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And if I were preaching through the first year of the Lord’s ministry according to my chronological harmony of the Gospels, the following passages...
If I were preaching through my chronological harmony of the Gospels once again, I think my first twenty-two sermons covering Jesus’s introduction,...
In December 2011, I began an ambitious sermon series. I determined I would preach through all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and...
Ready or not, the Christmas season is almost here. Some would argue it began nearly a month ago, but I vehemently protest the notion. I take my...
Earlier today, I officiated the funeral service of James William Walter. Serving his family in this small way was an honor. The following is a...
I’ve said it before and I don’t mind repeating myself. The best way to study the Bible is to study verse by verse, one book at a time. Ask me where...
The wisdom literature of the Bible intrigues me, especially the book of Ecclesiastes. The so-called Preacher, probably Solomon, evaluates life and...
Evidently, winter doesn’t pay attention to the calendar. It’s not supposed to begin until late December, but here it is, a foot of snow and...
There are days you’d like to forget, days you’d like to quit, go to sleep, and try again tomorrow. For me, today is one of those days. My morning...
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy,...
I’ve probably said enough recently about my gravitation toward a less-tech existence, but I’m reminded yet again of technology’s shortcomings....
In hindsight, I should have taken advantage of my flexible schedule as a full-time pastor. For the most part, I set my own hours, but I didn’t...
The following was originally sent to recipients of my Sunday Letters. As I approach the hill’s crest—I’m only two years shy of forty—I’m becoming...
Sadly, we often avoid talking to others about Christ. Fear or awkwardness overcomes us. A lack of confidence whispers in our ear, “You’re not...
Everyone knows of WordPress. It’s the unofficial king of blogging platforms. If a blogger doesn’t already use it, he’s likely read a thousand...
Years ago, Fred Phelps, infamous pastor of Westboro Baptist Church, mailed me a form letter in an effort to recruit my congregation to his cause. He...
Commenting on my website’s most recent design, a friend remarked, “Looks like you built it about twenty years ago.” “Thank you for noticing,” I...
As the maps in the back of your Bible will show you, Paul traveled extensively throughout his ministry. He believed his mission was so urgent that,...
I officiated the funeral of Sharon Rice, 80, at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart, Indiana on October 13, 2019. Luke 23:39-43, the penitent thief...
People sometimes ask me how I’m able to do what I do for a living. As of July, I’m a funeral home chaplain. I meet with grieving families after...