There are several typical reasons people give for not wanting to “go to church.”  You’ve probably heard them.  Maybe you’ve used one of them yourself!  Such as: “I just went because my mother made me when I was a kid” or “It’s the only day I have to sleep-in and relax” or “There are just too many hypocrites in the church.”  Good excuses?  Not for the true disciple who loves the Lord and wants to h...  Read More

“I look to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?  No, my strength comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth, and the mountains” (Psalm 121:1).The above is from The Message, and not the typical wording of this verse.  But I must admit I was always a little confused by the traditional translations.  The ESV renders this: “I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help c...  Read More

In this new series starting today we will look at some of the Songs of Ascent, which were Psalms written to be sung as Jews made their way ascending from the countryside to the mountain that Jerusalem was located on.  No matter where they came from, as they neared the city they would ascend (go up) to the capital and the temple.  A theme that can be put to these Psalms is “A Long Obedience in the ...  Read More

I’m a soup and sandwich sort of guy.  I remember working in Columbia, MO for years, and my favorite lunch places were those that provided soup and sandwich options.  A little diner downtown that would provide tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches, or vegetable soup with ham and cheese on rye.  This was mostly before the advent of Panera Bread, and I preferred the mom and pop places anyway.  I’...  Read More

Have you ever wondered what the deal is with Satan?  I mean he is the adversary of the Christian, seeking his or her downfall, tempting the Christian with sin, diverting our eyes to distractions that take us away from the straight and narrow path.  Bad dude.  Seriously. One of the questions I’ll have for God when I get a chance in heaven is: Why does Satan even exist?  First, let’s consider where ...  Read More

Catholics are known for their system of salvation that relies on works.  You must follow through with the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church to have assurance of being saved (baptism, confirmation, communion (eucharist), reconciliation, anointing sick, matrimony, holy orders).  For followers of John Calvin and his doctrine of predestination, faith alone is the path to salvation, and God grant...  Read More

 As Rexanne and I traveled to Prague, Czech Republic in late 2021 to run the Christian library there for 6 weeks (while the directors traveled back to the states for a conference and to raise support for library expansion), people seem intrigued when we tell them that about 80% of Czech people identify as atheists or agnostics. Why is that? More recently you can point to the times when the Nazi’s ...  Read More

We live in an age when there are many who want faith in Christ to be very subjective.  In other words, if they believe in a vague way in Jesus, and accept him into their heart (never prescribed in the Bible), then they are bound for heaven and can pretty much live the way they want.  Not the biblical prescription.There was a time in history when Christians had to rely on the church leaders to teac...  Read More

G.K. Chesterton is not a name known by many today, but he was an Englishman of the early 1900’s who was noted for his wit and use of paradox in his Christian writings.  In 1910, for example, he liked to raise eyebrows by solemnly telling visitors that he had “been doing what is wrong” all morning.  Playing with the words, he was referring to a book he was writing, entitled “What is Wrong.”  Over h...  Read More

It’s January 1604.  King James and his closest advisors (called the Privy Council), along with nine bishops and deans, and four Puritans, are together, keeping warm at The Palace Hampton.  The Puritans have requested this meeting.  They had presented the king with a petition to purify the church as he was on his way from Scotland to London, claiming his throne.  1,000 Puritans signed the petition,...  Read More

Is the Christian life an easy one?  American Christians have been very spoiled for many years but are starting to experience what has been true through much of history, that the Christian way can be difficult and filled with turmoil as we live with purpose and for a cause that is “good news” and yet rejected by many vehemently since they do not want this commitment and lifestyle.  The tough life o...  Read More

In the year 1738 Johann Sebastian Bach is recognized as one of the greatest organists of his day.  He is a choirmaster at Leipzig, Germany, and he also composes and teaches.  He is considered an outstanding teacher, many of his students becoming musical professionals of high caliber, including four of his own sons who study under him.  This is all true, but Bach’s love of music and his perfectioni...  Read More