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Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Second Greatest Need
If Gabriel were to appear to me and offer me two wishes for the Churches of Christ, my first would be that the churches gain a better understanding of grace. My second, however, would be of a different sort. Rather … Continue reading
A Communion Meditation: Death to Life
We begin the communion with a crust of unleavened bread, representing the crucified body of Jesus. “Unleavened” means made without yeast, which is a living organism. The bread has no life in it. [Prayer to bless the bread] The “fruit … Continue reading
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A Communion Meditation: Separate and Apart
It’s been a common practice for as long as I can remember to begin this part of the service by pointing out that the contribution is “separate and apart” from the Lord’s Supper that we’ve just celebrated. I honestly don’t … Continue reading
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The Abuse of Matthew 18:15-17
Across the country, some ministers are insisting that no one may complain about them to the elders. Rather, they say, Matthew 18:15-17 says that it’s sin for a church member to complain to the elders about their job performance–and a … Continue reading
Sodom, Gomorrah, and Illegal Aliens, Part 2
When the evangelical right considers the issue of illegal immigration, it’s rare for someone to bring up the word of God as somehow relevant. Instead, we conservative, right-wing Christians tend to think very much like conservative, right-wing non-believers. Our views … Continue reading
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Sodom, Gomorrah, and Illegal Aliens, Part 1
We’ve been studying Abraham at church, and we eventually found ourselves talking about Sodom and Gomorrah. Looking for some depth, beyond the obvious condemnation of homosexuality, I pulled out the trusty computerized concordance to see what else the Bible says … Continue reading
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A Communion Meditation: The Pattern for the Lord’s Supper
Luke’s account of the first communion service is fascinating. Jesus first shares the cup and then the bread. They then eat supper, and then Jesus again shares the cup. It has often bothered me that the cup was before the … Continue reading
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On Baptizing Your Children, Part 2
I think your child being baptized should be seen rather like your child joining the army. It’s a great honor. The child will be incredibly well-equipped and trained. He or she will mature rapidly. But he or she may also … Continue reading
On Baptizing Your Children, Part 1
We recently had a three-generation baptism at church. A young girl, her father, and grandfather all descended together into the baptistry. The grandfather spoke movingly on the meaning of becoming a Christian–the commitment it involves–and the father baptized his daughter. … Continue reading
Amazing Grace, Part 2
I just watched the movie. Loved it. How rare to find a movie where the heroes are politicians and (believe or not) a Latin-quoting lawyer–and they’re all Christians acting in faith!
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