Category Archives: Love

What Would That Look Like?

I once had a conversation with a member about her commitment to Christ and her involvement in the local church.  I was asked: What would proper involvement look like? This is an excellent question to ask.  Let’s try to answer … Continue reading

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When I Survey…

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), from a young age, had a way with words.  He once frustrated his father by his continual rhyming.  When his father scolded him, he quickly replied, “Oh, father, do some pity take, and I will no more … Continue reading

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Drink Ye All of It and Other Reflections

It has been over three years since Covid-19 was first reported in the U.S.A.  January 20, 2020 was the date of the first lab-confirmed case in the United States, according to the CDC (CDC Museum Covid-19 Timeline, cdc.gov). Here are … Continue reading

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Valentine’s Day and Love

The origin of this day is uncertain.  Here are some theories: (1) Some (not all) believe that it is a “christianized” form of the Roman festival of Lupercalia.  This festival occurred each year between February 13th and 15th.  It is … Continue reading

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Fire in My Bones

“Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name” (Jeremiah 20:9a). Jeremiah was tired of the fight.  He was mocked by what seemed like everyone (Jeremiah 20:7, 10).  He was in derision daily … Continue reading

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Put On… (Colossians 3:12-15)

It is said that a tradition sprang up, in the early years of church history, concerning the garments worn following baptism.  The historian Philip Schaff wrote, “During the week following, the neophytes wore white garments as a symbol of purity” … Continue reading

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Three Bears

There are 8 species of bear in the world: (1) North American Black Bear; (2) Brown Bear (Grizzly); (3) Polar Bear; (4) Asiatic Black Bear; (5) Sun Bear (Honey Bear); (6) Panda Bear; (7) Sloth Bear; (8) Andean Bear. While … Continue reading

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Spiritual Growth: (#1) Ingredients

The key word in the book of 2 Peter is “knowledge.”  It appears in some form 16 times [knowledge (1:2, 1:3; 1:5; 1:6; 1:8; 2:20; 3:18); know(s) (1:12; 2:9; 3:17); knowing (1:14; 1:20; 3:3); known (1:16; 2:21 x2)].  Value is … Continue reading

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7 Spiritual Tests

The book of 1 John was written for four stated purposes: (1) “that your joy may be full” (1:4); (2) “so that you may not sin” (2:1); (3) “concerning those who try to deceive you” (2:26); (4) “that you may … Continue reading

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Serving Only When it is Convenient

What would happen if the man-in-need scenario from the parable of the Good Samaritan were recreated?  How many would stop to help? John Darley and Daniel Batson, two Princeton University psychologists, conducted a study, in the early 1970’s.  Princeton Theological … Continue reading

Posted in Dedication, Love, Parables, Preachers, Preaching, Priorities, Time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment