There continues to be growing disdain for belonging to a local church. It has become common to hear Christians bemoan what they see as imperfections. In addition, the claim “we are all the church” has become an excuse for people who want to avoid belonging to one altogether. While I certainly believe the church is [...]
There is little cost associated with following Christ these days, at least in the West. The message of self-denial has been replaced with a message of self-promotion. If Jesus helps us along the journey to a fulfilling life, we add him to our list of spiritual and cultural guides. When he challenges our beloved beliefs [...]
I fear many older saints believe their age restricts them from redemptive work. For some, the lie that claims their time is long past has triumphed in their hearts. For others, the aches and pains of aging has slowed them down enough that simple comforts are more intriguing than God’s mission of redemption. I can’t [...]
As the years roll by, God’s children can slip into patterns of behavior that, mostly unbeknownst to them, lead to a place absent of the heart and mission of God. It’s subtle, like the dripping of a faucet. Little by little, their eyes veer from the path of righteousness and wholehearted devotion to Jesus. The [...]
I have spent several years observing the elderly in hopes of gleaning some wisdom about the aging process. I think a definition of “elderly” should be more intricate and beautiful than age alone. We should avoid saying the thing so many of us say, that is, an elderly person is an old person. I couldn’t [...]
In his letter to the church in Galatia, Paul shot some piercing words at those who preached another gospel. He said, “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!” In order to make sure he was understood, [...]
I was on a run yesterday thoroughly enjoying the sunshine. Like many places in the South and Midwest, Southeast Missouri was assaulted with snow and bitter cold temperatures last week. Well, the snow has finally melted, and the feeling of springtime is in the air. I often find myself worshipping as I walk, run, or [...]
