Jul 16, 2019 | Perspectives
One of the perennial puzzles for preachers is how to best communicate the statements about justification from James and Paul. On the one hand, James writes, “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). Yet Paul says, “One is justified by faith...
Jul 15, 2019 | Perspectives
Do you remember the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken?” The premise is in life we have choices, and sometimes choosing to take the road less traveled can make all the difference. Today, I was looking through some old notebooks of mine and came across some thoughts...
Jul 12, 2019 | Pastor's Life
Serving the local church as a pastor is a calling, and on the best days, there’s nothing more fulfilling than leading a congregation into deeper relationship with God. But, on other days, we pastors face challenges that are unique to our individual...
Jul 12, 2019 | Perspectives
Decide never to misuse or abuse your free will to indulge in your fallen human nature. In the physical world, falling is easier than climbing. Climbing takes effort; to fall, all you have to do is let go. Because of the law of gravity, the natural state of any object...
Jun 28, 2019 | Inspiration
I often find myself saddened and frustrated as I watch the news. Hearing the news of shootings, burnings of churches, human trafficking, death, disease and disorder is heart breaking. The more I hear these stories the more I am reminded that the pain and trails of...
Jun 28, 2019 | Pastor's Life, Podcast
It happened again this past Monday. A dedicated, hard-working veteran pastor told me about the problems within his church. He listed a number of tell-tale markers as he expressed his deep frustrations. When he was done, I paused, noting the pain written...
Jun 28, 2019 | Perspectives
I was looking at the results of a major survey of pastors the other day and noticed a trend. Pastors of small churches are more likely to be less energized by their ministry than those who serve large churches. They are also more inclined to question their calling....
