Majors and Minors. No, not baseball! No, not the prophets either. Yesterday, I watched a videoed sermon about major and minor things Jesus said. The speaker's agenda was to get his audience to see that there are somethings Jesus says worth fighting over and somethings he believes that Jesus or the New Testament penman said that we … Continue reading Majors and Minors
worship
What Comes to Your Mind
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "WORSHIP?" There are many possibilities and through the years people shared the following answers with me: Preaching Prayer Communion (The Lord's Supper, Eucharist) Choirs Drama / Interpretive dance Singing Praise A praise team or praise band An exciting atmosphere A solemn hour Dread Enthusiasm Lights and … Continue reading What Comes to Your Mind
Praise God!
On the way to my study this morning I listened to a minister who was describing Isaiah's realization of God's true holiness and man's sinfulness in Isaiah 6. This minister had some great thoughts that helped me see more about worship and praise that God is due. As I have had time to reflect on … Continue reading Praise God!
Church Assemblies circa A.D. 150
I found this quote nearly 30 years ago and I keep it bookmarked in the source. It is in Cairns, Earle E., Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church (Zondervan:Grand Rapids) 1981, pp. 83. Quoting from The First Apology by Justin Martyr (A.D. 150-155) and the Didache (A.D. 90-150), Cairns records: "The service, … Continue reading Church Assemblies circa A.D. 150
Here I am to Worship
The Greek word most commonly translated worship finds its roots in the idea of "kissing the ground before" or bowing low in front of the object of your affection and adoration. Worship then is to offer by word, or action, a message of respect and submission. If there is no message of submission and respect there is … Continue reading Here I am to Worship
Making a Habit of Worship
Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when the said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!’” Worship. Jesus said, “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24). I am not sure that we can emphasize worship too much. We owe God something that can … Continue reading Making a Habit of Worship
Do you have a Favorite Hymn?
Recently, we have started singing Magnificat (Words and Music by Randy Gill) as a congregation. This song is based on Mary's praise to God when she learns that God has chosen her to bring Immanuel into the world and her visit to Elizabeth, the soon to be mother of John the Baptist. - Luke 1:46-55. If you are … Continue reading Do you have a Favorite Hymn?
Once More
About 5 years ago as we sat down to breakfast my then pre-teen son and I joked about what archaeologists would say about football if they dug up a stadium 5,000 years from now. Here were the possibilities we came up with: They might consider the stadium to be a temple or place of worship (every town has one). … Continue reading Once More
Why You Should Not Go to Church
I know, what preacher in his right mind would title a post this way, and why even make such a suggestion?! Well, I am not sure why a preacher in his right mind would do that. However, I will proceed with a list of why you should not go to church. And I refuse to … Continue reading Why You Should Not Go to Church
What Do You Want from Me?
Have you ever asked - or thought - that question? Has someone asked you that question? Maybe it was in a situation where your wife, or husband, had expectations that you simply missed. You ask, "What do you want me to do (say)?" It is possible that such a question arises out of frustration, but … Continue reading What Do You Want from Me?
Driving Thought 