Shake yourself from the dust and arise. Loose the bonds from your neck.
Pictured is an illustration of Judges 19 from a 13th century French Gothic picture Bible. Introduction Judges 19 is a difficult text to write on, let alone preach on. And in these times when reason gives way to passions, I find myself timid like Gideon. This won’t be the nicest thing you’ll read today, but… Continue reading Sons of Belial: How Worthless Men Are Killing You
Before Dale was a beloved father and grandfather, a doting husband, and an enthusiastic servant of the church, he was a philanderer and a deadbeat. He gave his wife herpes from sleeping with prostitutes while in the Navy and often neglected his family. His frequent absences led one of his sons toward gang involvement, and his… Continue reading Samson’s Victory
And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said, ‘With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.’ Judges 15:15-16 KJV Ah, the famous story of how… Continue reading War Crimes
Samson is the most famous of all the judges. Whether it's his superhuman strength or his dalliance with Delilah, everyone seems to know about the big, violent, herculean ox who is really, really good at killing things. For example, in Judges 14 he fights a lion and rips it apart. Not a kitty. A lion. “Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed… Continue reading What Controls You?
Pastor Al provided the thesis statement for this article last Sunday: “A parent’s first priority is to obey Jesus. If you want your kids to obey Jesus, then you need to obey Jesus. You have an obligation to raise your kids under God’s will, Word, and ways. Not the culture’s, not yours, God’s.” Samson’s mom was barren, but then the pre-incarnate Jesus appeared… Continue reading Our First Responsibility
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us… Continue reading Standing on the Promises of God
Some years ago one of our pastors recommended that my wife and I have a big end-of-the-year date where we discuss the highs and lows of the previous year and goals for the next. We call this our “Year in Review, Year in Preview” date. We have done this almost every year since 2015 and… Continue reading Year in Review, Year in Preview: How Our Annual Couple’s Date Strengthens Family Bonds
Awake! Put on strength! 