When we think of the Brookly Tabernacle Choir I suspect most see “the now” without knowing “the then.” In his 1997 book, ‘Fresh Wind; Fresh Fire’, Jim Cymbala tells the story: “It was 1972...I was struggling... The Brooklyn Tabernacle—this woeful church that my father-in-law had coaxed me into pastoring—consisted of a shabby two-story building in … Continue reading Psalm 3 & The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Fear
YHWH-Shalom
Fear, anxiety, worry, confusion, and doubt are in strong supply. Peace? Not so much. Social media, coupled with the national media narrative, has only exacerbated the unrest of our minds and souls. In one of Charles Schulz' Peanuts cartoons, Charlie Brown quips, "I have a new philosophy. I am only going to dread one day … Continue reading YHWH-Shalom
“Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The late, British, author, Hannah Hurnard's, "Hinds Feet on High Places" (a "hind" is a deer) is written in the genre of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" - they're both allegories of the adventure of following Christ. Hurnard opens her story with God's promise from the prophet, Habakkuk: "The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. … Continue reading “Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
Ancient Cancel Culture….and Why It Failed.
I've been teaching weekly through Paul's Letters from Prison. Presently, we're in Paul's letter to the Ephesians believers. To give some context into what the believers in Ephesus were up against you need to read Acts 19 which recounts Paul's two-year stay in Ephesus. First, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia … Continue reading Ancient Cancel Culture….and Why It Failed.
Open War
“I will not risk open war.” - Théoden, King of Rohan “Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not.” - Aragorn Lord of the Rings - the Two Towers From the book of Revelation. Pay particular attention to the last verse: “Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels … Continue reading Open War
I AM. Trust me.
A Brief Biblical Principle from our class on John 6:1-59: In John 6:16-24, we find the familiar passage recounting Jesus walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee. John doesn’t mince words as he describes the reaction of the tough, weathered fishermen: “they were terrified.” Jesus comforts the disciples by assuring them, “It is … Continue reading I AM. Trust me.
Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
We serve a God who’s not surrendered his throne - regardless of how out of control our world may appear. My friends, if I weren’t a pastor I would be a coach. Exhorting, teaching and encouraging people is what I love to do. It’s who I am. At its heart, a pastor’s objective is, to … Continue reading Has God Surrendered His Throne? (not even close)
If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
If faith was easy - it wouldn’t be called faith. Read on... I spent most of my adolescent and young adult life suffering at the hand of my violently abusive alcoholic father. I spent most of my adult life visiting with my younger sister through the thick glass of prison visitation cubicles due to her … Continue reading If Faith Was Easy It Wouldn’t be Called Faith
Is Anything Too Hard for God?
God can't possibly fix our broken world. I'll confess - there have been moments in my own life that I have descended into such discouragement I, too, have considered that statement to be true. But, when the world around us is turned upside down we must not allow our minds to continue to be poisoned … Continue reading Is Anything Too Hard for God?
Is He Worthy?
The 20th century pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, once said, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a god who hasn't surrendered his authority." Presently, the world is a little scary. Allow the Spirit of Christ to calm your soul with this song by Andrew Peterson. Do you … Continue reading Is He Worthy?