Category Article

Defining Moments: “Substitute”

            In 1 Samuel 17:4, the Philistine giant, Goliath, is called “a champion”, translating two Hebrew words that literally mean “a man in the space between”. This concept is vitally important in the Bible because it foreshadows Jesus standing as…

A Good Name

This last week I was contacted by a lady who wished to use my name as a reference on a job application.  I made sure she knew that she could without hesitation from me.  As I thought about that conversation,…

“God’s Heart for a Widow”

There is a special place in God’s heart for widows.  Widows, orphans, and foreigners represent a vulnerable demographic of both ancient and modern culture.  Without a steady source of income or strong representation in business and legal affairs, they can…

“A Fixed Hope”

From Parade magazine comes the story of self-made millionaire Eugene Land, who greatly changed the lives of a sixth-grade class in East Harlem.  Mr. Lang had been asked to speak to a class of 59 sixth graders. What could he say to…

“THE HOME AND THE CHURCH”

“No one, save the rankest liberal, would disagree with the fact that it was the practice of the Apostle Paul that women could not take a leadership role in the church meeting. Most, however, would be inclined to say that…

Antarctic Travel

In the Antarctic summer of 1908-9, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted to travel to the South Pole from their winter quarters. They set off with four ponies to help carry the load. Weeks later, their ponies dead, rations…

“Not So Different after All”

            Just a week ago, as I walked with my family through Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee, I was reminded how similar our society today is to the ancient Greco-Roman society Timothy confronted in 1st century Ephesus. As we meandered…

Word from the Pastor

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”  William Arthur Ward. When I was a young…