Over the years, the "R" word has developed a bad reputation. Repentance has gotten a bad rap. Perhaps, for far too long repentance has been used as a weapon against people rather than an encouragement to people.Driven by fear of hell and judgment, calls to repentance most often are intended to bring about a change in conduct. … Continue reading The “R” Word
Why Bother with the Church?
Over the years, you’ve probably heard people say, “I love Jesus, but I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” Recently, we asked some people why they aren't involved with the church and got some pretty honest answers. Here are a few of the responses: “My parents MADE me go as a kid. I … Continue reading Why Bother with the Church?
His Eye is on the Sparrow
Those in other parts of the world - and probably even my city - would consider some of my daily anxieties silly because I've never had to wonder about my next meal(s) or worry about an empty closet to keep me and my family warm. From a purely physical perspective of basic human necessities of … Continue reading His Eye is on the Sparrow
Wisdom for a world gone wild
Contrary to popular opinion and New Years' optimism, the world is not getting any better. Read any year-end summaries of 2013 global events and people (Time, WSJ, Yahoo, Dave Barry, and even Facebook) and you'll see there are still wars (Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan) and rumors of wars (Iran, South Korea, Pakistan). There are still murders (Trevon Martin, … Continue reading Wisdom for a world gone wild
Jesus is so… yesterday.
I remember it was last August, in the heat of summer with 100+ temperatures in Texas, I saw my first glimpse of preparations for Christmas. The store where I was shopping had already cleared out the seasonal section to begin the merchandising build up for Christmas shoppers. Since then, we have had weeks of anticipation … Continue reading Jesus is so… yesterday.
Santa Theology
"You better watch out, You better not cry Better not pout, I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list and checking it twice; He's gonna find out who's naughty and nice Santa Claus is coming to town." For many people, Jesus is essentially Santa Claus. Like Santa, many think that Jesus is … Continue reading Santa Theology
Big things come in small packages
Have you ever looked under the Christmas tree to inspect still-wrapped gifts for size and shape and weight? As a child, I used to think, “the bigger, the better.” But over the years, I’ve discovered the wonderful reality that big things come in small packages. In fact, the greatest things come in small packages. This couldn’t … Continue reading Big things come in small packages
Holiness is what I need for Christmas
Jesus didn't come just to make us happy, happy, happy. He came so that ruined people could be declared holy, holy, holy before a righteous God. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our personal circumstances. Holiness is our eternal standing before God based on the finished work of His Son, Jesus. The LORD God says, Be … Continue reading Holiness is what I need for Christmas
The Messiah – more than just background music?
In December of 1984, during my junior year at Lakeview Centennial High School, the a cappella choir was invited to sing George Frideric Handel’s, Messiah, in its entirety with our rival school (South Garland) at the newly opened Garland Performing Arts Center. Many of us were friends from earlier days at O’Banion Middle School, so we were excited to … Continue reading The Messiah – more than just background music?
The Wonder of Christmas
Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of the year... One of the challenges of Christmas is letting God speak to your soul rather than simply lull you to sleep. The familiarity of Christmas stories, songs, and scriptures can detour your heart down an emotional street, … Continue reading The Wonder of Christmas
following Jesus 