relationships. We even deny a problem when things aren’t heading in the right direction. We do this thinking things will change if only we can wait it out. We’re wrong. The Lord said to the Jews who had come…
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