Are there times in the Bible when you so identify with the characters and the situation that you can almost imagine yourself in the scene? About a month before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, a close knit family of three siblings experience pain and grief up close as the brother suddenly takes ill and passes away….
We are starting a small group study in the book of Philippians. Philippians is a book of joy and grace. If I were writing a commentary on the book, I would probably title the work, “Faith Makes My Heart Smile.” You can study by talking about the context and the background of the writing of…
From time to time, I have taught classes prompted by questions asked by members of the class. Some teachers cringe at that style of teaching. The teacher can’t “prepare” for class ahead of time. The teaching content – even how to glorify God – provides answers to the questions, immediate responses to the queries asked….
The two words don’t seem to belong together, do they? Oh I suppose there were years when it took courage to get up at 3:30am on Black Friday to shop at Walmart, but some would say that is more craziness than courage. Surely it doesn’t take courage to get through Christmas. Let’s continue our thoughts…
My youngest daughter Rachel was a part of the worship service at Eastside Christian Church last weekend. The role of participating in worship services is not foreign to Rachel. On many occasions, she has played a piano keyboard, an electric or an acoustic guitar, and a violin to help provide instrumental music in our praise…
This week as we are counting down the days until Christmas, let’s look at two verses from the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus to center some thoughts. The verses focus on a group of political and religious leaders who followed a star to meet the newly born child in Bethlehem. Many trace the…
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” The lament came from the lips of Charlie Brown in the animated Christmas classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charles Schultz’ lovable gang of kids and a dog subtly offer answers to that question throughout the thirty minute extravaganza. Who would have guessed the question was…
From time to time I share columns I have written for the News-Tribune, a paper that I write for each week. This a column I wrote about voting for president from the week of October 11, 2020. Thanks to Bill Hanson and Susan Duncan, my publisher and editor respectively. Articles of interest and breaking news…
Rarely do I recommend that you buy a book to read. Occasionally, I will tell you that I have published a book, but this is a book that you must read before you vote in the election. It is by far the most important book outside of the Bible that I have read in years….
The newest course in the Koinonia Bible Study Series is being released. Come Together: fellowship at a distance examines the biblical concept of fellowship through the example of the early church and the writing and ministry of the Apostle Paul. The parallels between the persecution of the early church and today’s coronavirus pandemic are startling….