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 Paul Koch - The whole context of Matthew Chapter 18 is centered on knowing who the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is, and then how we are to treat them, if they are indeed the greatest. It all begins back in verse 1, when the disciples ask our Lord just who is the … Continue reading Foundational Forgiveness
By Tim Winterstein - One of my favorite lines from any song is “Every moment is a red light/a red light you just run” (“Puttin' Out Fires,” Bill Mallonee [Vigilantes of Love]). It highlights the futility of trying to undo something that is in the past. As we feel the burden or the guilt of … Continue reading An Island of Guilt
By Joel A. Hess - Why do bad things happen to good people? Answer: There are no good people! Is there a more common question asked by long-time church goers or sarcastic atheists? Holy Scripture makes it clear that there are no good people. I love John’s comment about Jesus at the end of chapter … Continue reading Why Do Good Things Happen To Bad People?
By Paul Koch - We gather together on a day like this in a place like this in order to experience the Word of God. The divine revelation of the Creator of the universe is proclaimed in our fellowship, it is washed over our heads in baptism, placed into our mouths in the supper of … Continue reading Where Two or Three are Gathered
By Tim Winterstein - What if you could stand outside your life and look at it from a distance? That's the premise of Wakefield, the recently released film starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner. A power outage and a raccoon bring Harold (Cranston) to the space above his garage, from where he can see his … Continue reading The Stories We Tell Ourselves
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
