"My Dad could beat up on your Dad any day!" "Oh yeah? My Dad would just clobber your old man!" Are conversations like that still heard on schoolyards? They were common when I was a boy, little boys trying to establish superiority over others, based on their fathers' credentials. I never joined in those taunts, … Continue reading Jesus is not my enforcer
faith
The true signs by which the Church of Christ may be known
1. By an unadulterated pure doctrine. Deuteronomy 4:6, 5:12; Isaiah 8:5; Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15; John 8:52; Galatians 1 2. By a Scriptural use of the sacramental signs. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:22,23 3. By obedience to the Word. Matthew 7; Luke … Continue reading The true signs by which the Church of Christ may be known
What is wrong with the world?
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him"(1 John 2:15). The Bible has a lot to say about the world and the danger there is if Christians become worldly. Why? What is there about the world … Continue reading What is wrong with the world?
The need for Christian apologetics
According to Nancy Pearsey, when young people who have abandoned the Christian faith are asked why, the most common answer is that they could not get answers to their questions about the faith. Thus they assumed that there were no answers and that the stories hey had been taught were just so many fairy tales. … Continue reading The need for Christian apologetics
Slaying the beast within
A year and a half ago, a young man who had served a sentence for armed robbery appeared in court to explain that he had learned his lesson. He said that he had learned that he needed to stop and think before doing something and consider the consequences. "I have learned to tell the difference … Continue reading Slaying the beast within
It seemed like such a good idea at the time
It was a really hot day today, so I stopped after work to get a two scoop black cherry ice cream cone. That really hit the spot. As the young lady scooped my ice cream, I saw that both of her arms were covered with tattoos and wondered how long she will consider them an … Continue reading It seemed like such a good idea at the time
Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse comes in the middle of the words that God gave Jeremiah for the Jews who had been captured and led away to Babylon. He told … Continue reading Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
The weakness of the law – any kind of law
The confederate flag is disappearing all over the US South. That should make black folks feel more like they belong, shouldn't it? At least it's a symbolic act, one that shows that racism should not have any part in a society that calls itself civilized. Yet I fear that Mr. Roof is symbolic of a … Continue reading The weakness of the law – any kind of law
Peace in time of war
There are four main religious groups in Lebanon: Maronite Christians, descended from the old Syriac church and united with the Roman Catholic Church, yet maintaining some of the old ways, including a married priesthood; Shiite Muslims; Sunni Muslims and Greek Orthodox. A power sharing agreement was worked out after the Second World War that worked … Continue reading Peace in time of war
Am I a uniter or a divider?
During a recent visit in the home of a young couple in another congregation, the wife talked about the church her parents had attended when she was a child. The membership of that church is now down to the pastor and a few women; no man has been able to abide the pastor’s controlling ways. … Continue reading Am I a uniter or a divider?
Flatlander Faith 