Congregations are families, but families sometimes have problems. Tragically (and I mean that word in its strongest sense), congregations sometimes split. Recently, Paula Harrington wrote a great article on her blog about a congregational split close to where she lives in Kentucky. I know some of the “inside stuff” about this split, but not everything. I do know it was ugly and hurt a lot of people. Some of the people it hurt were probably overlooked by bickering adults. Please take the time to read Paula’s article by clicking here. If your congregation is having trouble, please print this article and keep it close by. It might just help you…

Many in the religious world want to fulfill Jesus’ prayer that all of His followers would be “one” (John 17:21). Trying to fulfill that prayer is admirable, but, sadly, many are trying to fulfill it in all the wrong ways. Many are willing to overlook what they would deem “petty” or “unimportant” differences in doctrine in order to have unity. Some claim that using mechanical instruments of music in worship just is not an important issue anymore. Others (including, tragically, some in churches of Christ) say that how a person is saved is not important, only that he or she is “saved.” We need to remember that there is more…

Yesterday, voters in 8 states had the opportunity to allow same-sex marriages within the borders of their states. As of this writing, seven of those eight have voted “no” to allowing gay marriage. Not all the votes have been counted in Arizona, but, sadly, it does look like it will pass. The seven states that voted “no” were: Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, Idaho and Wisconsin. Many gay-marriage advocates had thought Wisconsin would allow the marriages. Add the seven from yesterday to the 19 states that had previously banned same-sex marriage, and we now have a majority of states (26) that have done so. It is also quite significant that…

Yes, you read that title correctly. Recently, the British Counsil of Disabled People ruled that doctors did not have the right to kill severely diabled babies. Some had suggested that active euthanasia might be the best course of action so parents would not have to undergo extreme emotional and financial strain. Amazingly, one person suggested that this was a good idea because it might keep parents from considering an abortion. The parents, it was suggested, could allow the baby to live, taking a risk on how the pregnancy would turn out. THEN, if the baby were severly handicapped, the doctors and parents could agree to terminate the life. Isn’t that…

On the “desktop” of most computers, there is a small icon that used to be called “trash.” Now it is called the “recycle bin.” It is the bin into which old documents, files, etc. are put so they can be eliminated. But, they are not eliminated unless the user actually goes into the bin and empties it out. The files can be brought back up until the point that the user eliminates them. Many people feel like their sins are put in some sort of recycle bin. It is called “guilt,” and it brings up our sins over and over. We have trouble forgiving ourselves, even if we have asked…

Thought we’d share a picture of our wonderful baby girl on her second Halloween. No, she didn’t go Trick-or-Treating, but she did go take some treats to people. She also (almost) enjoyed seeing our visitors. She didn’t know what to think about some of the outfits.

The 9th Avenue church of Christ hosts a youth rally each January. In 2007 it will be on the weekend of the 5th-6th. We are looking forward to this great weekend. Our theme for the rally is “The Christian and the Media.” Mike Johnson–the preacher for the church in Richmond, Kentucky–will be our keynote speaker. He will speak once on Friday night, then twice on Saturday. Our class teachers will be looking at specific areas where the media impacts the lives of our young people (music, movies, the internet, etc.). There will also be one class session just for guys and another just for young ladies. Finally, Mike Baker–from Lewisburg,…

The New Jersey state supreme court, by a 4-3 decision, allowed gay couples to have the same rights as married couples within that state. However, they did not say that gay couples could be “married” or use the word “marriage” within the state. This is still a sad day. If they are allowing the same rights, it will not be long before they are allowed to use the word. To read a rather lengthy but well-written article from North Jersey online, click here. The article concludes with a short timeline of recent events in the movement to legalize homosexual marriage. Here is that timeline: 1993: Hawaiian Supreme Court says denying…

Scientists recently uncovered a new fossil set in Africa very near the same place where the famous “Lucy” fossil was found in 1974. In the evolutionary world, some are calling the bones of this little one “Lucy’s Baby.” They do not mean this literally, but, rather, they mean that these bones are about as old, and they are bones from a small child. However, in describing these bones, scientists are continually saying that certain features are “like a chimpanzee,” “ape-like,” and other similar phrases. Some of you might recall that much of the same language was used by scientists in conjunction with Lucy. It is sad, but many media outlets…

In two weeks, Americans will once again to go the polling stations with an opportunity to vote. We should always be proud that we have this opportunity and we should take it seriously. Millions around the world wish they could do as we do. Think about it for a moment. When Americans go to the polls, we don’t have to walk by tanks or armed soldiers. Yes, there is the occasional controversy (remember the “hanging chads”?), but, when an election is decided, no one goes to jail or threatens violence. It is one of the things that makes this country great. The peaceful transfer–or keeping of–power is a beautiful thing…