Charles Gabriel penned these words that express a redeemed soul’s marvelous wonder. I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean. Many in the church today would rewrite these words to be more fitting for their entertainment drive for self. I sit amused…
The Problem of Birth Control
In my lifetime, the question of birth control has largely been accepted among mainline Christian evangelicals. In the day Renee and I married (26 years ago) birth control was something that ‘responsible’ Christians did. ‘Wise’ doctors encouraged it. ‘Seasoned’ preachers promoted it. Many young couples would follow this advice. If you know anything about Margaret…
From My Vantage Point
There are so many things that I am thankful to God about in the ministry duty of pastoring. One of those is the privilege of participating in weddings. The union of man and woman in marriage is to be honored by all (Hebrews 13:4). This past Saturday I witnessed (with about 200 other people) the union…
Don’t Waste Your Disappointment
From the Archives: Thursday, February 4, 2010 We are told that release is sure to come today because we now have a lawyer. We have yet to talk to this lawyer and find out what his plan is. We are only aware that this lawyer has been secured [by] connections with people who know [him].…
Known in Heaven and Hell
Audio Podcast: When I first read Vance Havner’s Testimony from his later years I was stopped in my tracks when he began to speak about true converts and their faithful living. He said they accepted their heritage of being ‘shipwrecked on God and stranded on Omnipotence.’ It wasn’t until this morning that I finally found…
Worship What?
Today, the (snail) mailbox had promotional pieces inviting worship leaders to attend their seminar or conference. I usually take a quick look and then toss them in the waste basket. This time I thought I should at least respect the sender enough to consider what they want to communicate to churches. I must say, I…
Doctrinal Truths Sunday
The teaching (doctrine) of who God is is always on the table when Scripture is being examined. Yesterday, February 3, Eastside gathered to consider this doctrinal statement from the 1925 New Hampshire Confession, paragraph 2, which reads… II. God There is one and only one living and true God, an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being,…
Shipwrecked on God
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col 1:13 NASB) The LORD is my portion (Psalms 119:57 NASB) I recently read a sermon by Vance Havner (1976). As he was expressing the nature of a true convert he made a statement that has me…
From the Mourning House
1 A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. 2 It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes…
I Can Trust Him
I think often about how I pray. Many of my prayers from the past were more about me telling God what I want to accomplish or how I want him to behave. How foolish of me. How patient must the LORD be? While I don’t record or journal every prayer I pray, I’m thankful that…