God has ordained and established three great institutions: the home (Genesis 1:27–28; Ephesians 5:22–31), the church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41–47), and government (Romans 13:1–7). There is no question regarding our belief that the church and state (government) should be separate and distinct. Each is a unique entity, not to be consolidated.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Church
The Problem with Progress, Part One
Looking back on it, it is admirable, almost heroic. We salute visionaries of yesteryear. They emerge from the pages of our history books as men and women of gallant faith. We shake our heads in amazement as we imagine the herculean courage it took to stand so confidently when the majority frowned so sternly. Yesterday’s progress earns for itself today’s monuments of stone.
Read MoreThe Church, Part Two
Yesterday, we discovered Dr. Jay Kesler’s five reasons why the church really is a big deal. No, it isn’t perfect (you’re a part of it, aren’t you?) and it hasn’t always modeled its message. But whatever is next in order of importance is a distant second—and I mean way down the line. So, what’s all the commotion about the church? Well, besides the things in the list, I can think of only one other reason worth consideration.
Read MoreThe Church, Part One
So, what’s the big deal about the church? Good question. And it deserves a good answer. Something more than, “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place kids oughta be on Sunday.” Or how about, “There’s not a better spot to make business contacts.” Really, now . . . haven’t you wondered at times if the church is that significant in a day of high-level decisions and powerful international issues? I sure have.
Read MoreSleeping in Church
I really feel sorry for Eutychus. It was bad enough for the fella to fall asleep in church while Paul was preaching . . . he even fell out the window to his death three stories below! But then, of all things, Dr. Luke included the incident for all the world to read down through the centuries. Think of that! The only time Eutychus got his name in Scripture was when he died while sleeping in church. Makes you glad the Bible is complete, doesn’t it?
Read MoreRadical Adjustments, Part One
Extreme dilemmas are usually solved by radical adjustments. It used to be called “fighting fire with fire.” Minor alterations won’t do. If the situation is getting completely out of hand, a slight modification won’t cut it. It’s get-with-it time. If the tumor is the size of a grapefruit, taking a handful of vitamins three times a week isn’t the answer.
Read MoreNo Place for Islands
Nobody is a whole chain. Each one is a link. But take away one link and the chain is broken. Nobody is a whole team. Each one is a player. But take away one player and the game is forfeited. Nobody is a whole orchestra. Each one is a musician. But take away one musician and the symphony is incomplete. Nobody is a whole play. Each one is an actor. But take away one actor and the performance suffers.
Read MoreSunday Listening, Part Two
We’ve been talking about the essential skill of listening, particularly as it relates to Sunday sermons. I asked you to come up with some ideas on what can be done by the listener (not the preacher) to keep the sermon interesting. Let’s consider together how we could improve our listening skills. I’m indebted to Haddon Robinson, a Ph.D. in the field of communication, for these four “don’ts” that are worth remembering.
Read MoreThe Meaning of Praise
There are times when the hardest words in the world to utter are “Praise the Lord!” (also translated “Hallelujah!”). These words just don’t flow from our lips. In fact, there are times we are turned off even when others use the words! Interestingly, each of the last five psalms in the Hebrews’ ancient songbook begins with that exclamation of praise.
Read MoreThe Importance of Leadership
In Psalm 127, the arrows are in our hands, needing direction. As the songwriter continues his thoughts regarding the family in Psalm 128, he says that “everyone who fears the LORD” will be blessed or happy. The context is the family—specifically, the children God gives. As the progression continues from 127:3–5 to 128:1–2, we see how each arrow is to be carefully directed . . .
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