Tag: Christianity

Quote of Note #163: No National Gods

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"There is only one God, Creator of all humanity, not nation-gods who conquer other nation-gods, and there are not racial or national differences before God. Most importantly, our people need to be sensitized to the God who works across national boundaries and loves children from Chihuahua as much as children from Chicago." Leonard Sweet, Rings … Continue reading Quote of Note #163: No National Gods

Pastor Note #130: The Government of Oklahoma Attempts to Usurp the Church

~ gachorpenning ~ 2 Comments

Effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels, e.g., grades 5 through 12.  This directive is in alignment with the educational standards approved on or about May 2019, with which all districts must comply.[1] The above … Continue reading Pastor Note #130: The Government of Oklahoma Attempts to Usurp the Church

Pastor Note #128: The Resurrection–A Devotional

~ gachorpenning ~ 2 Comments

Introduction:If saving non-material human souls is all that matters, what is the point of the bodily resurrection of Jesus?  If the goal of the Christian faith is to get souls into heaven, then the bodily resurrection of Jesus is irrelevant and unnecessary.  And yet, there can be little doubt that the New Testament writers were … Continue reading Pastor Note #128: The Resurrection–A Devotional

Pastor Note #127: A Devotional on the Lord’s Return

~ gachorpenning ~ 1 Comment

Introduction:Surely, there are few biblical topics that have generated as many books, articles, Bible studies, and sermons as the topic of the return of Christ.  They are often filled with charts and tables and complex speculations that make quantum physic seem simple.  A. W. Tozer writes this, “There have been enough foolish formulas advanced about … Continue reading Pastor Note #127: A Devotional on the Lord’s Return

Pastor Note #124: Forgiving–Why Should I?

~ gachorpenning ~ 6 Comments

Let’s start with this key truth about forgiveness, one that runs counter to much of what we tend to think and what we hear from our culture.  Forgiveness does not start out as a feeling.  It starts out as a decision.  We almost always decide to forgive someone who has hurt us before, often long … Continue reading Pastor Note #124: Forgiving–Why Should I?

Prayer Note #62/Quote of Note #156: Made for God

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"Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you. Teach us to offer ourselves to your service, that here we may have your peace, and in the world to come may see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The Alternative … Continue reading Prayer Note #62/Quote of Note #156: Made for God

Bible Note #53: Colossians 3 Series–Raised with Christ

~ gachorpenning ~ 2 Comments

There is richness and deep truth to be found everywhere in the Bible, often in passages that might seem mundane and unremarkable at first glance.  In fact, that sounds like an interesting challenge.  So, maybe someday I’ll do a series of studies on some of those seemingly uninspiring passages of the Bible.  But for now, … Continue reading Bible Note #53: Colossians 3 Series–Raised with Christ

Quote of Note #136: The Real Nature of True Freedom

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photo by GAC "However, I think it is important to note that another trajectory in the Christian tradition argues that we should not understand freedom in libertarian terms. Augustine, for instance, emphasized a 'positive' understanding of freedom as empowerment: I am free insofar as I am able to achieve the good. On this score, freedom … Continue reading Quote of Note #136: The Real Nature of True Freedom

Bible Note #51: James 2:1-4 & Valuing What Jesus Values

~ gachorpenning ~ 2 Comments

I enjoy fishing.  I’m not very good at it, but I do enjoy going out to the water and trying to catch fish.  As I share this with you, we are a day away from the opening of trout season in Pennsylvania.  Opening day can be a pretty crowded time on the water around here.  … Continue reading Bible Note #51: James 2:1-4 & Valuing What Jesus Values