Many years ago I read a story from the 1200's during the time of the Inquisition. Misguided religious people joined with other Crusaders believing they were to eliminated all "heretics" not by converting them to Christ, but by putting them to death. If an Inquisitor came to your place of business or home, you had … Continue reading Proving You Are a Christian
Christians
The Others
No not the movie, I still have nightmares. I am speaking of the others, as in, those around you. Think about the other people you contact, connect with, and cross paths with each day. Think especially about your brothers and sisters in Christ. The more I study God's Word and reflect on His message, I become more and … Continue reading The Others
A Good Soldier
Today is Veterans Day. As I think about the men who served our country, I also think about those who serve in the Lord's Army.
Knowing the Enemy
As Christians, we need to know our enemy. Your enemy is not others in your congregation that you had a disagreement with. Your enemy is not the church down the road. Our enemy is not the people across the political aisle. The enemy is Satan - the devil. Starting today and for a few posts that … Continue reading Knowing the Enemy
Which Church?
Churches want to grow. Those that grow are contagious congregations that focus on people over programs. Growing churches reach their communities with the good news of salvation in Christ and keep people connected because they help people mature in their individual spirituality. These congregations bring people to Christ and assimilate them into the body of Christ … Continue reading Which Church?
Why do bad things happen to me?
Why do bad things happen to good people? This may be the most commonly asked question about God. One which some refer to as the “Achilles Heel” of Christianity. Why does a loving, all-powerful God allow suffering in His world?First this is not the bell toll of death for Christianity that some make it out to be. Here are my … Continue reading Why do bad things happen to me?
Great Churches
Buildings, attendance, history, social programs, benevolence programs, outreach efforts, mission events, youth or children's ministries, and membership involvement opportunities. These are many of the suggestions I read about from church growth experts on a regular basis. Admittedly, each one of these has merit. Yet, even if a church is doing all these things, they could be like … Continue reading Great Churches
Well He is Just . . . Different.
This coming Sunday at Central, we will complete a series from 1 Peter entitled, "Christ-Centered Christians." Of these fives chapters the lesson that stands out to me is from 1 Peter 2 when the apostle describes Christians with these terms: a holy priesthooda chosen raceA royal priesthooda holy nationa people of God's own possessionGod's people.As God's people, … Continue reading Well He is Just . . . Different.
What is the Church?
From a purely doctrinal and linguistic point of view, the church is those called out by God. The word translated church is a word describing a group of purposefully assembled people. But that is not the answer I wanted to share to today's question. What is the Church? According to the writers of the New … Continue reading What is the Church?
Some Questions for You and Me
I thought I would start off our week with four questions and a fifth one as a concluding thought. Who do you love? That question seems simple enough. Since I asked this on a religious blog, you know the answer is God, Christ, Church, or maybe your spouse. But then again, there are other things … Continue reading Some Questions for You and Me
Driving Thought 