The dynamics of discipleship (part 43)

Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

SPEAKING TRUTH: Responding with honor. Resisting retaliation

But how does God say we should respond when someone wrongs us? His Word tells us to “never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.

OUT TO PASTOR: Another celebration in the bank

This month, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I celebrate the 52nd anniversary of our engagement.And in August, it’ll be the 52nd anniversary of our wedding.I can’t believe we have been together for 52 years. But, alas, here it is.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 42)

Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: “There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Seeing Christ ‘alright’

Good week. Welcome to the “Front Porch.”Can you imagine John’s squinting his eyes toward the shadowy figure standing out on the shore that pre-dawn morning?Then his eyes get big and joy leaps into his heart as he realizes something huge, “It is the Lord!

OUT TO PASTOR: Ugly isn’t for sissies

Over the years of marital bliss, we’ve not had many disagreements. She likes broccoli. I like Apple Fritters.But, outside of that, everything has been rather smooth.There’s one controversy that has plagued our house for the last few years, and there doesn’t seem to be any solution.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 41)

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: ‘It is the Lord’ gives us life’s greatest philosophy

Good week. Welcome to the “Front Porch.”Near morning, John writes as he begins his narrative in the twenty-first chapter of John – a shadowy figure appears on the shore of the sea where seven of the Lord’s disciples have fished all night.

OUT TO PASTOR: Sow a thought – reap a pie

One thing that has been burning in my life has been thoughts.Not that I don’t have thoughts, but I’m not quite sure how to use them when I have them.Looking back over my life, it has been my thoughts that often got me into trouble.

The dynamics of discipleship (part 40)

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers.