The singular truth that guides our Easter celebrations is this: if there is no death there can be no resurrection. Too often we want to skip Good Friday, making our way to the bunnies and the flowers and the chocolate without facing the ugliness of that terrible day. When we do that Read More...
In a modern translation of Mark 3, Jesus says, “Listen to this carefully. I’m warning you. There’s nothing done or said that can’t be forgiven.” The key word in that statement from Jesus is “nothing.” Paul said something similar in his letter to the church in Rome, “There is nothing that can Read More...
The most common criticism I hear about preaching is this: it is offered as though nothing is at stake. Sermons are delivered as though nothing really matters. I asked folks a few years ago to explain why they were not church goers. One said, “Church is nice but it is not for Read More...
The season of Lent for many is a time to give something up. Many folks will refrain from eating chocolate or meat. Others will not watch television. I’ve seen posts on Facebook from a few friends relating that they are taking a social media sabbatical in order to help them focus on Read More...
Last Tuesday the weather report called for flurries and maybe an inch of snow around 5:00 p.m. However, by 2:45 p.m. there was a thick and slick coat of ice forming on the sidewalks and parking lots at the church. After a brief meeting with Carla and Jason we decided to close Read More...
I’m working on a sermon series for later in the year or early in 2017 titled “Did Jesus Really Say That?” As a result, I’ve been reading through the gospels, trying to listen to the teachings of our Lord in a fresh and new way. This morning I was struck by the Read More...
According to the Pew Research Center, only 41 percent of Americans are able to state both the Muslim name for God and the name of the Islamic sacred text. Knowledge of the basic beliefs and practices of this beautiful religion is even lower. I’m not an expert on Islam but I have Read More...
On Dec. 24, 2003, my wife, Julie, was busy finalizing plans for our very first Kansas City Christmas celebration when there was an unexpected knock at the door. It was our next door neighbor. The neighbor was holding a beautiful Christmas basket full of homemade goodies and treats. What surprised Julie Read More...
“When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children…” I’ve never preached a sermon on this verse at Christmas or any other time for that matter. It’s part of the story though. You may recall when Joseph and Read More...
Our visit to the Holy Land two weeks ago included a stop at the Wailing Wall. On our way to this sacred place of prayer, we traveled past heavily armed Israeli soldiers. Just outside there was a concrete wall topped with barbed wire. I wasn’t sure who was being kept out (or Read More...
My first Sunday in the pulpit at Country Club Christian Church was Jan. 19, 2003. That day I woke early, made coffee and sat down to review my sermon. It was titled, “When You See the Angels You’ll Know Why You Believe.” I thought the sermon was pretty good but I noticed Read More...
Two young, good looking men knocked on the door of a certain householder and asked, “Would you like to go to heaven?” The householder thought for a minute, then asked, “Will you two be there?” “Oh most definitely,” came the hearty reply. “Then I don’t want to go.” Many Christians think that Read More...
The power to forgive begins when we are able to name our pain, our anger and, here is the hard part, our need to be forgiven, too. When we are able to remember our sin, our flawed behavior, we are more able to move from pharisaism to kindness, from harsh and judgmental Read More...
My buddy Mike Yaconelli was the Guru of American Youth Ministry. He ran workshops and conferences for youth ministers. Thousands of church youth workers from all over America would show up at these events. Mike almost always gave one of the keynote sermons. He was a powerful speaker. I attended several of Read More...
Many times people say to me, “I don’t know a lot about the Bible. Is there a good book I can read that will help me understand it better?” The answer is yes and here are my top three books on the Good Book. Making Sense of the Bible, by Adam Hamilton. Read More...
