For as long as I have been preaching, when it is around holiday time, I will hear some tell me that the reason they weren’t at church services was because they had “unexpected visitors.” This explanation is usually offered without …
Do you feel like the world is coming unglued? If you spend any time watching the news or browsing social media it seems like there is evil at every turn. There are terrorist attacks in the Middle East. There is …
by Steve Higginbotham When someone begins a sentence by saying, “The only thing necessary to be saved is…” you can know that they are in error and will eventually employ double-talk. There is no “alone” in the salvation process. It …
By Spencer Clark In the first century, a man walked to his city in Decapolis, on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It had been a long time since he had been home or been around anyone who wasn’t …
Steve Higginbotham While in college, I was playing in an “all-important” intramural basketball game when things got rather chippy. Then it happened – someone on the opposing team punched a player on my team. My teammate fell to the floor, …
By Terry Clark Every year the shepherds decide on a theme, which will be the focus for many of the lessons. This year’s theme is “Faithful Living: Holding Fast the Pattern”. “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you …
By Spencer Clark I often hear the phrase, “the church is great except for the people.” While I understand the sentiment that humans are imperfect and full of struggles, there are a few problems with this statement. First, it speaks …
Spencer Clark Recently I was invited to speak in Southeast Institute’s chapel on “Why I Love Youth Ministry.” By request, here is an adapted version of that same chapel talk. First, I love youth ministry because you get to spend …
By Dave Benner Recently I went on a fishing trip to Quebec. I enthusiastically prepared for this trip. I watched fishing shows to determine the best walleye lures. I used Amazon to order the latest great thing. I bought a …
