Tag Archives: Jesus

Treatment of the Stranger, an Indicator of Devotion

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”

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?”

The Reason for Easter

Although often crowded by the attention given to Spring or the expectation of the Easter Bunny, today has been the foundation of the Christian faith for 2,000 years. Resurrection Sunday is why Christians exist. It is what separates Christianity from all of the world’s religions. It is the deal maker. It is the day thatContinue reading “The Reason for Easter”

Jesus Knows Your Needs

When Jesus died on the cross, He experienced emotional, spiritual and physical pain. Consider the words found in John 19:28: “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” All of this happened as a result of the work being finished and His lifeContinue reading “Jesus Knows Your Needs”

A Reasonable Response

How do you respond when someone presents you with a gift? Surprised? Grateful? Embarrassed? How would you have responded by receiving the following gifts? Police detective Robert Cunningham liked to hang out at Sal’s Pizzeria in Yonkers, New York. One day in 1984, in lieu of a tip, Cunningham offered waitress Phyllis Penzo half interestContinue reading “A Reasonable Response”