Our journey today in the eleventh chapter of Mark brings us to the point where the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities of His day reach a boiling point. Already, the Chief Priests feel they have to stop this Jesus. They fear His influence on people. They fear this could result in a loss … Continue reading Journey Through Mark – 11
churches
Why Do We Fight Each Other?
Many years ago, even before men like Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, or any other American Restoration Movement leader said it; and even before the "Paulicans" in Britain and France circa A.D. 500-1200, there were men calling those who would follow Christ to follow only the Scriptures as their guide for life, congregational … Continue reading Why Do We Fight Each Other?
God’s Concept of the Church
Last night - Wednesday - in our Bible class time, I shared a lesson that I have marked in all my Bibles, even in Olive Tree on my iPad. This lesson is "God's Concept of the Church." It is a good lesson for a personal Bible Study or a one on one study. I wanted … Continue reading God’s Concept of the Church
Church Signs
Church signs can be quite educational, sometimes helpful, sometimes funny, and sometimes misleading. Here are a few I collected over the last few years. 1. Free trip to heaven, Details inside! 2. Searching for a new look? Have your Faith lifted here. 3. Come in and pray today? Beat the Christmas rush. 4. Fight truth … Continue reading Church Signs
So Wide as a Church Door
In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, that most of us read in high school, Mercutio, Romeo's friend, receives a would in a street fight. When asked, Mercutio describes the wound this way, "'Tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a churh door; but 'tis enough, 'twill serve." I suppose that Shakespeare had … Continue reading So Wide as a Church Door
Singing and Understanding
Recently, Cole's dad, Rick shared a very interesting story with me. But first let me give you some background.Rick grew up attending a charismatic church, that uses popular style musical accompaniment, soloists, choirs, etc. in worship. Rick was one of the soloists. Rick married, Gina who grew up attending a non-denominational acapella Church of Christ. Rick attended … Continue reading Singing and Understanding
Re-Thinking Church
A lot of good religious folks are talking about the church, and are rethinking and redesigning the church. This May 1 and 2 the congregation at Sweetwater, TN will host a series of meetings designed to help us "Think About the Church." If you are close by or are traveling through, please stop in. Below is the … Continue reading Re-Thinking Church
Where I Used to Go to Church
Someone recently reminded me of a story of a man who spent five years isolated on a deserted island. When rescued those rescuing him noticed three straw huts, and asked him what they were. "That first one," he said pointing, "is my house." "The last one over there is where I go to church, and … Continue reading Where I Used to Go to Church
Guest Blogger asks a serious question
Today's blog is an inquiry from my older brother, Doug McCown, who serves as an elder in the congregation were he attends. I'll add my answer and his to below the question and let you add yours as comments.Please think about your worship to God...what things distract you? Discuss what you do to put these … Continue reading Guest Blogger asks a serious question
Why Members are Exiting Churches
A good walk and quiet commute this morning. The question of why members are leaving is weighing heavy on my mind this morning and for the last couple of days. This morning I give you four reasons why I think this is so and four suggestions on how those of us in church leadership and … Continue reading Why Members are Exiting Churches
Driving Thought 