Friday, September 23, 2011

Who Is the Brother You Like the Least?

Last night after speaking to the New Salisbury church I had a wonderful conversation with my friend Gary Fisher. He told me that he had recently preached a sermon elsewhere about love from First Corinthians 13, with special emphasis on how to love the brother you liked the least in the congregation. After the sermon, a man came forward,

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Notes from Class on Islam - Lesson 1 Right Attitudes

The reason for this study can be summed up by something a Christian said on my Facebook page: “I learned all I needed to know about Islam on 9/11/2001.” That combination of ignorance, prejudice, and indifference is unbecoming of Christians. We are called to make disciples of all nations – including Muslims – and the only way we can do this is if we understand those we are trying to reach.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

"No King But Caesar"

Pilate was trapped. He knew that the prisoner was innocent, that whatever claims he had been making to kingship were far different than the usual routine of Messianic fervor in Palestine. But he also knew that the hostile crowd of Jews (stirred up by the religious leadership) were determined to have this man executed, and the last thing he needed was a report to reach Caesar’s ears that the Governor of Syria tolerated self-appointed kings. So justice gave way to self-preservation.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Job Satisfaction Survey: Preachers Rank First!

A recent study published by Christian Science Monitor ranked the ten happiest jobs, and "clergy" ranked first. This study certainly reflects the way I feel about preaching. I enjoy what I do, and I feel grateful that the members of the Woodland Hills congregation