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Is that possible? The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, (what you know and are motivated by, for our purposes here – your mind.) for it is the well-spring of life.” Prob. 4:23 Some of us have been on our own for a while, others are striking out on their own for the very first time, being exposed to new ideas, new surroundings and having new experiences; which involves deciding what’s good, what’s not so good and what should be avoided altogether.

But that’s a lot of responsibility. The counsel, help and advice of friends…  ( Click for more )

“God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way.

He works in ways we cannot see;

He will make a way for me.

He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side.

With love and strength for each new day,

He will make a way.

He will make a way.”

Don Moen

Do you believe that?

The story of David the shepherd boy who slew a giant, rallied an army, and soothed a king has inspired many; and goes a long way in proving the reality of Mr. Moen’s chorus. It is also an excellent example of how fleeting the good life can be.…  ( Click for more )

Christopher Hitchens claims that, “religion poisons everything.” He and others in the Neo-Atheist movement (Which is nothing more than a repackaging and restating of old criticisms and concerns – only louder and more radicalized), try to prove this point by comparing the Christian and Muslim history of militarism – at times including Israel’s complicated dealing with the Palestinians as well. Richard Dawkins insisting that Christianity, like Islam, was spread principally by the sword.

An honest look, however, reveals that the…  ( Click for more )

John Adams wrote F.A. Vanderkemp in 1809 insisting that, “…the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation.” Further asserting that beyond being a civilizing influence on other nations, they had preserved and promoted, “…the doctrine of a supreme, intelligent, wise, and mighty sovereign of the universe, which (he believed) to be the great essential principle of all morality, and consequently of all civilization.” A view shared by many of his time.

Thomas Cahill’s studiously researched book, The Gifts…  ( Click for more )

Casting Crowns released a song several years ago based on an old Sunday School chorus that they titled “Slow Fade,” that is engaging and still applicable – to all ages. And while not citing scripture specifically, it is absolutely scriptural in its spirit and intent. (Pertinent scripture worth looking up being 1 Corinthians 10:12,13; James 1:13-15; Proverbs 4:20-27; Is. 59:1,2; Romans 12:1-3; 1 John 2:3-6 & 15-17 and Psalm 1:1-6) Although many of you have probably already heard it, I am offering it here as a unique example of the melding…  ( Click for more )

What’s that? A newly named geological epoch? No. Neo or New-Atheism is really just a re-packaging and restating of unbelief – with an attitude. Re-packaged as academically sound and scientific, restated loudly, exaggeratedly, and offensively; a radicalized version of the old objections to faith. Taking inspiration from the 911 disaster, the New-Atheists have gone on the attack, emphasizing the evil done around the world in the name of religion – which is undeniable to some extent – but more than that, they then go on to insist that all religion,…  ( Click for more )

Last week we considered a radical and revolutionary concept of total self-abandonment in the cause of Christ. Our response to his invitation of, “Come, follow me,…” Matthew 4:19 & 16:24; culminating in our sharing in the things he deems important, becoming “fishers of men.” Oddly enough, our desire to make it on our own – providing for ourselves and our families – often gets in the way of a life dedicated to Christian service quicker than anything else. (See Deuteronomy 6:10-14) The idea of prosperity often enticing us to…  ( Click for more )

Reading E.C. Beisner’s “Prosperity and Poverty” really made me sit up and take notice. It’s one of a series of books addressing various issues in society that are pertinent to Christians and non-Christians alike.1The secondary title explains its overall purpose as it examines, “The Compassionate use of Resources in a World of Scarcity.” In it, his statement “Jesus made self-denial the heart of Christian maturity.”; delivered – for me – a significant challenge.

In and of itself this comment expresses nothing…  ( Click for more )

What does it mean to be humble? Soft-spoken, considerate, understanding – or having no personal will, lacking ambition, and therefore weak and easily ignored? Contrary to popular opinion, being humble encompasses a strong sense of one’s own capabilities as well as understanding how best to use them; promoting modesty, and an unpretentious attitude. It has nothing to do with lack of knowledge or an inability to express ourselves and everything to do with clearly understanding who we are and how to combine our abilities with those of others to most effectively…  ( Click for more )

Last week we looked at scripture that seems to promise persecution as a result of our faith. Now let’s look at a number of individuals whose lives have stood the test of time as examples of faithfulness in the face of both the good (Proverbs 27:21) and bad they experienced.

Joseph’s life (Genesis 37-48) expressed an enduring belief in God’s goodness and provision regardless of the circumstances of the moment and an unswerving dedication to live as God would have him live, despite the consequences; surprised by the unforeseen good accomplished…  ( Click for more )

Is there a scriptural “promise” of persecution? Read on, “…you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Mat. 24:9-14Some interpret this passage as dealing primarily with Jerusalem’s fall and destruction by the…  ( Click for more )

It seems to happen every year, an incident where the politically correct – in their zeal to protect unbelievers – deprive believers of certain expressions of faith through public displays of “religious” Christmas symbols. Knightstown being the flashpoint for Christmas 2016.

But wait, does Ken Falk, who filed the most recent lawsuit against Knightstown’s display of a cross atop a tree on public property for a disgruntled local citizen have a point? After all, no one is being deprived of the opportunity to observe and celebrate Christmas…  ( Click for more )

The gospel of Luke recounts for us the story of an angelic visitation to shepherds late one night who were watching over their flocks on the hillsides around Bethlehem. This visitation announcing to them – and us through them – the most significant birth and subsequent life to grace the earth.

It’s a familiar story, with particular emphasis given to it this season of the year, it’s theme used in one of the more beloved Christmas carols sung in the weeks leading up to Christmas, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.1And while great effort…  ( Click for more )

This whole exercise is meant to help me – and you – begin to understand the difference between our calling and our disposition. We are called to be fishers of men (Mark 1:17), followers of the way (John 14:6), the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) as well as blameless. (Philippians 2:15) Does that mean at the moment of salvation we become perfect? That certainly was not the case for me. Will we become more so with the passing of time? I’d like to think so. Will we ever be absolutely perfect though? I don’t think we can be, at…  ( Click for more )

This study is meant to help us all become more fully who we already are. Sound confusing? Aren’t I what I appear to be? Not always. I usually try to be as genuine as I can, but there are times when I catch myself role-playing, trying to be someone I’m not in an attempt to fit in and meet others’ expectations. That’s not only confusing to me and contradictory to those who know me well, but unrealistic and unfair to those just meeting me.

So who are we – really? In trying to understand who I really am or should be, I look to God’s…  ( Click for more )

I have often addressed issues involving social concerns and current events because as Christians we can’t – or shouldn’t – isolate ourselves from the world around us; abdicating our role as salt and light to those living in darkness and the shadow of death. (Luke 1:79 & Matthew 5:13-16) But we must take care to be sufficiently informed concerning the issues and politics of the moment so that our defense of the gospel and reasoning about behavior are biblically correct, ethically sound, socially informative – and sensible. (Which not only…  ( Click for more )

Through the ages man has debated the substance and purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You wouldn’t think there would be that much to discuss but countless committee meetings, conferences and councils have met to decide what the gospel of Jesus Christ really is and how it should be presented to mankind.

The problem arises because man often tries to make the gospel fit his expectations rather than finding his place within the gospel; some converts seeking the benefits of a Christian lifestyle rather than coming to Christ himself. The stability, financial security…  ( Click for more )

Throughout our lives we all face many challenges and are presented with many opportunities, our responses impacting our very existence up to and including eternity. What should I wear, who should I date, which school would be best for me to attend, what job offer should I accept? Am I going to drink, smoke or do drugs, get married or settle for casual sex with a willing partner? How many kids should we have if we do get married, how long must I work before retiring? The eternal aspects of life we must consider center on belief and unbelief, reconciliation with or enmity…  ( Click for more )

I hate spin, for the very fact that it’s often based in truth; slanted to suit the perspective and purposes of those doing the spinning. Making it extremely difficult to grasp the truth of situations demanding critical consideration of the “facts” to address properly. Politicians often come to mind as the most egregious prectioners of spin, with even the best of them manipulating the truth to accommodate their message, but some in the church do the same thing; all of us at times hearing and seeing things that resonate differently for us than others.…  ( Click for more )

The morning after a house party on Johnson St., Jenna Foellmi and several other twenty-something friends lay sprawled about on couches and beds. When one of them reached out to wake Foellmi, she was unresponsive and cold to the touch. Her friends’ screams woke everyone else in the house.

Jenna Foellmi was a bio-chemistry major at Winona State University, who one day after finishing her semester exams – died of alcohol poisoning. Her death was tragic, but all too typical of the results brought on by risky behavior on college campuses today. Kids…  ( Click for more )

Sin is defined as any violation of divine law by transgression or neglect. Being a conscientious people, we are often careful not to do the things we know shouldn’t be done, but we nevertheless often fail to do the things we ought. It’s still sin (James 4:17); which makes us all sinners. Paul declaring that, “There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…” Romans 3:23 But if we’ve accepted Christ as our Savior, aren’t we free from the consequences…  ( Click for more )

I’ve used last week’s and this week’s articles before, but the material is as appropriate now as ever, and in truth is a message that will be forever necessary until Christ’s return. These topics, identifying sin and then the call for repentance from it, have been brought to the fore in particular for me by the election campaigning of both political parties this year; as both sides do and say absurd things and their supporters go through all manner of mental gymnastics to excuse and promote them. (Not to mention the general condition of the world today,…  ( Click for more )

Last week we saw how we are all afflicted with a sin nature and that the laws of the Old Testament and the expectations of the New are realized through love; of God and our fellowmen. (See Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:1) We must never forget however, that we were all once dead in our transgressions in which we used to live when we followed the ways of the world; gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature – making us potential objects of God’s wrath rather than recipients of His love. But God, being rich in mercy, made us acceptable and alive through,…  ( Click for more )

Why is an understanding of sin and it’s infiltration into our lives – entangling us in it’s consequences – so important? Because it takes an appreciation of sin and all its ramifications to truly appreciate mercy and forgiveness. (Society today often redefining sin as personal choice, cultural perception or the fault of others – if there is any fault at all.)

Job proclaimed that, “…man is born to trouble…” Job 5:7, and David confided that he was, “…sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother…  ( Click for more )