In January 2016, I was talking with then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence. We were talking about the nuclear deal President Obama made with Iran six months earlier. Knowing that Governor Pence served in the US House of Representatives and knowing from Scripture that Iran, along with Russia, Turkey, Libya, and several other nations, will invade Israel … Continue reading Iran: How Does It All Fit?
Scripture
The Fulfilling of Prophecy
I love having conversations with people. I love talking to people about what they believe; not just about God and religion, but what they believe about any subject, which team will win the World Series, who they are going to vote for, what their dream car is, their favorite meal, and so on. Regardless of … Continue reading The Fulfilling of Prophecy
Peter’s Conversion
The most significant thing Peter did during his three years being discipled by Jesus was not walking on water, it was a statement he made. One day, Jesus asked the Apostles about who other people thought He was. They responded that some people thought he was John the Baptist risen from the dead or one … Continue reading Peter’s Conversion
The Creation
Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” These are the first words of the Holy Bible. More than a statement, I believe this is God’s great take-it-or-leave-it verse, setting up the rest of Scripture. The reason Genesis 1:1 sets up the rest of Scripture is that God wants us to … Continue reading The Creation
The Importance of the Cross
About once a quarter, our local fairgrounds hosts a "Vendors and Yard Sale Day," where both professionals and locals rent spaces to sell their items. Our church will often acquire space at these events. We don’t sell a thing; we give things away. In December, we gave away ten different styles of tree ornaments that … Continue reading The Importance of the Cross
Why Do Things Work Out For Good?
“All things work together for good” is a phrase many people find comforting. Those words are often spoken to people who are suffering hardships, difficult times, or tragedy. Often, people in these heartbreaking circumstances use these words themselves to find peace amid the storms of life. These words are Biblical words and are only a … Continue reading Why Do Things Work Out For Good?
Your Cup
When I think of the symbolic Biblical definition of "cup," I think of the phrases "Your lot in life" or "The hand you are delt." But these do not quite fit the bill. Those two phrases address a situation that spans a person's entire life. Yet, sometimes our "cup" can be a temporary situation. Our … Continue reading Your Cup
Why Did Christ Die?
Easter is approaching, and it is time to ask, "Why?" "Preacher, what do you mean, 'why?' Easter is the season when Christians celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ." Everyone has opinions, and with those opinions come reasons for those opinions. Even people with opposing opinions have reasons for their own beliefs. Example: … Continue reading Why Did Christ Die?
Weather
The last statistics I saw before going to bed last night were one hundred-plus dead and one thousand-plus missing. Helene is a storm that will go down in history. Her combination of strength and speed was unparalleled. Once hurricanes hit land, they usually slow down. However, Helene traveled so fast that her hurricane conditions lasted … Continue reading Weather
God’s Armor
In Ephesians 6:10-19 the Apostle Paul gives Christians a list of battle armor for the spiritual war we face. There is a tendency among Christians to departmentalize problems into the groups of, physical and spiritual. They miss a significant point Paul stresses: everything is spiritual. Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, … Continue reading God’s Armor