The Blessing
Psalm 133 reveals the key for one of the most significant gifts the Lord could ever offer to humankind. I am speaking here of that which is totally substantial, enriching, and empowering beyond anything...
Author: Dr. F. Stoner Clark
Past and Present
The first chapter of Luke’s gospel has to be one of the most exciting passages in the Bible. Not only does it give us the account of John’s (the Baptist) miraculous birth, but it...
Declaring the End from the Beginning
There is an incredible characteristic of God which I think is frequently overlooked in our daily thoughts, prayers and interactions with the Lord. It has everything to do with the Lord’s omniscience and sovereignty...
Sing a New Song
The idea of singing is certainly not novel for Christians. Singing is just an integral function of all worship services. The Bible is replete with examples of and encouragements to offer praises to God...
Miracle in the Steeple
Introduction (Miracle in the Steeple) Although the genesis of this story really began in God’s providential workings in eternity past, we are going to limit our account to the space and time of His...
Edifying our Listeners
Today I want to talk about something, about an activity that is common and natural to us all. We began learning this behavior before we learned to walk and we continue to exercise it...
Go and Make…
One of the last things Jesus did prior to his ascension was to issue a commission to the eleven apostles. Although spoken to the eleven, this commission, “Go and make disciples…” is seen today...
Tabernacle or Temple?
I want to start this article by sharing an intriguing passage from the book of Acts. We find in chapter 15 a synopsis of how Peter’s proclamation of the gospel to the gentiles brought...
Sharing the Comfort of God
In Paul’s writing to the church in Corinth, he opens up a truth that is vital in walking out our Christian faith but yet is inadvertently overlooked by so many committed believers. Paul is...
We Want a King
There is an amazing story recorded in 1 Samuel. After all the miraculous things that the Lord did in delivering Israel from Egypt, they decided they would rather be ruled by a flesh and...
My Morning with the Lord
I realize I need to preface my remarks this morning by providing the reader with some understanding of my present condition. Just over two years ago I underwent open heart, triple bypass surgery following...
Just Whose Kingdom Is It?
The phrase, “kingdom of God,” is scattered throughout Scripture and is repeated in Mark’s gospel 15 times. Unquestionably, God has a kingdom. However, there can be questions with respect to the extent, nature, and...
The Greatest “Show and Tell” is Still the Gospel
There is something that is easily understood and accepted within the legal system that is necessary yet dismally lacking in Christian circles. I am referring here to the concept of “witnessing.” In the legal...
The Challenge of Separation
In this article we are going to take a serious look at one of the more challenging aspects of following Christ. It is challenging because it appears to contradict one of the most celebrated...
Examining the Bread
There is a fascinating story in Joshua we can really go to school on. It was a case in which the Israelites had the wool pulled over their eyes because they became negligent in...
Church in the House
How many of us remember much of our high school instruction in English? As I recall, four years of English were required for graduation and the subject was far from my favorite. Shamefully, I’m...
Did You Come to Finish?
In 1968, the Olympics were held in Mexico. The marathon was the climaxing event of the entire games. When the Ethiopian runner crossed the finish line first, another contestant, John Akwhari of Tanzania, was...
The Whole Truth and Nothing but…
In the fifth chapter of Acts is recorded the response of the high priest and Sadducees to the miraculous ministry of the Apostles. The Bible says the religious leaders were filled with indignation, punitive...
You Decide
In a way, these thoughts are a follow up to a previous article entitled “Joy that Endures.” I think the Lord desires that all his children live with enduring joy. In the article on...
How Does Eschatology Shape My Life?
Eschatology is a theological term which basically deals with the study of many topics having to do with the last days or the end times. The New Testament Greek for “last” is eschatos and...
Joy that Endures
I Love the book of Hebrews. It is not only filled with direct information and incentives that heip us live successful lives as followers of Christ, but it’s also filled indirectly with much informative...
Walking More Closely with Jesus
I want to share something that I think will benefit all followers of Christ who simply desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus. However, I also want to be clear that what I...
A Veterans Day Message
In considering the message for this significant day, I thought I would tackle the question, “What is a Veteran?” On the surface this would seem like an innocent and easy question. A Veteran is...
Developing a Christian Response to Halloween
As I think through and write this article, I realize what thin ice I am on. Dealing with the subject of Halloween is kind of like bringing up politics or religion at a family...
I Want My Share…Now
Luke chapter 15 records the account of what we refer to as the story of the prodigal son. It is a fascinating tale when examined from various perspectives. However, in this article I want...
Denominational Distinctions: Part II
In the initial article regarding church distinctions, I explored the worthiness, use, and validity for writing up doctrines and specifications for our churches. In reading this article one could readily perceive my persuasion was...
Denominational Distinctions : Good or Bad?
Most church denominations, as well as independent churches, set forth their particular church’s distinctions in one manner or another. This would amount to fundamentally describing their core beliefs. On face value this would reasonably...
Pristine and Contemporary Churches: Why so Different?
This question is so fundamental and essential to the wellbeing of the church that I can hardly believe it is not being illuminated, researched, and discussed with greater urgency and frequency than is apparently...
Elected for Life
Are you aware that the US House of Representatives and the US Senate both have chaplains as elected officials of their respective bodies? The House chaplain is elected every two years while the Senate...
“…in the name of Jesus…”
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Col 3:17 NKJV) Possibly no phrase has been more...
To Unchurched Believers
In writing this article I think I first need to address the issue of why a believer would be unchurched in the first place. In the interest of time and space I am going...
Count It All Joy
Although I have written many articles for this Website, the present offering can be considered pristine in character. This is because it is the first that I have written as a direct consequence of...
Why I Fly the “Betsy Ross” Flag
Why would the words “Betsy Ross” in the above title sport quotation marks? The flag under consideration had 13 stripes with 13 five pointed stars in a circular pattern in a blue field at...
Will You Know Him When He Comes?
There is a question that is seldom explored among Christians these days. This is mostly because the issue is already settled in the minds of most evangelical and pentecostal believers. When your mind is...
One Thing…
“Good teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life? So Jesus said to him…You know the commandments…All these things I have kept from my youth. So when Jesus heard these things, He said...
What am I Worth?
To answer the question posed above, we are going to look into the types and shadows of the Old Testament. I always find this to be fascinating because it is a time of discovery,...
What Now?
“For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Rom 8:29 NKJV When you read or hear the...
“So You Too, Must Keep Watch!…”
(Matt. 24:42 NLT) (Please read Luke 12:35-40 as preparation for this article. Reading this passage in NLT will be helpful.) “Be Prepared” was adopted by the Boy Scouts of America as their scout motto....
Are America’s Foundations Being Destroyed?
Psalm 11 This is apparently a Psalm composed by David when he was being subjected to Saul’s irrational envy as well as being the target for his javelin. David may have received some unfaithful...
What’s in a Name?
“Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.” Lk 2:21 NLT In the world of commerce and advertising,...
Unrelenting Prayer
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Lk 18:1 NLT) This encouragement for us that we would be persistent in prayer may...
When is it Time to Speak Up?
“And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…” Lately I have been noticing something rather interesting. Although my daily routine and activities have me generally in the company of confessing Christians,...
If the Foundations Be Destroyed, What Can the Righteous Do? (Psalm 11:3 NLT)
In Psalm 11, David raises this question. This had to be a particularly difficult time for David since he was brought into Saul’s administration under very favorable circumstances, and then having to experience the...
There is Always a Way
“Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there” (Ps 77:19 NLT). The Psalmist was probably confronting an intractable situation when he penned this particular...
What Can I Offer the Lord?
“What can I offer the Lord for all He has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12 NLT) This song was probably penned by David out of gratitude for a particular situation that the Lord delivered...
Life Lessons from the Old Testament
Many people find it difficult to discover meaningful lessons from the Old Testament that are applicable for their lives today. What I am sharing here should not be taken as an absolute, but should...
The New Life
He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them…This means that anyone...
Conquering the Will
“Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God…’” (Heb. 10:7 NLT) Maybe one of the most significant and risky things the Lord has ever done is to grant man...
Examining the Bread
So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the Lord.” (Josh 9:14 NLT) (Please read Joshua 9.) This is an ancient story with an extant and universal truth. It will...
Will the Real Church Please Stand Up
Back in the day, there was a TV program wherein three contestants all claimed to be the same person. The panel would question them, and then at the end of the questioning, the moderator...
When We Focus on the Destination and Neglect the Journey…
And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel…We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us…” Num 10:29 KJV It is good...
Have You Broken the Alabaster Jar?
Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made...
Accepting an Evil Report
There is a fascinating story in the book of Numbers that is incredibly germane to the church today. However, this story can only be understood if one believes in the truth of the “types...
The Fig Tree without Figs
In Mark 11, we have the curious and even mysterious account of Jesus’ cursing a tree. On the surface, it appears Jesus is seeking to satisfy his hunger expecting to find figs on the...
Are You Listening?
Please read Mark 9:1-8. This account of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration is one of those transitional passages that punctuates the New Testament and helps us to spiritually navigate from the Old to...
Believing God
In Mark 6 we have the account of Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth and going to the synagogue on the sabbath day to teach which was typical in his ministerial travels....
The Providence of God
God’s Providence is something that exists in everyone’s life yet is seldom recognized or talked about. Maybe because we don’t really know what it is or incidents of his Providence are attributed to other...
The Morphing of the Church
The word “morph” didn’t originate as the name of a British cartoon character. It actually means, “to change or transform something…from one thing to another; to undergo a dramatic change in a seamless way.”...
A Path through the Sea
“Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there.” (Psalm 77:19 NLT) This Psalm was written by someone facing what appeared to be unconquerable circumstances....
Apocalypse Now
I want to write a few things about the book of Revelation and I want to say from the beginning that this will be different from what you are probably used to reading. Most...
A Look into the Hebrew Roots Movement
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” (Phil 3:1 KJV) The Apostle Paul is preparing...
Jesus’ Second Coming and the Church
I want to address something which is both enigmatic and controversial. Although all believers affirm the second coming of Jesus, they are quite divided on the particular circumstances surrounding this awesome event. I would...
Is Church Discipline a Forgotten Imperative?
Discipline is not a concept readily associated with the church. I think we mostly attribute negative connotations to discipline while connecting it with what we would consider harsh circumstances. We tend to see discipline...
Who am I?
Identity is as fundamental as language or speech or communication itself. Everything has a name. Not only does everything have a name but also multiple descriptive handles which serve to set each item off...
Discovering the Depths of “Why”?
I have recently been reading the faith stories of military veterans whose personal experiences challenged their beliefs and put them in doubt of the character of God. Although these were all success accounts in...
Unity in the Body–Myth or Reality?
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Ps 133:1 God put a premium on unity! From the very beginning in Scripture, we have the example of...
Patience
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36) (A note from Patricia: My husband wrote...
My Will, Your Will, HIS WILL
This brief exposé won’t do any more than scratch the surface of a very profound and penetrating topic. If it provokes readers to continue to probe, ponder and pray, then it will have accomplished...
The Imperativeness of Context
Please consider the following scriptures: Go and make disciples… Behold I stand at the door and knock Money is the root of all evil The truth will set you free All things work together...
…But Such as I Have…
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:6 KJV The Acts...
The Journey of a Lifetime
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.The autumn...
From Shepherd’s Staff to the Staff of God
And take your shepherd’s staff with you… Ex 4:17 NLT In Exodus 4 we read about the calling of Moses and learn of his fearful responses to that call. The lessons in this chapter...
It Was Always About Christ
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the...
Sectarianism: The Bane of Christianity
(Sect: a dissenting or schismatic religious body; a religious denomination; excessive partizan or denominational zeal) Houston, we have a problem.” This phrase, popularized in the movie Apollo 13, developed into a meme symbolizing a...
Having Eyes that See…
Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you...
Let’s Talk Spiritual Legacy
(Legacy: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past) Jehoahaz son of Jehu began to rule over Israel…But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He...
But Then Something happened!
But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Then he revealed his Son to (in) me so...
The Fragility Factor in Faith
(Fragile: easily broken or destroyed; tenuous, slight; delicate, lacking in vigor) Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Lk 18:8 NKJV The above Scripture capped off...
Discovering Church in an Age of Deception – Part 3
Supplemental Information Part 3 is simply my effort to share what I hope will be some practical insights for becoming and being authentic church. Many sincere followers of Jesus have concerns over the orderliness...
Discovering Church in an Age of Deception – Part 2
In part one of this article, we came to realize how the spirit of deception sown by the god of this world has found its way into the church and has transmogrified the essence...
Discovering Church in an Age of Deception – Part 1
(Deceive: to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid) And when I speak, I don’t speak as a Democrat. Or a Republican. Nor an American. I speak as a...
The Emmanuel Factor
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). What we take for granted now will soon fade into the fogginess...
Taking a Stand (Part 3)
The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all...
Taking a Stand (Part 2)
In Part One of this article, we examined the culpability of the church in its failure to be salt and light in a morally disintegrating and dying world. Principally, this was seen as the...
Taking a Stand (Part One)
A number of years ago, young orphaned elephants were introduced to the Pilanesberg area of South Africa having been removed from other over-populated reserves. Within a relatively short matter of time, these juvenile elephants...
Searching out Nuggets from the Old Covenant
One of the exciting and rewarding aspects of studying the Word of God is discovering wonderful truths tucked away where you would never expect to find them. I believe the Lord truly delights in...
Never Give Up the Land
They abandoned their towns and fled. So the Philistines moved in and occupied their towns. (1 Sam 31:7 NLT) Back in the 1960’s and early ‘70’s, the United States was involved in a war...
On Becoming Real
“What is real?” asked the rabbit… “Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not...
What’s In a Pile of Stones?
Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there. (Ex 20:24b NLT) When God called Abraham and created through him a people for...
The Elusiveness of God
(Elusive: hard to isolate or identify; not allowing for a clear perception) When I was a kid, way back in the last century, our neighborhood children would often play a game called “hide and...
From Galilee to Jerusalem
Brothers—you sons of Abraham, and also you God-fearing Gentiles—this message of salvation has been sent to us! The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had...
Life After Revival: Where Do We Go from Here?
We are seeing some extraordinary things these days with the advent of revival coming out of Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. It is thrilling to read of the experiences of these students, as well...
The Awful Finality of the Gospel
(Awful: That strikes with awe; That fills with profound reverence; As the awful majesty of Jehovah.)Noah Webster 1828 It was April, 1945. The war in the European theater was rapidly drawing to a close...
Trusting God: No longer a matter of what He has done but rather of who He is
The Bible is filled throughout with admonitions to trust the Lord. Trust is one of the most foundational blocks upon which our relationships are built. Trust brings a predictability to relationships and enables other...
Religion, Ritual and Righteousness
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the...
The Bush Is Still Burning
In Exodus chapter 3, we have the marvelous account of the burning bush which is not consumed. Even more marvelous than an inconsumable burning bush, is the account of God speaking with Moses as...
Lessons on the Way to Jerusalem
From the day Jesus was born, he was on a journey. He had an imperial commission from his father which set him on a course whose ultimate destination was Jerusalem. Intriguingly, Jesus’ journey actually...
“We have met the enemy and he is us”
The title of this article is borrowed from a Walt Kelly Pogo cartoon strip and simply implies that we can easily be our own worst enemy. Kelly’s statement is actually a parody on Admiral...
We the People
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of...
It’s Time to Build the Ark: Biblical Insights for the Days Ahead
Introduction (from the forthcoming book by this title) Noah is one of many in our biblical hall of faith whose life reflects an incredible trust in God accompanied by a commensurate obedience. Hebrews 11...
Where Do You Set the Bar?
“Raising the bar” has become a universal meme for establishing the level of competence or achievement that we would aspire to regardless of the area of expertise being pursued. No matter what it is...
The Self-Deception of the Deceivers; the Ultimate Deception
I wonder if you hate being lied to as much as I do. As far as my interactions and relationships go, it is hard to think of something that galls me more than being...
Lessons from the Wall
Jean Paul Sartre once wrote a short story encapsulating the incarcerated lives of three anarchists during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). He entitled his story, “The Wall.” In this story you are challenged to...
Ascending into the Presence of God
The Psalms (songs) of ascent, Psalms 120-134, have drawn me into their mystique for some time now. I think this is partly because these Psalms invite you to use your holy imagination and enter...
The Incorruptible Patience of God
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5 NKJV) I want to demonstrate from Scripture a monumental truth that I...
A House Church Primer: Recovering Biblical Principles in the Wake of Covid
Likewise greet the church that is in their (Priscilla and Aquila) house, Rom 16:5 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house, Col 4:15 And...
Searching for a Christian Response to Prepping
(Included in this article are two chapters from the author’s book, Searching for a Christian Response to Prepping. The intent here is to encourage and stimulate believers to prayerfully assess their attitude toward and...
Seizing Your Destiny in Christ
As you look out over the political and circumstantial landscape these days, do you ever have the gut feeling that things are transpiring around you that seem beyond your control? Are you bothered by...
Flirting with Deception
The prevalence of deception in our world today is analogous to a fish swimming in toxic water. The fish has to process that water through its gills extracting the life sustaining oxygen while passing...
Rediscovering Oneness in a Divisive World
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them…The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with...
Liberty vs Safety
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees. Euripides (484-408...
Define Normal, Part 2
I don’t believe any reasonable, thinking person today really wants to go where the powers that be are attempting to lead us. Globalism has always been proffered as a win-win scenario. It supposedly would...
Define Normal, Part 1
There is an interesting psychological phenomenon which seems to activate whenever we are assailed with chaotic times and circumstances which persist for a protracted period. It is our habit to take solace and refuge...
A Critical Evaluation of the “Rapture” Doctrine: Part 4
In choosing to be all in for Christ with the willingness to endure whatever that choice entails, one must also faithfully contemplate the full reality of the commensurate preparation necessary to be successful in...
A Critical Evaluation of the “Rapture” Doctrine: Part 3
I recently came across an interesting find while reading the works of Bill Britton, one of my favorite authors. It is a pretty safe assumption that most Assembly of God churches teach the escape...
A Critical Evaluation of the “Rapture” Doctrine: Part 2
The feasts of Israel also foreshadow the spiritual reality of the full stature life in Christ, the inheritance he died to give us. Although there were seven festivals or feasts prescribed for Israel, they...
A Critical Evaluation of the “Rapture” Doctrine: Part 1
In this article I want to offer a critical (exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious evaluation) evaluation of the doctrine of the church’s “rapture” as dogmatically taught and embraced by most evangelical, full...
Unrequited Truth
In a recent post I argued that our desire to acquire and know absolute truth must meet or even exceed Bartimeaus’ desire to receive his natural sight. In all actuality, unadulterated truth is the...
It’s Time to Possess the Land…
They made us many promises, more than I can remember. But they kept but one—They promised to take our land…and they took it. Chief Red Cloud – Sioux The history of the United States...
A Way Through the Sea…
Your road led through the sea, Your pathway through the mighty waters— a pathway no one knew was there. Psalm 77:19 NLT Probably the most difficult challenge to our faith since the onset of...
Prime Time with God
As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the...
I Want to See!
Have you ever noticed in Scripture how often within the main narrative being presented another story pops up and appears to take precedence in the flow of things? Take for example the account of...
Choosing Up Sides: What Really Counts
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28 NKJV “When the killing starts, make...
Celebrating the Providence of God
One of the strongest motivations in a person’s life—possibly right next to self-preservation—is the desire to order or control the events of one’s own life. Typically we tend to gravitate toward order and predictability...
Uncovering Unbiblical Christianity
How would you feel if you were sincerely participating in a contest, playing by the rules established by the sponsors, only to discover at the conclusion that you were disqualified from your just rewards...
Living in the Age of Deception: What’s the Answer?
“Oh! What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Sir Walter Scott. There is an interesting characteristic of human nature that I believe we would agree is universally supported—literally everyone...
Confession: Breaking Through to Ultimate Victory
In the spirit of manufacturers today who set forth their products anticipating potential misuse or abuse of their products, I offer my own disclaimer with this article—not for the spiritually squeamish or faint of...
Ride, Boldly Ride
What does it mean to you when you hear someone say, “It’s the eleventh hour”? For most this is a calling of attention to the state of time for some given set of circumstances...
Coping with Inveterate Frustration
Does it have to culminate in a time-bomb? Be honest. As you assimilate the daily fare of what passes today for news and surf the Internet for greater clarification, insight and temerity of reporting...
Living a Compelling Life
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 NLT Luke’s account of Jesus’ resurrection and...
An Inconvenient Reality
What do you do when the truth no longer fits the narrative you’ve been supporting? What do you do when you have been patting a story on its head for years—purporting to represent the...
Savorless Salt: Considering the Consequences
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be...
Words of Life
Do you long to find a deep sense of inner peace and well-being that transcends anything this material world has to offer? If so, you are not alone in this desire. After many years...
The Imperativeness of the Church
There is a question—the asking of which—has been growing in frequency over the past few years and is deserving of serious consideration. Many sincere believers are in increasing measure pondering the relevancy and legitimacy...
How Do You Spell “Chruch?” Part 4
We closed Part 3 of this series with what I consider Jesus’ definition of “church.” For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them...
How Do You Spell “Chruch”? Pt 3
In trying to understand the true biblical meaning and significance of the church, we have been attempting to see the present structure and function of the church through the eyes of a time-traveling 1st...
How Do You Spell “Chruch” – Part 2
Properly defining the church in a biblically, historically and theologically correct manner is critically essential to having the ability to participate in and walk out God’s eternal purpose. From Israel’s inception with the calling...
How Do You Spell “Chruch” – Part 1
In the 1970’s there was a popular commercial for an antacid which simply posed the question, “How do you spell relief?” It was a clever commercial in that the answer being elicited had nothing...
Thy Kingdom Come…
Most believers are intimately familiar with this portion of Scripture that makes up a portion of what the church refers to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is part of the catechism of most churches...
The Church’s Last Frontier – Part 2
For me, probably the most pertinent Scripture regarding unity is Psalm 133. This passage is contextually and historically rich and deals succinctly with the meta-narrative of God and his eternal purpose for man. Behold,...
The Church’s Last Frontier – Part 1
There is an interesting phenomenon in the church today. If one were to take an extensive poll among Christians across denominational lines and even among both Protestants and Roman Catholics, there would be a...
The Sound of Arms, the Tramp of Feet…
(The following is excerpted from the new ebook, Searching for a Christian Response to Prepping by D. F. Stoner Clark I would like to address at this point a highly charged and controversial aspect...
Provoking God: The Unconscious Sin of Believers
The dictionary defines “provoke” thusly: to anger, enrage, exasperate, or vex; to stir up, arouse, call forth or incite. What sane believer with even a modicum of self-awareness would ever consider any attitude, speech...
The Mark of a Leader
Num 11:29 – But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!” One of...
Come and Follow
What did Jesus Mean When He Said, “Come and Follow”? If you think there is a simple answer to this question, I am going to surmise that you have not thoroughly vetted the biblical...
The Sennacherib Challenge
“What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power”(Is 36:20 NLT). These same biblical words are being spit into the faces of all sincere believers today who...
How Can We Survive – Part 2
How Can We Survive? Part 2 I am amazed! I am astounded! I have just been following some of the news coming out of our Capital regarding Congress’ decision to continue the Bush era...
How Can We Survive – Part 1
How Can We Survive Part 1 How would you describe people who, when told perilous conditions are imminent, choose to continue their present course and activity as if nothing had been said? You would...
Is Church Renewal a Viable Option?
It is always dangerous to base an argument on an assumption—particularly one that you believe most readers would also hold to be true. In this case, the assumption would be that the church in...
Recovering the Priesthood of Believers
Scripture teaches that Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. He is going to bring his defeat of Satan at Calvary to full manifestation, overcome all evil and establish his...
