It started rather subtly a number of years ago, and it seems to have started in the political class. It was barely noticeable to many people, but words mean things, and what was conveyed was intentional and has now spread throughout our culture, and even into the church. It was when people started saying that we have a “freedom of worship” and not a “freedom of religion.” Do you see the difference? To state that we have a freedom of worship confines things, does it not? It says that, if you want to go to a church building and worship, that is fine. By avoiding saying “freedom of religion”–which is what…

Imagine getting in your automobile in Jacksonville, Florida and traveling west on Interstate 10. According to mapquest.com, after about twelve hours of driving, you would find yourself in Houston, Texas. You would also have driven approximately 870 miles. Now, imagine one more thing (if you can). Try to imagine a bookshelf or any number of bookshelves that would cover that same distance.  If you would have stopped about thirty miles before you arrived in Houston, you would have driven about the same distance as the shelf space used by the Library of Congress to hold all of the material it has. The actual number I read was 838 miles.  On top…

On this day America celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This document declared that we were free from British rule. There are all kinds of historical facts about the writing of this document and the actual dates as to when it was signed and by whom, but nevertheless America became a free country – and that’s what we celebrate on this national holiday. Or is it? Maybe we just have a holiday on that day? On that day we’re off of work, we picnic, we shoot off fireworks or enjoy a fireworks show but never really give much thought to the freedom of our country. If we give…

Let me begin by stating clearly: I think VBS is a good thing. This is not a “bash VBS” article. However, it is meant to be a “let’s rethink some things about VBS” article. One thing I am grateful for at Central is that we have changed how we view VBS. Often, congregations have a big event like this, draw in a bunch of people, and then nothing changes. We have made serious efforts at Central this year to follow up with guests (in the immediate days afterward and it is still ongoing), and we continue to believe we will have prospects for Bible studies from VBS. It is far…