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Let me say at the very beginning of this article that I am not – in any way shape or form – attempting to disparage Jews or Judaism; in whom I find any number of reasons to admire and respect. It is however, an examination of certain elements of faith and faithfulness. The real tragedy in all this, at least in my opinion, being that the long-awaited Messiah the Jewish people still seek – has come – and been missed or rejected by them.

Having said that, I found it interesting that a recent article in the Indianapolis Star featured the efforts…  ( Click for more )

Nobody likes unexpected change. We get comfortable where we live, with what we do, who we associate with, how we worship; and want to be left alone – except at the New Year, when we often declare ourselves resolved to make any number of changes for the better. But change involves work and at times discomfort as we learn something different or new. The reality being that much of what we do and who we are is superficial; camouflage really – used to hide behind, covering the real us up, only to have that real you jump out in unacceptable ways at inappropriate times.…  ( Click for more )

The reluctance some people have in maintaining their weekly observance of the Lord’s Day is nothing new (especially during the holidays), the Hebrew writer finding it necessary to admonish some believers to, “…not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,…” Hebrews 10:25 He, and others since, recognized the value of following the tradition of the early church in, “…devot(ing) themselves to the Apostles… to… fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42; firmly establishing…  ( Click for more )

Of real importance to any study of a Sabbath observance is the realization that the scripture cited above was a command, not a suggestion. And while Sabbath observances were – and are – a hotly debated subject, Jesus points out in Mark 2:27 that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, not so man could satisfy a religious obligation. The question being – how do we benefit from such an observance?

We are to keep it holy, which means in part to be set apart. But was there a specific purpose in observing a Sabbath? When we do so, we show a certain…  ( Click for more )

So says Jesus, explaining to his disciples, at least in part, his function for them and their responsibility in return. “All who came before me were thieves and robbers,…”; indicating throughout scripture that anyone teaching something contradictory to his words were to be considered false prophets – thieves and robbers – and shunned. (Matthew 7:15 & 24:11) Warning too that anyone attempting to enter the “sheep pen” by any other means, trying to circumvent the true shepherd is to be guarded against as well. (John 10:1-3)

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This belief is at the heart of our brotherhood’s refusal to create another denomination, choosing instead to join together in a loose confederacy of believers who none-the-less share a common faith and cooperate with one another in advancing the Gospel. Having no centralized authority to dictate our behavior or monitor our doctrine gives us a freedom to worship that many don’t have but a responsibility to police our own actions that many ignore; as obeying God’s word requires that we know what it says and understand the context in which it was spoken.

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So begins Charles Dickens’ novel, The Tale of Two Cities; describing the social, political and moral atmosphere of society in England and France during the mid-1800’s. It was a time not unlike our own, dealing with issues that at times seemed insurmountable but by their very nature created opportunities for success as well, forcing people to rethink their expectations; actually exciting some who saw past the difficulties to the possibilities of impacting their own particular society and the world as a whole.

Appreciating the past while remaining relevant…  ( Click for more )

No matter how much time we spend in God’s word it can always remain fresh, with new insights, direction and inspiration; it being a peculiar characteristic of God’s word to be intensely relevant to any number of different people of various backgrounds, personalities, circumstances and ages. It speaks to us on different levels, at different times according to the changing needs of our lives. Some material is so unique it may surprise, amuse and even confuse us. The Prophet Ezekiel’s story of “Dry Bones” could certainly qualify as one such topic,…  ( Click for more )

Last week we examined a number of statements made by author John Meacham in a Newsweek article titled “The Decline and Fall of Christian America”1; his emphasis being the apparent shift of ideas and ideals concerning Christianity and it’s possible replacement in the minds of many in America. While some of his assertions are debatable to say the least, he does pose some valid questions amid counterpoints made by others who hold a more “traditional” view of our faith and founding.

French historian Alexis De Tocqueville, on one of his first…  ( Click for more )

John Meacham is politically and religiously a dyed-in-the-wool liberal. He is also highly intelligent and very well-spoken. I’ve seen him interviewed on television and read a commentary he wrote on an article featured in Newsweek Magazine; I’ve also read one of his published works titled, “American Gospel.” 1In the one he was belligerent and condescending; in the other, he did indeed question the impact faith had on our founding fathers attempt at establishing a free country based on democratic ideals, but raised a number of valid points as well.

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What does it take to get your attention? You would probably say, ‘Not much, I listen pretty well’. Would your friends and especially your parents agree? Before you get mad, let me say you’re both probably right. You undoubtedly listen more than you let on and your parents might possibly over-state their case because they’re not sure you really are.

But is that an attempt to impose their will, deprive you of fun and force you to be what they want you to be? NO! It’s because they love you so very much, because they’re scared -…  ( Click for more )

One aspect of Jesus’ ministry that allowed him to touch so many lives was that he didn’t just teach people the principles of right and wrong but explained his theology with easily understood “application stories.” These were in turn based on the realities of his listeners’ lives; their relationships, occupations, hopes and fears. Israel was largely an agrarian society, although they did have a number of large cities; farming therefore, became a prime means of exploring many of the deep truths of Jesus’ gospel. In fact, both testaments…  ( Click for more )

The opening statement of an Associated Press editorial titled, “Institution Under Siege – Winds of Change Threaten the Tradition of Marriage,” refers to a cultural debate intrinsically tied to our religious base as a nation. “The U.S. Supreme Court ruling that outlawed state bans on homosexual sex was the latest loud volley in an ongoing culture war over the shape and nature of personal relationships.” The Justices having ruled 6-3 that a Texas sodomy law, used to arrest, fine and jail two Houston men caught in the “act” violated…  ( Click for more )

Much is made – and rightly so – of Jesus’ repeated expectation of those who profess belief in him to put substance to their profession and follow him; either by literally following him about the countryside (Mark 1:17) or by following his instructions and obeying his commands. (Matthew 16:24) That’s why I find Jesus’ request of Legion, the tomb-dwelling demoniac of the Gerasene region whom Jesus healed; at first perplexing, then instructive and finally profound. (Mark 5:1-20)

Scripture doesn’t say how this poor man – who…  ( Click for more )

It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The danger in this allusion to simple imagery is that we often expect it to tell the whole story, and that’s impossible. The problem is compounded by the fact that we are an image-driven society; too pre-occupied or lazy to investigate a person, cause or incident for ourselves – relying on 15 second audio or video bytes to tell us all we care to know. But again, these can be misunderstood, misapplied or manipulated to mean something they really don’t.

Two of the more recent and easily recognized…  ( Click for more )

I usually try to avoid commenting on politics, but have and will undoubtedly continue to address issues that entail moral as well as public policy with the capacity to impact believers and non-believers alike. The effects of the world-wide recession is one such topic, the fallout from the financial crisis being so widespread and pervasive that I felt the need to revisit it once more; especially after having recently read some observations of men eminently more qualified than I who warned years ago of the very type of situation we may be stumbling into.

I must say…  ( Click for more )

What kind of question is that? It’s not one to be asked lightly, but there is deep significance to this question in scripture. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25,26 What was he talking about? All men die – or do they? I believe in Jesus’ eyes, death is embodied in separation from him. What we call death is only a step to another dimension of life; real life. Belief in him assures us of eternal…  ( Click for more )

Financial difficulties are often blessings in disguise; forcing us to re-evaluate our priorities, re-arrange our schedules, question who we really are – or ought to be – and what we are attempting to accomplish in life. And even as we see daily examples of the arrogance and stupidity of people who seem to have it all – or believe they are entitled to it – I am convinced that being wealthy is not sinful, rather not being generous is. I am further persuaded that, particularly as Christians, active involvement in the lives of those less fortunate than we…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever received contradictory advice? Grow up – but not too fast. You need to take on more responsibility – but not too much. You need to act like an adult – yet have fun as a kid. Part of the problem is in your perception, part of it is in others’ expectations; while some of the problem is in understanding the issue. Sometimes we confuse the concepts of privilege and responsibility, demanding the one while ignoring the other. You do need to grow up, but not so fast that you miss out on the fun of being young. You do need to take on responsibility,…  ( Click for more )

Last week we tried to identify the merits of a “Christian” church. In continuing that study, I hope to encourage you in your search for one – as well as suggest active involvement in a community of believers that will aid you in your college experience like little else can.

The disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians ages ago at Antioch (Acts 11:26), to designate them as something different from Judaism. They were followers of the Way (John 14:6,7 and Acts 24:14), considered “little Christs” – imitating him who…  ( Click for more )

This article arises out of a concern of mine over church attendance and preference among our newly “liberated” youth. Although this may appear to be specifically directed to those students attending school away from home, at times many of our “home-bound” students often seem to find it difficult to maintain their Sunday School and Worship service attendance as well. So my attempt will be to define what a “Christian” church is and whether that really matters when looking for a church to be involved in. The place to start defining a “Christian”…  ( Click for more )

It is important to note right from the start of this article that a number of scripture references are listed but not written out due to length concerns. I could, as I have in the past, divide this article into two parts but felt, for continuities sake, the information needed to be kept together as a whole. IT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE THAT YOU LOOK THEM UP – if you genuinely want to benefit from any real consideration of this study.

I was reminded of the song, “Run To The Battle”, while watching previews for NBC’s new series, “Trauma”;…  ( Click for more )

So said Lord Melbourne, William Wilberforce’s chief opponent in the drive to abolish slavery throughout the British realm. A sentiment echoed throughout history – up to and including the present – by those who believe religion to be strictly a private affair, having no real import or impact on what we do or say on a daily basis. Certainly irrelevant to politics and the personal ethics of those involved in running “the real world.” Scripture’s response to such nonsense aptly expressed in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever felt apprehensive about trying something new? Waiting for test results from the doctor or x-rays at the dentist can be nerve-racking. New relationships or old ones changing can make you feel unsure of yourself. Making decisions about school, work, where to live, what to do; being tempted to do something less than well, far from right. Life can be scary! But there are at least three things in your favor – invisible – but there all the same. They can help protect you, lead you and be a blessing to you if you allow them; if you become aware of them and…  ( Click for more )