We are failing our boys, and the consequences are deadly. There was another mass shooting at a school this week. These have become all too familiar. We know what to expect. A young man found or bought a gun and used it to commit a terrible atrocity. The rush to politicize these events is always …
The days are long, but the years are short. These are wise words that were spoken to Angela and I when our kids were younger. Our oldest son turned fifteen last week, and I was reminded again of the sage wisdom. Some days as a parent seem to last a month. And yet, as holidays …
The practice of spiritual disciplines will aid you in your walk with Jesus and in your walk with others. The more time you spend in Bible reading and prayer, for instance, the more likely you are to be growing in godliness. There are lists of spiritual disciplines and books written about spiritual disciplines. Lists include …
When Peter stood up to preach in Acts (you can really choose any of his sermons), he spoke with confidence and conviction. Peter spoke with boldness. One of the hallmarks of effective evangelism is boldness in the declaration of the gospel. However, boldness may not be exactly what you think it is. For example, in …
Job is my favorite book of the Bible. I have loved Job since hearing E. V. Hill preach his wife’s funeral from the book of Job. Job’s story is heart-wrenching, but his faith is exceptional, and his God proves to be magnificent and glorious. Job suffers, not because he is sinful, but precisely because he …
Pastors are lonely. We hear that often, and I know from experience that it can be true. It isn’t only pastors. Our culture is isolated and alone. Recently Lifeway wrote that even among church goers, only about 2 in 5 took it upon themselves to check on other church members during the pandemic. 3 in …
Loneliness in the 21st century is a paradox. A paradox is a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. Loneliness today is a paradox because people are more connected than at any other point in history, yet they claim to feel more …
One of the best remembered scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the knife fight between Butch and Harvey Logan. As the story goes, the gang is tired of Butch’s leadership and Harvey emerges as the favorite to lead the Hole in the Wall Gang. Only, Butch stands in the way. Butch is …
How do you invite people to church? A friend of mine invites people to church with one condition: “If you’re perfect, this isn’t the place for you, because we are a bunch of messed up people.” Most people really appreciate that honesty. We Christians, if we aren’t careful about it, can give off an air …
Is A the most famous chord on the guitar? Probably not. I doubt there is a “most famous chord,” and yet, in the hands of one man in a particular setting, nothing can bring a crowd to life like an A chord. I’m learning the guitar, so when I play an A chord, it is …