America is being challenged to answer a question that we have historically had difficulty answering.  And when we have managed to answer it correctly, we’ve struggled to live by our own answer. The issue is clearly stated:  How far do we extend the rights that Americans enjoy?  Do the rights...

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20, NIV I love my country. There is no country on Earth in which I would rather live. I spend most of my vacations exploring the natural places, the history, the cities, and...

NOTE:  I regularly read or listen to scientific studies from National Public Radio, the Associated Press, and National Geographic.  Though I am not a scientist, they help me stay up to date on scientific advances.  I am indebted to an article on NPR as well as a blog by James...

I want to be Biblical. I try hard not to be either a conservative or a liberal. I don’t try to align my thoughts with any political party. I don’t like to accept any labels the world uses to categorize people, other than I am a follower of Jesus. When...

I have cancer. For many, that is an incredibly scary statement.  Cancer can lead to months and even years of treatment.  Some of the “cures” (radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery) are difficult to endure.  Patients often experience painful treatment, nausea, loss of weight and hair, removal of body parts, loss of...

Southern Baptists, there is something we need to recognize, even if we don’t want to and we don’t like it. Right now, we don’t have the greatest reputation outside of our own circle. I’m not a critical outsider. I am a Southern Baptist. I’ve attended a Southern Baptist Church for...

I’m a pastor. Not a lawyer. Here’s what that means for me and how I interpret my calling.  I teach the Bible in an effort to make disciples of Jesus.  I want people to believe in Jesus, to know Jesus, to follow Jesus, and to live and love like Jesus....

There are many points of doctrine and church practice in which there is ample room for differences of interpretation and opinion.  I can articulate my opinion and others can explain their idea of what Scripture teaches, and we can depart as friends and coworkers for the cause of Christ, even...

I want to tell you a love story tonight.  It’s the greatest love story that ever occurred and I want you to know it.  No other love story—and there have been thousands of them lived and written about and portrayed in movies—comes close. It’s greater than the love story of...

It’s now November, and families and churches are beginning to plan the holidays, if they haven’t done so already.  There’s a lot to think about.  Are we serving traditional food or doing something different?  Are last year’s decorations good enough or do we need something more?  Are we traveling (to...