Several years ago I played hooky from church so I could go to church. That is to say, I skipped my own congregation’s Sunday service and headed a few blocks over to another local church, where a visiting speaker was scheduled to preach. The speaker was also an author and had written several books that, […]
Is It Still Good News? Read More »
The following post is Pastor Josh’s sermon manuscript from August, 16th, 2020. The text he preached from was Matthew 15:1-20 which is copied below (out of the ESV). Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered
Washing Your Hands Isn’t Enough Read More »
So you’re a non-religious skeptic and you’ve just received a flyer in the mail from a local church about coming to one of their Easter services. You’re tempted to just throw it in the garbage. Your mind says that you should explore this religion first before just rejecting it out of hand. To reject it
Why Explore Christianity First? Read More »
The growing disciple of Christ has a new standard for his life. He wants to know what God says through His word and wants to do what he hears God say. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do
The Fruit of Following God – Part 9: Submissive Obedience Read More »
Ultimately, this attribute answers the questions, “Who (or what) is first in my life?” And, “why do I exist?” These questions address what is often called “The Lordship Commitment.” Does Christ hold first place in the life of the disciple? Will he or she submit to and obey His revealed will in all matters of
The Fruit of Following God – Part 7: “Lives to Glorify God” Read More »
This post comes from Pastor Bob Thompson (D.Min.) of Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory, NC. Bob has been a minister in the UCC for two decades. Last week I decided to watch myself on TV. I wasn’t glad I did. I don’t know that I’ve watched my own sermon on video since seminary. It is,
When You Give Yourself a ‘B’ Read More »