"When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, 'Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the … [Read more...]

Let’s confess! Change bothers all of us! Just try sitting in a different seat around the dinner table and watch the response! Just take another member’s seat at church! Just try taking another route home from work! Just try telling the dog he can’t sleep at the foot of the bed anymore! Change has been around since Adam and Eve and sin in the … [Read more...]

Over the years I have come to enjoy the poetry of Christina Rossetti (1830-1894).  Born the daughter of Gabriele Rossetti, an Italian poet and political refugee from Naples, her older brother, Gabriel Charles Dante, was also a known poet.  Christina lived all of her life in London, never married though asked twice, and became afflicted with … [Read more...]

Life under the sun! Doesn't this sound like a sermon title for those who live in Florida or Arizona? Every winter here in Michigan we say goodbye to our "snowbirds" who fly South or West for warmer climates. If I were to ask what book of the Bible comes to mind when you hear this little phrase, "Life under the sun," I am sure that you would say, … [Read more...]

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” -Luke 14:27 Look around you!  How often do you see others bearing the cross in some form or another?  It may be a cross on a ring, necklace, earring, ankle bracelet, bumper sticker on a car, or a tattoo placed visibly on some part of the body’s anatomy. … [Read more...]

Does God still answer prayer? How long has it been since you have had a prayer answered? Is it possible to know if God does answer our prayers? With all of the prayers that have gone up for recent national disasters, personal tragedies and unexpected calamities, many are questioning if God even exists, and if He does exist, does He really care? How … [Read more...]

"Take heed unto THYSELF, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."  I Timothy 4:16 Introductory Thoughts Have you not noticed how often the Scriptures direct those in ministry to seriously heed their own walk with Christ before they attempt to lead others down the path of … [Read more...]

Some years ago I read the story of an old missionary couple who had been working in Africa for many years and were returning to New York City to retire. With no pension and broken in health, they were discouraged and fearful of the future. They happened to be booked on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from a big-game hunting … [Read more...]

"A gifted leader is one who is capable of touching your heart." --J.S. Potofsky I would like to address the leadership of the church. I would like to address pastors and deacons. I would like to address those who have been entrusted, by the Lord and by the people, to lead the church in godly edification and God-honoring evangelism. Those who have … [Read more...]