It’s common for congregations to administer opinion surveys occasionally. But I’ve seen mixed results.
A friend once gave me a book on near death experiences (NDEs). He was excited about the collection of personal testimonies of people who apparently died and what they saw. He was sure it proved there is life beyond death. After reading the bo…
We grew up as high school friends and he became a music leader for church congregations. He told me the most embarrassing day was when he mounted the steps to the platform to begin worship, tripped and fell headlong onto the floor. Fortunatel…
Think back to all the vehicles you have owned. You might even reflect on the earliest modes of transportation: trike, bike, scooter, skates, skateboard (a horse?). How did it feel to be in control of something propelling you on wheels? Thrill…
Many of us were raised with some knowledge of Gospel parables. “The Good Samaritan” may come to mind. Parables are stories that have a teaching purpose, lessons for life. In seminary Greek studies we learned that a parable is literally a tale…
I’m unsure why her statement never struck me before as it did in preparing for Easter. I used the final of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus in John’s gospel. John especially wanted us to understand the nature of Christ. At Lazarus’ graves…
When I was a child I was taught to fold my hands together and bow my head to pray. As an Evangelical teen, I was taught to hold my hands, palms up, to “receive blessings” from the Lord. In my Pentecostal period, I was taught to raise my hands…
