Click, Clack, Clang

[Written April 2015] Last week during the Lord’s Supper I took a moment to listen to us partake of communion. Have you ever noticed the sounds of communion? The metallic click as each member breaks the bread. The plastic clack as the thimble of grape juice is returned to the tray. Even the unexpected clang …

Holiness

“Only God is holy,” declares Scripture (Revelation 15.4). That is, “There is none holy like the LORD” (1 Samuel 2.2). He is the “Holy One,” a phrase used to describe God a myriad of times in the Old Testament. In fact, God’s holiness is the single quality which is used to describe His other attributes: …

The Lord is in His Holy Temple

For about 400 years, the place of worship for the Israelites was a tent. Perhaps it is better known as the Tabernacle. Throughout their wilderness trek, during the infancy of their existence as a nation, and during the reign of two of their kings, Israel called a tent their place of worship. Only when Solomon …

Epic Crawl

It was the final race of her high school career: the state meet. Ohio cross country runner Claire Markwardt of Birkshire High School was running a personal best as she passed mile markers 1 and 2.  It was a dream come true. But as she entered the final 400 meters of the race she heard …

Hate Evil

“Oh you who love the Lord, hate evil!” (Psalm 97.10) Certain attitudes need to be cultivated if we would hate evil. For one we need an awareness of the origin and source of sin. Where does evil come from? In short, sin and evil come from the evil one, Satan, and the pit of hell. …

Obedience & Sacrifice

The other day we went to the store as a family. Usually the boys do alright at the store if I am there, but neither one had had a nap that day so unfortunately this little field trip was not as picturesque as envisioned. They were up and down the aisle. They were into stuff. They …

Two Great Tragedies

There are two great tragedies which afflict Christianity in the 21st century. The first great tragedy is when Christians live secretly sinful lives. The second great tragedy is when Christians live secretly Christian lives. Unfortunately, too many Christians, perhaps even some of our own number, fall into one of these categories. Both of these cases …