Who Gets the Chair?

“When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessings, he was filled with joy…” (Acts 11:23a NLT) One of my favorite devotions that I read each day is by Ron Hutchcraft. It’s called A Word With You. In a recent article he told the story of Cindy, who attended a campus ministry he ledContinue reading “Who Gets the Chair?”

The One True God of the Bible

“But the Lord is the only true God.” (Jeremiah 10:10a NLT) In the days in which we live you’re in a vast minority to believe there is only one God. And an even greater minority to believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Why is that? I’m certainly no expert in the historyContinue reading “The One True God of the Bible”

Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?

“This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.” (Luke 22:19b NLT) Today’s post began as a letter to an inmate who was wrestling with why Jesus would introduce Communion (The Lord’s Supper) and Baptism. He seemed to think Jesus’ whole point was to do away with the law andContinue reading “Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?”

Whatever Became of Honor?

“I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.” (Psalm 138:2b NLT) In the film entitled The Last Samurai Tom Cruise is an American Captain in the late 1800’s. He has distinguished himself by his valor in battle, and his wisdom as aContinue reading “Whatever Became of Honor?”

Memories

“They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7 NKJV) Thinking about my life as a pastor, I’m discovering some of my most cherished memories are of the times I spent with people in the context of their pain and loss. Perhaps because it was in those sacredContinue reading “Memories”

Does God Send People to Hell?

“No one is righteous – not even one.” (Romans 3:10 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at why we can’t trust our own goodness to get us into heaven, concluding that Jesus is our only hope, based on what the Bible teaches. Many with whom I speak can’t wrap their minds around why Jesus mustContinue reading “Does God Send People to Hell?”

Willingly!

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NLT) Damaras Carbaugh, sang a song entitled “Willingly” on her 1996 album, Giving My Life Away. It was written by Phil and Marie Armenia. You can listen to the song on YouContinue reading “Willingly!”

Are You Longing for What Doesn’t Last?

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mark 8:36-37 NLT) In Mark chapter 8 Jesus is telling His disciples about His impending suffering, death and resurrection. Peter, unable to even begin to comprehend something so terrible, takes Jesus aside,Continue reading “Are You Longing for What Doesn’t Last?”