It’s interesting to consider that we observe Christmas during the darkest season of the year. And this daily darkness can be ​very​ discouraging. Waking up under the stars and watching the sun set at four in the afternoon can put many of us in quite a dismal mood. However, several of the things we New […]

Many years ago a man was arrested by the local authorities even though he’d done nothing wrong.  He was accused of treason, and at the time, treason was punishable by an excruciating death. When the local authorities’ actions were brought into question by the regional judge, their only response was, “If he wasn’t a criminal, […]

This was originally published in the “Salt & Light” column of the  Intertown Record. Sometimes the simplest advice really is the best.  I personally have heard (and given) all kinds of marriage advice over the years, some of it more helpful than others.  I have read dozens of books on the topic, yet I keep […]

Have you ever witnessed a Christmas morning involving children?  Children who have been anxiously anticipating the opening of presents since the first autumn leaf hit the ground?  It is quite a sight to behold.   At first, everyone is sitting around the Christmas tree with these silly expressions on their faces – kind of like […]

At the end of our introduction to the current sermon series on 2 Corinthians, we briefly considered Paul’s opening words in the letter, where he reminded his readers that he was writing not just as a friend and mentor, but as an apostle — as an official and fully-authorized representative of Jesus Himself. Here is an […]

Do you believe in miracles? This time of year with the glow of the lights, the decorative colors, the delicious smells and the memorable songs, it’s easy for many of us to get captivated by the atmosphere and the essence of the season. Our elevated enthusiasm, our anticipation for what may come, our renewed hopes […]

One summary snapshot of the earliest, first-century Christian church reports that “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.” (Acts 4:33-34) The biblical writer goes on to detail the open-handed generosity of Christ-followers who freely shared their resources in a united effort to address the […]

A leading candidate in the current presidential melee raised eyebrows last summer when, while trying to convince religious conservative voters that he’s actually one of them (a surprise to many), he casually commented that he could not remember ever asking for God’s forgiveness, nor really even needing to. He explained that “when I do something […]

Fifty years ago this extremely important question was posed on national television: “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?” This question was asked by famous philosopher, and comic strip celebrity, Charlie Brown. You see, Charlie Brown was fed up with the many unsuccessful pursuits of happiness he saw all around […]