Psalm 133 reads: “. . . How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the…
What’s Your Approach to the Lord’s Day?
My mom has this story about hiding from her parents while she read a book on Sunday afternoon. She read secretly because she grew up in a church tradition that was militant about how you spent Sunday. Sunday was reserved…
The Business of the Church is Not The Business of the Church
“The business of the church is not the business of the church.” First, the quote is not original to me, and I’m not sure who wants or deserves credit, so I won’t give it. I think a double meaning is…
A Local Church is Not a Local Church
A “local church” that is “local,” is not a local church. Our Lord mandated, “Go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). ———- UPDATE per the comment of OSU fan Brian McLaughlin: Better said, a local church that…
No Pious Particles: Christians Need One Another
Haddon Robinson writes: . . . Let’s not kid ourselves. We can’t be what Moffat called “a pious particle,” a Christian in isolation. We need the church for our own grip on faith. We may approach the Throne as individuals,…
Why People Left Their Church
One of my heart felt prayers for Unpacking Forgiveness is that God will use it to help people in a local church resolve a conflict and persevere together. Satan is on the prowl and, perhaps, his favorite way to gain…
Never Another Chance Quite Like This for the Bricks
First, can you tell which one is not real? Who do you think is the best looking? I don’t share this picture only to be cute. Prayerfully walking around our church this morning, seeing how hard our church family has…
Writing from the Land of Lincoln
In 1832, if you had asked a 23 year old Abraham Lincoln what he thought of the area that is now Stillman Valley, Lincoln probably wouldn’t have wanted to talk about it. Here on the ground that is now Stillman…
Facts About How “American Christians” Give
If you have not read: Smith, Christian, and Michael O. Emerson. Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money. New York: Oxford Univeristy Press, 2008. At least read this alarming summary. . .Here are 6 facts about…
Think Twice Before Wearing Out Your Pastor
In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Paul issued a grim warning for people who damage local churches. 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will…