Church Life
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If You Think You Have Nothing in Common with Your Fellow Christians
It was, in many ways, a heartbreaking conversation. There were issues, to be sure. And some of those issues were heart-wrenching. The conversation was one I had with a Christian lady. She just needed to talk about some things going on with her and her family, and I was glad she felt as if she could trust me to listen and, maybe, offer some advice. Some of the conversation included some things I was expecting, but at least one aspect of what she shared I was not ready for. Still, as she spoke about her relationships (family, friends, and so on), there was an undercurrent that I could not quite…
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Why Sin is More Than Just a Mistake
Because we are human we tend to be beset by weakness. God knows this. “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). This is why His gracious and merciful nature abounds towards His creation. He has not dealt with us according to our sins. Aren’t we thankful?! The phrase, “To err is human, to forgive, divine,” originates from the English poet Alexander Pope, in his work: An Essay on Criticism, Part II (1711). Pope was trying to convey in this phrase that forgiveness is a superior response to human failings. Ultimately we can see this in our Father’s answer to our sins through the gift of…
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A Matter of Distance (and Maybe Something Else)
I first heard the expression fairly recently. It was attributed to the child of a famous political figure who is very close to the extreme left of the political spectrum in our nation. While the politician’s daughter shares her mother’s political philosophy, it was reported that she gained a new perspective. The perspective was a result of her actually spending some time “up close and personal” with people who do not agree with her or her mother politically. This person had left the “hallowed halls of academia.” She had not done her research by attending political rallies, strategy sessions, or policy forums. Instead, she actually rubbed elbows and communicated with ordinary people with whom…
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Thankful Hearts
There is a song we typically hear each November and December with the lyrics, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” For a guy from California, I have often sneered at that song because of how I feel about the weather. I mean how can it be wonderful when I am freezing to death?! But then I think about the kinds of things I typically witness at this time of year like what I encountered this past Saturday. As I passed by a local church building, there were some teenagers outside the building holding signs and inviting anyone to a free turkey dinner. My heart was touched! All were…
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A Matter of Focus
Please allow me to suggest some seemingly disconnected questions which all, at least in my opinion, might have the same answer: Why is it so difficult to find the time to worship and/or participate in a Bible class on a regular basis?’ Why is it that, when I do attend a worship service or Bible class, I don’t seem to get anything out of it? Do I need to feel like I’ve been entertained by a big production company in order to feel like I’ve really worshiped? Is it helpful if special lighting and other effects are used in order to “create the proper mood?” Why can I not seem to…
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Episode 112: Our 2018 Thankful List [Podcast]
https://media.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/content.blubrry.com/faughnfamily/Legacy_Podcast_112.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS(Player not displaying or working? Click here to listen.) Each year, we take a program before Thanksgiving and simply list some things we are thankful for from the previous few months. This year, Mary Carol, Turner, Leah, and Adam all sit around and share their gratitude. We hope it encourages you and causes you to want to thank God for all the good things He has brought to you, both big and small. More from A Legacy of Faith To subscribe to A Legacy of Faith by email for free click here. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Subscribe via rss Find us on…
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It Broke My Heart
I was blessed in the last few days to watch two of my children participate in programs honoring our Veterans. At each, there was a section of time dedicated to recognizing veterans according to the time in which they served. This was the first year I can remember when there were no representatives for World War 2. It broke my heart. I appreciate and honor all of our military service people in America, but the veterans of World War 2 hold a special place in my heart. I guess it’s because all 4 of my own grandparents had such special stories of how they served, both in the military and…
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Are We Violating Hebrews 13:2 on Social Media?
Hospitality is, unquestionably, a Biblical subject. When we read the Old Testament narrative, we should be struck by how God’s people were to be welcoming and showing care for people. That concept did not change with the coming of the New Testament, however. The New Testament Church is required to be hospitable. It is interesting to me that the book of Hebrews contains one of the strongest statements about this subject in the entire New Testament. This epistle was written to Christians who had come out of that Old Testament law and, thus, would have known the emphasis on hospitality that was present there. Now, the writer is urging them…
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Kingdom Veterans
This past week my family has been involved in several Veterans Day celebrations. We have attended concerts and memorials and observances, all in honor of the brave men and women who have served in our country’s military. Attending these events is always such a blessing. They are replete with moments of appreciation, tears, and hearts being moved by the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served and who still serve to guard the freedoms we enjoy. At some point in each of these gatherings, all veterans past and present are typically asked to stand and be recognized. In order to qualify for this moment, you have to have served…
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The Wrong Question
In some ways, this is a “follow-up” to a recent post by Adam Faughn and a podcast he and Leah Faughn did together. He wrote and they talked about what I consider to be some very good thoughts about the criteria that should be used by parents as they consider youth programs of various congregations. In another way, this post reflects a long-held belief of mine. It is my opinion that too many parents ask the wrong question when their children come home from some activity. Before you think I’m getting too “preachy” or am coming across as “holier than thou,” please let me dispel that notion – quickly. When our children were…
