Always Reforming

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”     Just a few thoughts on this passage.  Joshua is given two basic commands that, if obeyed, will ensure the taking of the Promised Land.  We may not be making physical war, but we are fighting a spiritual war, so these instruc...

    As I survey the political world, I feel sometimes depressed, sometimes frustrated, and usually helpless.  We have in this country an extremely large government that is anything but accountable and whose actions consistently demonstrate a lack of concern for the God, the Constitution, and the people of this country.  They tell us not to worry--they've got it covered.  They know what is best for us.  They'll make a bunch of laws to make sure we don't hurt ourselves, or if we do, we'll certainly have healthcare.    The question conservatives ask is, "How are we going to turn this nation around?"  I admit, this question is one I have considered often.  How are we going to get those people out of office and limit the power of government?  How are we going to stop the government from encroaching on our freedoms?  How are we going to keep socialism out of our borders?  The assumption is that this is the good ol' U...

The Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Part 1—Acts 2:22-36     As I was recently reading through the New Testament in my personal time of devotions, I was struck by the emphasis placed on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Of course I believed in the Resurrection and I understood that it was important, but I had never realized how key it was in the eyes of Scripture.   “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very heart of Christianity,” according to P.G. Matthew.   Or as Wayne Jackson puts it, “The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of the Christian system.”   “If Christ be not raised,” says Matthew Henry, “the Gospel is a jest; it is chaff and emptiness.”   And yet, how many of us would share the Gospel with someone and make absolutely no mention of the Resurrection?   Sadly, the Resurrection of Christ has become merely another doctrine that we take for granted or another sermon that we expect to hear ...