By Paul Koch - I will never forget the day I first walked into the great cathedral in Strasburg, France. I was a much younger man and quite impressionable, to be sure. But that building was a shock to the system. It wasn’t just the sights of the grand gothic architecture, or the massive stained … Continue reading Even the Dogs
By Cindy Koch - Until I taught a Bible study on Proverbs 31, I really didn’t know how very much women were hurt by this chapter in the Bible. Now, this is the inspired Word of God, and all of Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (1 Timothy … Continue reading Remembering the Righteous Woman
By Joel A. Hess - Many people, even those who are remotely familiar with Christianity, know the popular story of Peter walking on the water. Oh sure, Jesus was more successful at this miraculous task, but we are far more excited about Peter’s experiment, right? Matthew tells us that one evening Jesus told the disciples … Continue reading Stay in the Boat!
By Joel A. Hess - “Good morning America, how are you? Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!" - The City of New Orleans, Arlo Guthrie The same could be said when America met Michelle Carter a couple of years ago. She is the girl who was recently convicted of involuntary manslaughter because she … Continue reading Michelle Carter: Look in the Mirror America
By Cindy Koch - Deep breath. What do you smell? What do you taste? What do you feel? Exhale. We slowly, calmly, intentionally explore every sensation rushing through our minds. Stop focusing on the past, look right in front of you. Stop anticipating the future, simply embrace the present – today. Mindfulness, being present, living … Continue reading Myth of Mindfulness
By Joel Hess - In my earlier days as a pastor in the beautiful hills of south eastern Ohio, a colleague mentioned his frustration when people stood up for the bride during a wedding ceremony, “I was taught that we only stand up for Christ.” At the moment I agreed with the fellow. I am … Continue reading Let Us Rise For The Bride!
By Bryan Salminen - The cross confronts us with the fragility of Jesus. He’s no superman who leaps down and says, “only joking." He suffers to the end. We wonder how this awful spectacle can possible be necessary for our salvation. We’re supposed to wonder that. We wonder whether this tiny, broken, wasted body can possibly … Continue reading Hanging by a Thread
