Worship is to offer a message of respect and submission. The main idea of the Greek word(s) is to "kiss the ground before" the object of worship. Worship is a part of and a demonstration of our total submission to the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior. In the early days of mankind as recorded in Genesis … Continue reading Why Worship God?

An article is circulating that lists five sins that the author claims are not really sins. Some of what they list, I never thought of as sin, like saying, "No" to a ministry or opportunity or disagreeing with a church leader.  One of the "sins" they listed as not a sin is "Not Assembling with … Continue reading Should I Give up on Church?

Maybe you have seen, read, or heard the illustration of a row boat used to explain the relationship between grace, works, and faith.  In this classic illustration the oars are labeled faith and works and the boat is named grace. You pull evenly with faith and works. You efforts keep you going in the right … Continue reading Boats and Grace

Our Bible study discussed Psalm 46 yesterday evening. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. … Continue reading Thinking About Worship

I heard you didn't believe in instruments. It was while I was an intern in Baldwin County, Alabama that I first heard it put that way. I had walked into a pawn shop and was looking at the guitars. I was playing a warm-up piece when the proprietor introduced himself and I told him I … Continue reading I Heard You Didn’t Believe In . . .

The Church is in trouble. At least that is what I am supposed to believe.  I hear / read reports every few weeks that talk about decline in attendance and membership. In nearly three decades of ministry I have heard from three generations as they complain about the Church and "organized religion." Every generation, from … Continue reading The Church Today

Today's blog is an inquiry from my brother, Doug McCown, who serves as an elder in the congregation were he attends. I'll add my answer(s) and his to below the question and let you add yours as comments. Please think about your worship to God...what things distract you? Please keep these comments focused on the … Continue reading What Distracts You?

I do not recall his real name and that embarrasses me. I can make an excuse that there were 2,000 people in my high school any given year and that if you count the out-going seniors incoming freshman each year from 1982-85, I went to high school with approximately 3,500 students. So forgetting or never … Continue reading Can I Be Sure?