If you were on social media for more than about 45 seconds last weekend, you saw a reference to it. The quotes were similar, and the sentiment was universal. Due to dozens–even hundreds–of congregations of the Lord’s people cancelling public worship services and having services online in their homes, people were saying that it was about time the church “got out of the building.” It is a glorious and Biblical sentiment. Certainly, the New Testament demands that we come together (cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26) and there is an emphasis on not neglecting these assemblies (Hebrews 10:25). However, as was mentioned so often this past weekend, if we confine…

From time to time, we hear about a leader who has decided to no longer serve in that capacity. The decision may be made because of age, health, family, or one of many other reasons. Usually what we hear is that the person has made the decision to “step down.” When I hear a statement like that, I always have a question. That question is not, “Why?” Unless I am personally affected in some way, the decision is probably none of my business. Instead, the question I usually have may look like a question for a teacher of the English language.  Here’s my question:   “Was the correct adverb used?” I invite you…

While watching a part of a political debate recently, I saw a commercial for the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I hope that you will notice the preposition in the organization’s name.  It is from, not of. What caught my attention was a picture of the top portion of a penny.   As you can see, instead of the usual phrase we are used to seeing, this one cent piece had this phrase: IN REASON WE TRUST I suppose that the intended message is that we must make a choice. We can either trust God or we can trust reason. Apparently, according to the organization that hopes to free us from religion, this…

Millions have been ordered from various vendors like Amazon. Most of the stores are sold out. If you order them online they “might” be delivered in May. And then there is the whole discussion about which ones will actually protect you from the virus. Some say you should wear a mask when you are out in public for protection, while others say that only those infected with the virus should wear a mask. To wear or not to wear…that is the question. Of course, I’m talking about wearing masks to avoid contracting a virus that could be potentially life-threatening. Please don’t think that I’m taking the subject lightly or trying to…

I don’t know about you but I hate going to the doctor. First of all, I don’t like being poked and prodded. Secondly, I don’t like taking up half of the day traveling to the location, waiting in the lobby, waiting in the room, and then finally spending what seems like 3 minutes of the last 4 hours getting some help. Did I mention the germs and coughs and the war zone atmosphere of the waiting area? If you weren’t already sick you always think that you need to put on a gas mask or bathe in acid or antibacterial fluids once you have been exposed to all of that.…

Sometime ago, I became aware of a book with an intriguing title. It is also, at least to me, a somewhat confusing title. I think that it was, in some measure, designed to be that way in order to “grab” the attention of the prospective reader.   The title of the book is Reading the Bible Again For the First Time. If something is done again, how can it be the case that it can also be done for the first time?  Apparently, this catchy title is intended to encourage people to read the Bible from an entirely new perspective. We are to read it as though we are reading it for the first…