Tim Keller, who I respect very much, has written an extensive article on the decline of the American church. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/tim-keller-decline-renewal-american-church/ It is, in fact, part of a yet larger work. Fuller article here. I am one who does believe in the virgin birth, life, death, physical resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the transforming power …
Category: Church
Mar 05
Notes for March 2022
March 6 is the first Sunday of Lent. Easter is April 17. It’s a good time to invite people to church, for Easter, or any Sunday. Invite cards for Point Pleasant. Invite cards for New Philadelphia. Today I’m preaching on the letter of Paul to the Colossians. This is the first of numerous sermons on …
Jan 01
2021 Daily Devotionals
2021 In 2021, I started, and was able to complete, two daily Christian devotionals. I think this is the first time I’ve ever been able to actually do all 365 days. These were excellent. The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge is written by Tony Dungy. This was a gift to me Christmas 2020 from …
Aug 15
Notes for August 14, 2021
A few notes related to today’s sermon, The Joy of POP (privilege, opportunity, priority). Tony Dungy Books by Tony Dungy here. They include Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life and The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge. Super Bowl Breakfast Speech Tony Dungy Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 1 …
Jan 03
Howard Thurman influential American visionary, educator, and leader
Howard Thurman Howard Thurman (Nov. 18, 1899, Daytona Beach, FL – Apr. 10, 1981, San Francisco, CA) was an American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, preacher, and civil rights leader. As a prominent and inspirational religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the 20th century. Dr. Thurman …
Nov 07
Macomb/McDonough County Community Gathering
I’m looking forward to the Community Gathering tomorrow (11/7) at 10-11 am at Veteran’s Park, in Macomb. In these crazy times, this is a time for us to gather together as a community and pray for our elected leaders and pastors. Here is the map (google doc) of how we will set up the chairs. …
Jan 07
Greek root word for church and for ‘church’
There are two (different) Greek root words here. The one in the Bible (at least 115 times) is (so, this is the meaning of church in the Bible) Ecclesia – The Greek word “ecclesia” is correctly defined as: “The called-out (ones)” [ECC = out; KALEO = call]. Thus, you can see how this word was …
Jan 31
Comments on Religion – briefly
(my views) Faith first, religion follows. Faith (belief in God) is more important than religion. Faith should be the predecessor in pre-requisite for religion. Religion follows to fit one’s needs. There is a full array of available religions with many levels of orthodoxy and a wide variety of styles. Religion should facilitate one’s faith. Also, …
Jan 12
Why Americans Go to Church – still good reasons
Ok, this is quite encouraging. I’d say paeople are going to church for the right reasons. (See the top 4 in the graphic.) These reasons are biblical (what God would want), enduring (abiding), genuine (true, sincere), helpful (promoting the greater good and self). #Christian As churches (communities of faith) our challenge is to make …
Mar 05