June 2000

True Conversion

We talk a great deal about conversion in the church, and rightly so, but often we limit our discussion to the things which lead to becoming a Christian (hear, believe, repent, confess, baptism), with little focus on what those kinds of things do to our hearts. The Thessalonian church offers us a view into true conversion, and we do well to examine the changes made in their lives to see if our own hearts are true to God. more...

CEO or Shepherd

The Bible has much to say about leadership and leaders. Time and again the Old Testament shows us how important good leaders are for all of God's people to be able to serve Him properly, and how poor leaders pave the way for total apostasy. Good leadership is just essential among the people of God. more...

Homosexual Marriage

The newspapers have lately devoted much coverage to three recent denominational decisions concerning homosexuality and same-sex unions. First, the Methodists voted not to sanction such unions, followed by the rabbinical arm of Reform Judaism granting permission for its members to officiate at the same. Finally, the highest court of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ruled that its ministers could bless same-sex unions while pointing out that such were not the same as traditional marriages. more...

Heavenly Goals

In the first chapter of the book of Philippians Paul explains to the church at Philippi that he is ""hard-pressed from both directions."" As he awaits his fate at the hands of the Roman government he contemplates the issue of life and death. He says in chapter 1 and verse 21, ""For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."" He goes on in verses 23 and 24 to say that he has, ""the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake."" Paul's attitude towards life and death represent serious departures from traditional thought. more...

An Encouraging Attitude: Phil 1:1

Paul certainly understood the challenges of being a Christian. Consider how difficult it must have been to transition from Saul the Pharisee, who imprisoned and killed Christians, to Paul the apostle. It must have seemed an impossible task to gain the trust of the church he spent so much time and energy persecuting. Had it not been for Barnabas' faith and encouragement the early church may not have accepted Paul. Paul knew the strength of encouragement. He experienced its effects in his own life and was quick to share it with others. So, like in most of his letters, Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi on a positive note. By examining Paul's positive attitude toward the church we can better learn how to be a source of encouragement today. more...

Rabbi vs. Jesus

In a new book, Rabbi Jacob Neusner proposes to ""take up an argument postponed for nearly 2,000 years."" In A Rabbi Talks With Jesus, Neusner attempts to define Jewish problems with the teachings of Jesus. A review of Neusner's book in the Dallas Morning News shows it to be a highly flawed study. more...

The Preacher's Pen

Ever heard an athlete, at the press conference announcing his signing for zillions of dollars, say ""It's not about money""? It certainly seems like it is about money (and lots of it) doesn't it? I am about at the point of deciding that whenever someone says ""It isn't about money"" that I will just automatically assume it is entirely about money. more...