Category Archives: Uncategorized

What Can We Do?

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of COVID-19. There are boundaries on where we go, who we see and how we interact with people. Businesses are closing their doors, the economy is suffering and people are losing their … Continue reading

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Should We Act Against Our Conscience?

But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.  Romans 14:23 The proposed separation in the United Methodist Church has created concerns, one … Continue reading

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Who Should Stay and Who Should Go?

Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated.  Acts 15:39 On January 3 a diverse, 16-member group of United Methodist bishops and other leaders released a nine-page “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation.” This proposal, if passed at the … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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