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God’s Pruning and Appointing
When we first moved into our home here in Lynchburg, the bushes at the front of the house were a mess. They were overgrown, too tall, too wide and looked like they hadn’t been cared for in a long time. My first thought was to just chop them all down and start over, but that wasn’t very smart and would have been very expensive. Instead, over the past three years, I’ve gradually trimmed them, cut them back and broken off all of the dead branches that were tangled up in the middle of those bushes. Now, three years later, they are starting to look less like a forest and more…
Loving Disagreement
If you have ever expressed any type of views or opinions on any subject, whether it be ice cream flavors or your theological stance on soteriology, someone has undoubtedly challenged your views, and an argument has ensued. We have all…
Even the Pharisees Got Grace
I would not have done well with the Pharisees. After my second or third encounter with them, I would have lost it. I would have, in my Dad’s words, “blown my stack.” Anger, rage, yelling, frustration, high blood pressure would…
A Loss Is Not A Loss
When you fall off the bike and scrape your knee, you simply put some alcohol on it, bandage it, and hop back on the bike because you got places to go and life does not slow down for you to…
“Genesis thru to the Maps”
Comedian, singer and former member of the Bill Gaither Trio Mark Lawry always has a slightly different way of remembering experiences in his life. He’s a good ole southern boy with a zany sense of humor, particularly about family and…
The Bible & Team Leadership
The leadership theory often associated with Christianity tends to be servant leadership. Jesus is often held up as a perfect example of the servant leader, and scripture implores Christians to follow his example. However, the leadership theory that seems to…
The Liturgy As Sacrifice: An Examination of Pope Benedict XVI
Because “the Church believes as she prays” (i.e. lex orandi, lex credendi), it is of utmost importance that the underlying theology of her prayers truly reflects her beliefs. Pope Benedict XVI has, therefore, written extensively to ensure that the Church’s…
‘In His Own Likeness’
It is commonly heard in Christian circles that humans were made “in the Image of God”. When pressed, however, it is unlikely that one will hear consistent and universal answers concerning the implications of humanity bearing God’s Image.
Book Review: Beyond Smells & Bells by Mark Galli
Beyond Smells & Bells by Mark Galli is a wonderful entry-level book on Christian liturgy. It paints an exciting picture of the hidden treasures afforded us by the various liturgical traditions. Galli’s knowledge of and excitement for liturgy, coupled with…
Bottom Line For God
You are an important part of the Kingdom. How you serve God and why your serve Him starts with having the right heart to serve. As church techs, technical artists, or technical leaders—whatever title we wear—God needs our hearts in…
Originally Original Sin: How the Doctrine of Original Sin Led to the Calvinist/Arminian Debate
The Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate is one of the many modern theological issues that cause division in the Church. However, this divisiveness is not as modern as it may appear. Since the time of Cyprian, there were differing opinions concerning…
