By Paul Koch - It has occurred to me that I have been to more weddings than the average person. I’ve been behind the scenes. I’ve been to visit the bride in that quiet moment before the service begins to ask for God’s blessing upon their union. I’ve instructed both young and old men how … Continue reading The Wrong Righteousness
By Joel A. Hess - This month, people around the world will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Five hundred years ago, a little-known monk and professor at a little-known college in Germany nailed 95 statements against the popular practice of selling indulgences. He assumed a good discussion would follow and that the … Continue reading Happy 2000th Anniversary of the Reformation!
By Paul Koch - What we do here in this place seems, at times, to be disjointed from the world in which we live. I suppose it has always been so: the rhythm and focus of the church is not governed by the cares and fears of our world. It offers something more, something unmovable … Continue reading Joyfully Losing
By Bob Hiller - The waiting is the hardest part. Every day you see one more card. You take it on faith, you take it to the heart. The waiting is the hardest part. Tom Petty died this week. After suffering from cardiac arrest on Sunday night, he was taken to the hospital, where he … Continue reading The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
By Scott Keith - I recently heard a preacher say that it is possible for preachers and teachers to “Gospel souls right into hell.” I really don't wish to mischaracterize or impugn what the preacher was trying to communicate, but, needless to say, I was a bit shocked. I think his concern is that there … Continue reading Gospeling Souls Right Into Hell
By Cindy Koch - Look in the mirror, my daughter. What do you see? Can you see the beautiful girl that God created you to be? Do you see the white robe of righteousness that Christ put on you? Do you see a perfect and blameless life that lives inside of your heart? Probably not. … Continue reading Baptized Bride
By Cindy Koch - I watched your face when I said that to you. Your eyes widen just a little. Your chin shifts back as the syllables sink in. You heard me, but it seems like the words must mean something else. We are better than what? What is she really saying here? You look … Continue reading Ladies, We are Better than That
