Rarely do I take the opportunity to post an entire sermon. However, this is a new year. You could consider this sermon on refreshing and restoring to be my last of the year, or my first of this year, depending on your perspective.[1] We celebrate Advent as a family with some of our own readings. So for us, the Christian year has already begun. No matter your view of time, I pray that you’ll find this sermon to be a... Read more
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9.10, NKJV) This has been an interesting year in the ministry. There was another couple years in Kentucky that were similar. I have devoted most of my time to serving behind the scenes, to writing, consulting, preaching, and teaching. This work is not readily visible now, the fruit of which will be seen in years... Read more
Welcome again to our Holiday series from Isaiah. Today, we’re going to complete the series with a look at the Prince of Peace.* For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9.6, NIV) Peace is often established after warfare. This is often how peace is referenced in the Hebrew Bible. So as we enter into this... Read more
We now turn slightly away from the discussions about a view of persons and the imago Dei.[1] This set of readings addresses the issue of God’s involvement in the creation processes, particularly in the works of Christopher Southgate and John Jefferson Davis.[2] More than likely, most of my readers will lean one way or the other. The ones who I know personally will more than likely lean toward Biblical creationism, or even scientific creationism, as I do. However, for one... Read more
Once again, welcome to the great Northwest corner of Michigan where we can always guarantee a white Christmas. Today, we’re going to continue our study on Isaiah chapter 9 and the names of God, with Everlasting Father.[1] I’ve always said that it’s like a good cup of coffee and warm sweater, but I’ve never really had anywhere to go with that, so let’s try another one . . . Father of Eternity When you’re talking to a Theologian who’s also a... Read more
This autumn, I took time to explore a view of persons from a psychological standpoint. That research is based on a counseling paper from seminary.[1] I can’t say that my views have reached their zenith, however I had the opportunity to return to the topic again in my second master’s. So from these writings, I will draw some of the next few articles.[2] This piece is a comparative look at a couple books on the human person, Body, Soul, and Human... Read more
I love cathedral style ceilings. It’s an architectural design that seems to be missing from many modern day churches. In my opinion, cathedral style ceilings testify to the strength of a church that points Heavenward, and remind us of the strength of our Lord. This week, as we study Isaiah 9.6 again, we’ll be looking at Mighty God.[1] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he... Read more
Guest Post: Just for fun, I’ve asked my oldest son Mateo for one of his essays this semester. He’s brilliant and quite capable of writing superb literature. He has a command of language that many dead English poets were striving to attain. I’m quite sure King Arthur himself would have given Mateo a royal commission as a bard. And yet . . . Mateo’s only offering is a write-up on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I had hoped for... Read more
There’s a saying we attribute to C.S. Lewis from the movie Shadowlands with Anthony Hopkins.[1] We read to know we’re not alone. In the video I’m standing in front of the new Interlochen Library, where the community will be celebrating the Grand Opening tomorrow at 4 o’clock. There will be a lot of people entering this building to read, and to read for counsel. That brings us to this week’s name for God from Isaiah: Counselor. One of the greatest ways that... Read more
What follows is something quite unique for me. From time to time, I’m invited into higher dialogues in our fellowship, the PCG. Participating in these conversations is a great honor, although I seldom if ever know exactly who is being affected by them. In this case, being primarily about types of abuse in the Christian household, I pray their lives experience a drastic change. Petar Milošević | Fountain Pen Writing 01.30.17 | Public Domain This is actual email correspondence with... Read more
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