Recently I was in the Salford Meetinghouse near Harleysville, Pennsylvania. I was alone, standing in that small chapel that seats maybe 60 people, viewing the large pulpit and the pot-belly stove; wondering what worship would have been like in the early 20th century. The worship services were in German, you know. Looking out the windowContinue reading “Treatment of the Stranger, an Indicator of Devotion”
Tag Archives: christianity
I’m troubled, but I must have faith.
I am particularly troubled by the recent barrage of violence in our country. I trust you are as well. Here are just a few of the heinous crimes in the news: At this I ask, what is the world coming to!? On the other hand, I turn to the Scriptures and find that Jesus warnedContinue reading “I’m troubled, but I must have faith.”
Does God really help those who help themselves?
Recently I was in the Salford Meetinghouse in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Standing in that small chapel that seats maybe 60 people, viewing that large pulpit and the pot-belly stove, I wondered what worship would have been like in the early 20th century. The worship services were in German, you know. Looking out the window onto theContinue reading “Does God really help those who help themselves?”
What Makes a Church Big?
A big church seems to be the goal of many congregations. But I wonder if the term “big,” is limited too much to physicality, and not enough to spirituality. Pastor Levi Hoffman spoke these words at the dedication of this building on June 10, 1951. He said: “ “Speaking about the material structure, this isContinue reading “What Makes a Church Big?”
Reflections on Billy Graham
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43 I was taken aback when I heard of the passing of Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. Dr. Graham was an icon on the American religious landscape, since his ministry started in 1947. He was arguably the most influential Christian inContinue reading “Reflections on Billy Graham”
Reaching and Retaining the Next Generation
Experience can be a cruel teacher. It must be balanced with loving instruction. A young man decided to take private boxing lessons. He found a boxing coach at a nearby gym who agreed to give him twenty-six weekly sessions. As part of his instruction, the young man was required to spar with other aspiring boxersContinue reading “Reaching and Retaining the Next Generation”
“Two Different Versions”
The following message is based on Matthew 27:62-28:1-15. It addresses why the resurrection of Jesus is important to Christians. This greatest of all miracles defies all conspiracy and is the only catalyst for man’s peace with God. It was delivered on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Recently, I was reminded how people prefer a certain version against theContinue reading ““Two Different Versions””
“Post Christmas Blues?”
The following message is based on Psalm 90 and discusses our God’s eternality and humankind’s mortality, as we see in another year. It was given on December 30, 2012. This week I had the pleasure of having family in from California and Missouri. We had a great time with our favorite foods, playing games, opening presents,Continue reading ““Post Christmas Blues?””
Central to Life 