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Category Archives: Uncategorized
What Determines a Church’s Direction? Memory or Imagination?
…he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith (Matthew 13:58). Huntingtown United Methodist Church needs both. I have served churches that were planted in the late 1800s, so I understand the power and value of … Continue reading
Illness, Pain and Reviving the Church
“My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) God does powerful work through small things. But there is an important difference between small and shrinking; between passion for people and ties to … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Uncategorized
Tagged chronic illness, disease, epilepsy, illness, job, revival, suffering, theodicy, thorn in the flesh
1 Comment
What do people know about us?
My current sermon series on Daniel ends with the most popular story about Daniel: The Lion’s Den. The retelling of the story tends to focus on what stands out the most: spending the night with flesh eating felines, and waking … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Bible study, Daniel, Evangelism, king darius, lions den, Persian Empire, prayer, testimony, witness
1 Comment
Tree Surgeons, Jesus and the Church
Our last parsonage had a huge grove of trees in the backyard, several of which had grown to about 25 feet. We loved their shade and the privacy they provided during the summer. In the fall, however, the trustees noticed … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged arborist, Christ the True Vine, church programs, Jesus the vine, pruning, tree surgeon
1 Comment
Are Christians Persecuted?
I’ve been preaching a series titled “Leaving Good Things Behind.” Acts shows us that for a church to thrive, Christians must even leave good ministries behind. The apostles delegated their ministry for widows to 7 men so they could focus … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Christmas, Uncategorized
Tagged God Less America, God's Not Dead, ISIS, Liberty University, Mike Pense, persecution, war on Christmas
1 Comment
Are There Zombies in the Church?
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Several years ago a parishioner recommended that I watch The Walking Dead. I found season 1 mildly entertaining, but could never … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Uncategorized
Tagged born again, christianity, ezekiel, Jesus, nicodemus, pharisees, religion, walking dead, zombies
1 Comment
Is the Resurrection Ridiculous?
Many people think so. Artwork in the 18th century reflected the growing skepticism towards miracles. Halos and angels began to gradually disappear. Only what can proved by reason or scientific experience can be trusted. While there is openness to spirituality, … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, Uncategorized
Tagged Apostle Paul, atheism, Athens, bodily resurrection, easter, enlightenment, missionary journey, resurrection, skepticism
1 Comment
