Church Blog

Church Blog

The Prequel

How significant is the backstory to our favorite movie, comic book, and Western novella characters? Would it be foreign to assume we can make out all the needed insight of our genre heroes if not for the prequel? Meaningful preludes enhance the core narrative by strengthening the overall comprehension of the main character. Without this VITAL information, we would often be lost on the substantial understanding of the WHY of this unique figure. If this is true for the fictitious…

The Prequel

How significant is the backstory to our favorite movie, comic book, and Western novella characters? Would it be foreign to assume we can make out all the needed insight of our genre heroes if not for the prequel? Meaningful preludes enhance the core narrative by strengthening the overall comprehension of the main character. Without this VITAL information, we would often be lost on the substantial understanding of the WHY of this unique figure. If this is true for the fictitious…

Picture Matthew

I want you to picture a man, not an ordinary man by any stretch of the imagination, but a man of means and prominence in his community. Now this man commands almost everything within the sphere of his influence. Nearly everything, but one. He was not the “commander in chief” of his soul. Like the rest of humanity, Matthew needed the One who called him into the service of the Lord. He needed salvation, but for him to advance, the…

Giving Good Things

Have you ever wondered what pure perseverance looks like? What does it take to pursue those things in this life that make for a better life for myself and those around me? Persistence in giving good things predicates the reception of good things. Perseverance is often defined as “doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success” (Oxford Languages, April 28, 2025). This is not easily accomplished. How many of us have developed a “knack” for immediate gratification? And, when…

Fear of Internal Division

There are insurmountable concerns when someone attends to their primary care physician and states, “There is a problem”. A multiplicity of fears “bubble up” towards our conscious minds, quickly assessing our mortality, vitality, and connection to this world. Regardless of the diagnosis, we are often relegated to the notion that our time and influence may be somewhat compromised. The morbidity of internal bodily issues can be daunting. Would that and should that not be our response to internal problems among…

Fear of Declining Memberships

“Part of a functional and successful workplace is ensuring that everyone fulfills the responsibilities of their role. Being on time and coming to work consistently is important regardless of your position” (Indeed Career Guide, February 2025). Isn’t it interesting how the world recognizes the significance of being present? Is it not noteworthy how we can readily explain to our children how we MUST be at work to maintain a valued reputation and a balanced income with the company who issues…

Fear of Doctrinal Shifts

What is meant by doctrine? Thayer defines doctrine as “the body of teachings or beliefs derived from scripture that guide faith and practice, encompassing core principles and tenets” (online dictionary, April 2, 2024). Notice the phrase “body”. This is significant because many do not entirely respond to the Gospel. The Bible states, “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:160, NKJV). Not only does God provide His will for us,…

Great House

The ancient civilization of Egypt must have been amazingly distinguishable from almost every other culture. The people of Egypt changed the landscape in medicine, architecture, art, religion, astronomy, etc. The Egyptians fashioned one of the most significant periods in human history. Standing at the apex of these cultures was Pharaoh, the “god-king”, the epitome of man according to Egyptian lore. Pharaoh was not a name but a title, meaning “great house”. He was given this distinction due to his responsibility…

From “Kiver to Kiver”

The Bible is a gift from God encompassing His revealed will for Creation, establishing the declaration of salvation from “kiver to kiver” as the lofted Marshall Keeble once declared. Every word is essential in ordering the redemption of mankind from their Savior before the essence of nature could have been revealed. Notice the Apostle Paul states, “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are…

Up In Arms

Have you ever been so frustrated, you resorted to anger as the preeminent tool of response? I know I have; may God forgive me! It seems our world continues to be divided by war, economics, and political mandate, and the Church, for varying reasons, deems it worthy to approve. When we commit to becoming “up in arms,” does God favor this stance? The scriptures supremely denounce this stance. For example, God himself is The God of Mercy! The Bible states,…

I was standing by my window…

“I was standing by my window, On one cold and cloudy day. When I saw that hearse come rolling, For to carry my __________________ away. Will the circle be unbroken, By and by, Lord, by and by. There’s a better home a-waiting, In the sky, Lord, in the sky” Just a thought, how would you fill in the blank? Who are you willing to pine for at the window, truly wishing for just one more moment in life? Countless loved…