By Joel A. Hess - Remember those stereograms that were popular a couple decades ago? What better way to eat a bunch of time in the mall while you wait for your family to buy school clothes. At first glance, the picture looks like a bunch of gibberish—random dots and colors. But if you stare … Continue reading How to see a 3D Image in a Stereogram
By Joel A. Hess - A young pastor was enjoying a children’s message with a bunch of elementary kids (if you can’t handle pastors talking to little kids in the Divine Service, please exit). He asked the kids, “What do you think Jesus said when He rose from the dead?” One girl responded, “Tada!” Everyone … Continue reading Beware of the Peace Snatchers
By Joel A. Hess - “For they were afraid!” That’s the end of Mark’s gospel. After being told that Jesus had risen from the dead, they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone—for they were afraid! The last words of Mark are … Continue reading For they were afraid! Happy Easter
By Joel A. Hess - Welcome. On behalf of the family of the deceased, I would like to thank you for being here. You have come to a funeral of sorts this Good Friday, haven’t you? Well, that’s what they say, I suppose. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to … Continue reading Whose Funeral Is It?
By Joel A. Hess - Although it has died down since the Donald took office, many prominent Christians and Christian organizations have been on a crusade to preserve the First Amendment in this country. No doubt, it has been under assault over the last 10 years as Hollywood and despotic judges have been on a … Continue reading Jesus doesn’t need Religious Freedom and neither does His Church
By Joel A. Hess - Keith was bent over with the pain. “Pastor! I’m scared.” They came in with cords and needles and tied him up as if they were tying up the illness. I held his hand and prayed. He squeezed tightly. All he saw was illness, pain, death, hopelessness. I held his hand … Continue reading Let Me Be Your Eyes
By Joel A. Hess - Most churches have that cute, little sign planted near the exit of their parking lot that tells parishioners, “You are now entering the mission field.” This reminder is founded on the faulty premise that the driver was not previously in the mission field as she sat in church, as if … Continue reading The Choir Needs to be Preached to
