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

The Arabella ship rises and falls, creaking and rolling on the sea, as the ocean lifts it up and then drops it down on the water.  The so-called Puritans are on their way to this new land, across the Atlantic to the west.  A man named John Winthrop gently writes, making slight adjustments in his posture as he allows for the movement of the ship. He will be governor of this effort to colonize.He ha...  Read More

Fanny Crosby is a name well known among people who use old fashioned song books in church.  I grew up using the typical hymns and continued through much of my adult life.  Contemporary worship songs are a relatively new phenomenon.  I didn’t pay a lot of attention back in the day to the authors of these hymns, but I do remember the name Fanny Crosby.  Blind from infancy, Fanny Crosby was a compete...  Read More

Missions Walk – CrosslinesOur last milestone in our missions walk, is a local mission here in Lebanon that Southern Heights supports called “Crosslines Ministry.”  Crosslines personnel help feed families and help families in crisis with various needs.  They work closely with agencies in Laclede county such as MOCA, Cope House, Red Cross, New Life House, Pathways, and often coordinate with low inco...  Read More

Type your new text here. While Rexanne and I are on our Missionary Trip to Prague, Czech Republic, from 11/5-12/17/21, instead of the weekly Cross Point article, I will point you to my blog, where I plan to give updates on Thu or Fri during the trip, called Prague: People – Places – Prayers.  Timing depends on circumstances. Keep in mind there is a 7-hour time difference (if 10am here, it’s 5pm in...  Read More

Type your new text here. Rexanne Willis October 2021 Missions Walk – Missouri State University & University of Missouri Christian Campus HousesWalk this way, talk this way.....society tries to tell us what to do.  Young college students are especially vulnerable to this mixed bag of messages.   Students step onto college campuses and are bombarded with new ideas, messages of change, and decisions,...  Read More