We live in troubling times. Peace is a commodity more precious than gold. Today the CDC announced that the United States has “way too much virus” to control the pandemic as cases surge across the country. Meanwhile, nineteen hours ago, a new flu virus with “pandemic potential” found in China is carried by pigs but…
Over the years, people who know of my faith and my training in ministry, have a tendency to turn to me when spiritual information is needed. There tends to be two questions that I am asked over and over again because of my degrees from the Seminary. People want to know how about connecting the…
For most of us, the exile has seemed like years and months, not weeks. Hours before Sunday morning worships were scheduled to begin, decisions were made from Maine to California that church doors would not open on March 15th. The hope among politicians and religious leaders was that the act would help deter the spread…
Wondering how to work through a Koinonia Bible Study lesson? This chart shows you how to maneuver through the web page and what to expect. The chart steps you through a page showing several things to look for. Koinonia – from the New Testament Greek word for “fellowship” – Bible Studies provide a flexible presentation….
Across the country, churches are preparing for the day when their doors can again be opened and the people of God will gather on a Sunday morning. Our state and church are targeting the last Sunday in May as the “re-opening Sunday.” Some of the ministries and worship services that we enjoy will be very…
At least weekly, a Christian publication, blog post, sermon or podcast, or website strives for relevance by relating circumstances of the day with biblical events and teaching. “Is the coronavirus a result of God’s wrath against individuals or nations?” Thought-provoking content stirs our interest and increases readership. Should we see the virus as a judgment…
Our counting from Easter to Pentecost readies itself for the fourth week of the study. By Wednesday of this week, we will be at the halfway mark of the adventure. During the time, we focused on characteristics of spiritual growth, looking at unity and the mind. During the next week, the topic perseverance garners our…
Are you looking forward to the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 being lifted? Many people anticipate the day that live worship services return and gathering together becomes easier. But many websites are warning that after the coronavirus passes, there will be no “return to normal.” Life for us has changed forever. What will a sermon…
The word “scattered” describes the nation of the Jews throughout their history. The word occurs in the Old Testament to describe God’s involvement in the moving of people. (Interestingly, it is a word that Jesus uses in His parables, especially that of the sower.) Some of the relevant OT Scriptures include Genesis 11:4, Deuteronomy 4:27,…
The qualities that are emphasized in week two are strength, sound judgment and discipline. What will it take to develop those characteristics in your life? Perhaps more importantly, why are these characteristics that we should be concerned about at all? These are the issues that we will address during the days this week. Let’s think…