In a previous writing, I introduced a scenario where one singular episode of Bluey was introduced to a group of adults, and that one video induced enough emotion to cause a full-grown man to cry. After I wrote that, I thought to myself; “Are we weird?”. Or is the power … ∞
A group of fully grown men were sitting around a table discussing deep theological principals and the doctrines of the faith. At some point the conversation shifted to their families, and the children who had to go a week without fathers and mothers as they were at Calvin that week … ∞
Hymns and the church have a rich history that goes back many centuries. Hymns are an important component of worship services in churches all around the world. The church uses hymns for a number of significant purposes. Here are some main explanations for why hymns are respected and used in … ∞
There is a difference between balancing school and work for some of us who have families or already work in ministerial or other positions; there can be a disconnect between these areas of our lives if we do not tend to each other equally. This is something I learned the … ∞
I never was on the wrestling team in high school, nor did I delve into martial arts much as a kid, but I did get together with some buddies of mine when I was younger once a week to wrestle and spar. I distinctly remember one of the first times … ∞
1 Peter 3:13-18 Christians have faced persecution since the apostles first preached the message of salvation. Even in regions where there has been a lengthy period of peace and prosperity, there is no guarantee that this will last eternally. And, while we may never face major repercussions for our beliefs, … ∞
As I prepared my sermon, I was afraid. So I wrote down this prayer: After preaching the heart of God,If the worst case could beIf I perish, I perish. (Esther 4:16) God accompanied me and comforted me,In my countless darkest nights.I had nothing,So, I am not afraid of losing anything.I … ∞
As we enter the second half of Lent, I cannot help but reflect on the fact that we are also halfway through the school year. For some of us, this is our first year of college, while for others, it is their senior year, and the work is piling up. … ∞
It’s so wonderful when words, phrases, or stories from the Bible become well-known life lessons shared for countless generations. Words such as “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” from John 8:7 offer invaluable wisdom for all ages. While I was studying the text (John 8:7), I … ∞
December 26, 2023, we drove to my parents to celebrate Christmas with them, and once we had arrived I pulled my stepfather aside to ask how my mother’s latest cancer scan went. You see almost two years earlier she called me one day with my stepdad sitting beside her and … ∞
Luther explicating his understanding of worthiness in regard to receiving the sacrament came in March of 1521 when he wrote a “Sermon on the Worthy Reception of the Sacrament.”[ix] He began by stating that those who are living openly in sin shall not receive the sacrament.[x] He then proceeded to … ∞
As the new year begins, many of us are thinking about making resolutions and setting goals for the coming year. For Christians, the new year can also be a time to reflect on the past and look to the future with hope and anticipation. The theme of new beginnings is … ∞
It occurred to me as i was talking with some of the newer attendees of our church this weekend, that the concept of Advent is not something naturally familiar to believers. We were lighting the candles at the start of our service and as this couple and their kids walked … ∞
Teaching can be seen as a profession or an occupation bent towards influencing people to learn something aside from what they already know or showing them a better perspective about an idea they might have already known. It can also be seen as the process of meeting other people’s need … ∞
We are in the season of Advent. What does this season hold for you this year? Perhaps it is a time of rejoicing at a new life opportunity, or at the ability to travel freely, visit with family or wait in expectant hopefulness for a promise of God to come … ∞
