tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79287572011-11-22T10:30:15.917-05:00Chrisnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-14893559055635555002011-05-27T11:58:00.007-04:002011-05-27T21:29:47.259-04:00

A very good friend died recently of cancer, after a courageous 14 month battle. D was 44 and leaves behind his wife and four children- two are in diapers. My wife and I were close to the entire family and had been together many times over the years for meals and Bible studies in our homes. D died at home, and during the last two weeks he needed 24 hour attention. My wife and I had

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-77577429291461032042011-04-18T16:08:00.005-04:002011-04-20T16:20:12.979-04:00

A reflection based on some years of personal experience: The New Testament says that Elders should lead the local church. The word clearly means a person of some maturity and years walking in the faith. It is also plural. A younger man, even one with zeal, has not had the time and experience to develop wisdom and this will have effects on the local body (wisdom and academic knowledge are not the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-17883953389747706852011-03-02T15:08:00.000-05:002011-03-02T15:09:39.867-05:00

I have a new blogging project. It's for my children.http://poplartreesbyflowingstreams.blogspot.com/

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-78636507625646100462010-03-01T14:52:00.003-05:002010-03-02T14:19:20.114-05:00

To quote a recording my wife gave me yesterday, Christian life begins when we understand and own our sin and our unholiness before a holy God.It's ironic that so many who describe themselves as Christians communicate self-righteousness to others. (I feel that by definition, the two things are mutually exclusive- a person can be a true Christian, or he can be self-righteous, but he can't be both.)

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-18995745745594651962010-02-25T15:12:00.002-05:002010-02-25T15:19:14.797-05:00

I realized today something about myself that I haven't seen clearly before, although those close to me have probably seen. It is a tendency to whine and feel sorry for myself when things don't go the way I want them to ...when those around me have needs ...when my comfort is disturbed ...when my plans don't pan out. This is something I need go after, and keep going after it until I catch up

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-14899364406074624932010-01-26T15:28:00.002-05:002010-01-26T15:33:15.888-05:00

The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the Christ who was to come:See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-48892939568124736682010-01-10T16:14:00.003-05:002010-01-10T16:24:42.846-05:00

I can honestly say that until the last couple of years I did not have the experience or sensation of fear. (The only exception would be when we had to deal with some very serious illnesses in two of our children, when my fear was for them.)But with my approaching and reaching my mid-50s, I have to admit that I occasionally experience some fear about various things. I would guess that it is normal

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-90348482015225046612009-11-06T12:17:00.006-05:002009-11-06T12:32:48.089-05:00

I recently reread Against the Tide, Angus Kinnear’s biography of Watchman Nee.The Church’s freedom was taken away when the Communists took over China. Sadly, many believers turned on brothers and sisters through fear and intimidation. Many joined the state-sponsored “Church” despite drastic measures of control by the political powers.The initial stages of state control were relatively gentle,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-76003588244295636992009-11-02T15:37:00.008-05:002009-11-02T15:57:53.844-05:00

In certain Christians, self-described as "Reformed," there tends to be an emphasis on theology and having correct theological views. (By "correct" I don't mean the distinction between orthodoxy and heresy, but rather the "correct" theological views about secondary issues that are seen as central to the Reformed way of thinking.) A phrase that one hears often includes the idea of "holding a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-30091130254705089052009-10-03T09:55:00.005-04:002009-10-03T10:06:15.927-04:00

Paul and I have "booked" Jon Zens to come to Norwich, CT for a one day conference on Sat., Apr 24, 2010. He will be the only "name" speaker and he will be talking about church relationships and Body Life.It will be billed as a House Church/Church Life conference. We hope to have some local brothers/sisters share and lead discussion about "Why HC Works!" or something like that to focus on local

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-61341294084579643912009-09-11T14:08:00.008-04:002009-09-11T14:29:56.384-04:00

The discussion at last week's prayer meeting at work was mainly about how the spiritual nature of the world around us seems to be getting darker. I admit that it does seem that way at times.But even if things are getting darker- it is in the world of men that this is happening. So this darkness is what we see when we look with our eyes. But...like most Christians I believe that the real world is

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-24188427665815821242009-08-26T15:13:00.004-04:002009-08-26T15:28:28.155-04:00

We got to spend four days in Beaver Spring, PA last weekend. We arrived late Friday afternoon and heard Zac Poonen's first talk that evening. On Saturday we heard three talks and were served lunch; on Sunday two more talks with lunch in-between. Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a scenic drive for an hour to State College to visit family.Saturday evening we had a sweet time of fellowship and a meal

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-91879760010758200932009-08-12T10:41:00.003-04:002009-08-12T10:49:58.000-04:00

Later this month we're going to spend the weekend in central PA to hear Zac Poonen speak five times. He is a gifted Bible teacher from India and we've never heard him in person, but have heard many recordings.He has tremendous insights and applications that one just doesn't hear anywhere else (or, anywhere I have been). And he doesn't avoid the "diffeicult" teachings of Jesus-the ones we rarely,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-86726536671569620832009-07-23T14:16:00.004-04:002009-08-06T14:40:56.602-04:00

The Philosophy prof at work has a quote at the end of her emails- something to the effect of, "The more free I am, the happier I am." I told her that I thought the key to contentment is a life of sacrificial service to others (not that I'm all that good at doing it myself), not personal freedom. She dismissed my thought (and me).Last night I came across this quote in Paradise Lost: Thyself not

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-67885418366865444272009-06-03T11:32:00.005-04:002009-06-03T11:42:36.625-04:00

Guys, Sorry to hear about Stephen's difficulties. We know that there are no easy answers that will satisfy the brother in these kinds of situations, but scripture speaks to the situation.It's not emphasized in modern evangelicalism, but the Bible clearly indicates that suffering will come as a result of our efforts to obey Christ and behave in a godly way. (Notice Matt 5:11 (below)- "when" not "

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-88151124328458340602009-05-14T10:27:00.003-04:002009-05-14T10:31:42.001-04:00

Yesterday a radio preacher said something that is worth remembering: When a Christian stops repenting, he stops growing.I might add, When a Christian starts repenting, he starts growing.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-17339376420420666832009-05-13T15:32:00.003-04:002009-05-13T15:35:20.674-04:00

If you go into life to serve God, you won't have to look for a miracle- you'll be the miracle!

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-7131194670883778882009-05-04T14:04:00.002-04:002009-05-04T14:08:13.281-04:00

Click here to see my new photos site. I recently got my first digital camera and am having some fun with it.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-70392893782101408432009-05-01T15:58:00.005-04:002009-05-01T16:06:09.272-04:00

Last Sunday we were in Pennsylvania for the weekend. On Sunday morning we visited Charity Christian Fellowship in Leola and enjoyed their morning meeting. The singing and preaching and fellowship and prayer time were all a tremendous encouragement. Compared to the evangelical churches we have known it is just a different "world." I really don't know how to adequately describe it.After listening

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-85706395822434586382009-03-27T16:14:00.003-04:002009-03-27T16:20:57.521-04:00

It's interesting to ponder the metaphysical aspects of salvation. Of course no one really understands how it works, although there are various theories. Arminians and Calvinsits and others have argued about it for centuries. Both sides have some passages that support their views. But there are also passages that undermine both views.Nonetheless, the bottom line is that because God understands it,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-9865272592502293622009-03-13T15:30:00.002-04:002009-03-13T15:32:12.145-04:00

Listen to this and tell me what you think. Peacetime Nonresistance.My email is betterpromises@yahoo.com.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-36789720320842650572009-03-13T14:51:00.001-04:002009-03-13T14:53:03.661-04:00

The right way to requite evil, according to Jesus, is not to resist it. This saying of Christ removes the Church from the sphere of politics and law.-Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost of Discipleship

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-75378538147091206042009-03-12T15:08:00.004-04:002009-03-13T15:29:14.829-04:00

The Bible commands Christians to overcome evil with good, and to not resist evil men, and to love our enemies, and to feed our enemies, and to live in peace with all men. I wish I knew more believers who were trying to come to grips with these commands.Want to know more? Click here.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-12869787806011429152009-02-27T13:45:00.003-05:002010-03-02T14:20:09.574-05:00

The right way to requite evil, according to Jesus, is not to resist it. This saying of Christ removes the Church from the sphere of politics and law (from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, p. 141).

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-45880398895178730052009-02-27T13:20:00.001-05:002009-02-27T13:21:49.982-05:00

For some reason [Christians] are so busy trying to change the world around us, that we forget our true position here on the earth. We are foreigners here. The Church is likened to an embassy in a strange land, and we are but ambassadors for Christ on foreign soil. If we would consider the role of an embassy does not dictate new laws and standards to its host country. The embassy remains

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-13513640404009575392009-02-26T10:56:00.005-05:002009-02-26T11:26:18.255-05:00

Kingdom Living Guidelines (maybe it's not all that complicated):Glorify Jesus Christ and spread the Good News by loving others in practical and tangible ways- showing compassion, caring, patience, and sacrifice for all, including "enemies"- especially enemies.Seeking to earnestly understand and obey all the teachings of Jesus and follow his example, even when it hurts- especially when it hurts.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-34214048874737946622009-02-24T14:34:00.002-05:002009-02-24T14:46:53.183-05:00

The NT makes it clear that those who are in Christ are new creations and the old is gone. But of course it is a process, and it doesn't happen in the blink of an eye. But for years I have felt frustrated by what I see as I look around the larger "church"- doesn't look like too many "new creations" there- actually, it looks like exactly the opposite. So many who seem to hold onto the old. Fears

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-3235014139323093222009-01-30T15:51:00.003-05:002009-01-30T15:55:47.118-05:00

Since my last posting there have been the holidays and the illness and death of my dear mother. She was 81 and she felt it was the right time, but it is still hard for all of us. I'm trusting in the one who knows and understands all and makes everything right in its own time.Had lunch today with my oldest son- it's really nice to stay in touch with him and learn about what he is thinking and

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-48314269872506310682008-12-02T09:03:00.000-05:002008-12-02T09:04:46.160-05:00

Hey Dean,How are things going? Thanks for calling last week- it was good to hear from you. Your cold is probably gone by now.Saturday we are going to NY for the day. We used to live there, in fact, we met and got married in the city. We like to go back for visits. We're riding a chartered bus through a travel agency in Norwich.My mother is having a biopsy on Wed at Backus. Please pray that

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-86784353957969040062008-11-13T16:14:00.012-05:002008-11-14T13:02:45.344-05:00

...Do You Know Where You Would Spend Eternity?Well-intentioned people have used this question to try to help others. At first glance, it seems like an effective way to help start someone thinking about eternity with the goal of discussing Jesus Christ- a good thing, to be sure.But I'm not sure that this approach is worthy of Christ.For those of you who are parents, consider this. Of course, we

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-73334638184290200792008-11-12T14:55:00.002-05:002008-11-13T16:13:18.749-05:00

Brother Paul,I really enjoyed our men's meeting last night. I was greatly encouraged by everyone present. It was well worth the drive.The atomsphere of freedom and respect for each others' opinions is truly a blessing! (not to mention the nice meal!). And the love shared by all the brothers was evident all evening.You are to be commended for your leadership. It is Christ- focused. And your

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-36924220146393137522008-11-10T14:57:00.004-05:002008-11-14T13:04:18.888-05:00

As the culture around us becomes more and more odd and divorced from simple reason and truth, it will become easier and easier for Christians to stand out, and thereby draw others to the Christ just by being who we are (and who he has made us to be).The concept of personal responsibility for one's decisions and one's life has undergone major renovation ("Please excuse our mess- we're renovating!"

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-23720847141758902292008-11-09T15:05:00.002-05:002008-11-12T15:06:50.177-05:00

The truth is not something we look up in the library, or on Wikipedia, or even something that the Ivy League professors can tell us. The truth is a person.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1149966409397433872008-11-04T12:14:00.002-05:002009-03-03T15:41:49.560-05:00

In 1980 I voted for Ronald Reagan. He was anti-abortion and it seemed like the ruling allowing abortion could be reversed. For the next twelve years he and George Bush, Sr. were president. After eight years of a democratic president, we have had eight years of another Republican, anti-abortion president. But abortion is still legal and flourishing, and no one really believes that it will be

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-72768169534689707182008-10-23T14:41:00.006-04:002008-10-23T14:58:14.471-04:00

I don't fully understand why, among Christians, we sometimes find ourselves in broken relationships that are truly and deeply broken. Usually one person is intractably, unmovably determined to not restore any sense of connection. It would seem to me, that since we are new creations and submitted to Christ for obedience to his command to love one another deeply, that both should be willing, for

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-15175973184212305922008-10-19T09:08:00.002-04:002008-10-19T09:14:51.518-04:00

The other evening we drove up to West Hartford to visit Evan and have dinner at a nearby Chili's. The food was very good but the place was noisy and by the time I left I was getting a headache. But it was a nice evening to spend time with our oldest son and hear about what's going on in his life. He's experiencing frustrations with his work and is wanting to make some changes, but things are

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-55268807756462226282008-10-10T14:32:00.001-04:002008-10-10T14:34:07.476-04:00

One of the main reasons that people are nuts about their pets is that there are no conditions in the relationship. Your cat (or dog) thinks you are the greatest thing going- they don’t see or care about your faults. You are always at the top of the charts with them. Period. This is a kind of love that we all need; and pets are one of only two places to get it. Love from other people may be

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-39412220215447147482008-10-07T08:36:00.003-04:002008-10-07T08:41:47.718-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that there are only a few qualities that mark someone who is maturing in Christ: humility, a broken and contrite spirit, concern for others, gentleness, and a willingness to change as the Lord leads through his Spirit, his Word, and his people.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-58137737922703135212008-09-29T14:50:00.004-04:002008-09-29T14:57:11.681-04:00

Our oldest son has had a cat for almost 20 years and it is like a member of the family for all of us, especially him. But Blacky is not well and he won't be with us much longer.Death is real and it stings.In my home this week we're all feeling the sting of death, of loss, of separation, of a security and relationship that will soon be gone and that won't come back. This is the ultimate destiny we

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-22904352917626135142008-09-27T13:22:00.001-04:002008-09-27T13:41:42.931-04:00

Who is your governor, your leader? Who will it be after the coming elections? Who will you be trusting to look out for your well being? Obama? McCain? None of the above? Someone else?Through the prophet Isaiah, God told Israel (and us): "I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler." Perhaps God was referring the coming of the Prince of Peace-of whom Isaiah says, "the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-62943012143398867252008-09-21T13:42:00.000-04:002008-09-27T13:45:05.711-04:00

Carolyn and I had a wonderful day at Preeti's wedding. The ceremony was focused on Christ-exalting him and worshiping him. How beautiful it was to see a bride and groom's faith and adoration of their Lord expressed so richly on one of the most important days of their lives.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-49564512703616488462008-08-10T16:45:00.002-04:002008-08-10T16:56:50.811-04:00

Yesterday we were at the wedding of my cousin's daughter. Like all weddings it was wonderful and a lot of fun and a very happy day for everyone. We saw relatives and friends that we rarely see- only at "weddings and funerals," as the saying goes.With the way marriage relationships are dissolved in great numbers these days, and few people seem willing to live for anyone other than themselves, I

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-52173410235377720112008-08-05T18:17:00.004-04:002008-08-10T16:45:32.951-04:00

The Bible says that true religion is helping widows and orphans and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world- polluted- what an interesting choice of words.I can remember pictures of polluted rivers that were discolored and full of ooze and muck- an interesting metaphor. The "world" will certainly pollute us, if we let it. This can be dangerous because it is the default mode of life-

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-8503241616653888052008-07-14T15:36:00.008-04:002008-07-14T16:30:44.337-04:00

I was hoping that the title of this entry would grab your attention, thinking that the idea of a Sunday morning and the idea of a ruckus don't usually go together. Everyone knows that Sunday mornings are peaceful- whether you are a churchgoer or not. If you're like me, then you're probably in church on Sunday morning and if you're not like me, you're probably in bed, or reading the paper, or

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-2219773963638228492008-05-15T14:18:00.004-04:002008-05-15T14:26:40.960-04:00

This is q question on the box of a set of recorded sermons that was sent to be by George of New Bedford. I have only listened to a part of it, but it is definitely something I don't hear in my church. The back of the box lists some questions that are supposed to be answered in the sermons:Why is making unbelievers feel comfortable in church so dangerous?What gives the gospel its power and why are

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-81318425020037847472008-05-08T15:22:00.002-04:002008-05-08T15:25:34.213-04:00

My mother is being moved to a nursing home today. She is 80 years old and unable to live alone. Since last fall she hasn't been well with one thing or another. It has changed her and made her frail. One day slips into the next over and over and over and then suddenly something is very different. And it will never go back to the way it was.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-40778782591646647372008-03-02T16:54:00.004-05:002008-03-02T17:05:59.674-05:00

I'm finishing a book called Rumspringa about the Amish and their teens. It's quite an eye-opener and very interesting. Some decide to leave the Amish as young s but 80-90 percent decide to stay. One of the reasons is the strong attraction we all have to be a part of a group that shares the same religious beliefs and moral values.I started thinking about it this morning and it occurred to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-90659720263602145602008-02-27T12:47:00.001-05:002008-02-27T12:48:55.259-05:00

Think of God as a professor for a difficult college course. On the first day of class-- he looks at all of us in the class who love him-- and he says:"Don't be nervous about this course-- because you have a final grade of A already...and it won't change"He looks at us and sees ... Jesus' perfection ... not our weakness.And he will carry things to completion for us- we only need to trust

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-61578669510290010372008-02-21T15:12:00.000-05:002008-02-21T15:13:34.564-05:00

I was listening to Zac Poonen teaching from the first verses of Genesis 1 this morning while using the walking machine. God separated the light from the darkness. He is still separating light from darkness. And he has translated us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of his son. He also wants to separate light from darkness in the churches. But most churches are a mix of light and

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-30731047382579246632007-10-19T14:11:00.001-04:002007-10-19T14:12:47.269-04:00

The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God. ~Robert M. McCheyne

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-7744091942884063162007-09-27T16:05:00.001-04:002007-09-27T16:17:56.044-04:00

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.I've been thinking about the Genesis creation and the work of creation that God does in the heart. Both are works of God and could only be works of God- he alone has the power. Also, both are the creation of something that did

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-16308513157048781462007-09-24T18:53:00.000-04:002007-09-24T18:56:49.756-04:00

Dave really seemed to hit the nail on the head yesterday morning. Are you a Christian...really? Then, how might you answer these simple questions: How does it show? Where does it hurt?

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-69036085334012370852007-09-10T20:50:00.000-04:002007-09-10T20:51:19.990-04:00

Learn to say no; it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin. -Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-73217929370688885802007-08-18T10:19:00.000-04:002007-08-18T10:33:43.827-04:00

Last week we watched Schindler's List for the first time. As excellent as it is, I don't know if I could watch it again. Thinking about the suffering that went on during that time made me appreciate in a new way how good we have it in America. To live in a time and a place where we can raise our children and live in peace is a wonderful, wonderful thing. I think we usually take it for granted

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-3991424802853573822007-08-09T22:05:00.000-04:002007-08-10T11:57:45.455-04:00

Last Sunday the weather was perfect (for August)- dry, cool, blue sky, breeze (and not a single lawn mower mowing). We decided to pass up VBS Sunday (the service that wraps up Vacation Bible School and is taken up by lots of kiddy singing and skits). It just doesn't work for me- there's something about it that seems like it is glorifying something (or someone) other than God.(Don't worry- it's

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-44552000048883636292007-08-09T21:50:00.000-04:002007-08-09T22:04:34.183-04:00

Thinking about physical symptoms that are always "there"- another spiritual lesson that they teach is that there is another "sickness" or condition that is also "always there" (at least for the remainder of mortal life). That condition is sin- the ongoing presence of the sin nature- what some older Christian writers used to call "remaining sin." The Apostle wrote that he did what he didn't want

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-85227984423605999412007-07-24T15:31:00.000-04:002007-07-24T15:35:26.776-04:00

This is a movie about an Orthodox Jewish couple living in Jerusalem in the present time. If you would enjoy a film that has something powerful and positive to say about faith in God and prayer and righteousness, you will enjoy it. It's available at Movie Gallery in Plainfield or from Amazon.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-85179920263929348772007-07-13T14:11:00.001-04:002007-07-13T14:11:24.599-04:00

The other afternoon I was sitting in the shade in the side yard as one of my three left the driveway to go to work. Only a parent can know the feeling you get when you look at a child who is blooming and blossoming into a likable and loving young adult. It occurred to me that that might be how God feels when he looks at one of us, despite our shortcomings, as we are growing in the likeness of

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-79669776146793885212007-06-20T16:02:00.000-04:002007-06-20T16:18:28.584-04:00

When one has a pain or sensation that is persistent, always "there," it can become a sort of companion- like a person who is always by one's side. When something distracts and business occupies, it can be forgotten- not that it goes away, but one is temporarily unaware of it. When things quiet down, there it is again.This is worth pondering because it interestingly is a kind of picture of some of

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-13120759608752798042007-06-14T11:06:00.001-04:002007-06-20T16:02:31.743-04:00

Being at the age when I am starting to experience some physical symptoms that are not going to go away, I have been thinking about how they teach and remind one of spiritual truths. The symptoms I am thinking of are not serious or life-threatening; they do not even make a significant different in my "quality of life," as they say. But they are there- and they are there all the time- and they are

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-15279358312770159572007-06-09T18:29:00.000-04:002007-06-09T18:37:07.313-04:00

Holiness is a most beautiful, lovely thing. Men are apt to drink in strange notions of holiness from their childhood, as if it were a melancholy, morose, sour, and unpleasant thing; but there is nothing in it but what is sweet and ravishingly lovely. 'Tis the highest beauty and amiableness, vastly above all other beauties; 'tis a divine beauty, makes the soul heavenly and far purer than anything

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-88652779126407924202007-06-09T18:23:00.000-04:002007-06-09T18:29:10.263-04:00

We had two beautiful days for our round trip to Houghton, NY to get E. She's done with the school year and ready for a break. It was a fun year for her as well as a year of growth and independence, but her courses were tough.The round trip was almost 900 miles. It was a nice ride- we took a different route. We went via Springfield MA, Albany NY, and Rochester NY. The traffic was light and there

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-72902753020554681752007-05-31T16:17:00.000-04:002007-05-31T16:36:08.315-04:00

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.In one sense, grace and truth are sometimes set against one another. (Isn't it interesting that both came through Jesus Christ?) As we try to show grace and acceptance toward others, we find that it doesn't take long before we find ourselves "rubbing up against" (the one) truth. If we communicate that (one) truth, it

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-84623849274376595072007-05-15T15:53:00.000-04:002007-05-15T16:11:36.220-04:00

Jesus said some things that many of us just don't deal with- probably because so much of what he said just turns our thinking on its head. We have all been taught that our salvation is by faith, not by works. Many of us feel that we "prayed the sinners prayer" at some point in the past and therefore we are born again and therefore we are forgiven and are assured of going to heaven.Some say that

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-36563189112119115332007-05-07T15:38:00.000-04:002007-05-07T15:55:10.218-04:00

Here is another command of Jesus:If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.So, let's say that I consider myself a "Bible-believing" Christian. And let's say I come home to find someone pinching my lawn mower. What is my response? What do I say? What do I do?What would you do?But...now consider- what did Jesus say to do?At this point, your thought might be, "Are you

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-34444745822848942902007-04-25T11:22:00.000-04:002007-04-25T11:32:43.741-04:00

In this series I've been talking about the difference between believers and disciples. Jesus said that disciples are taught to obey everything he commanded.I think "the church" in this country has imitated the larger culture- marketing, consumerism, materialism, self-centeredness, "me-ism," entertainment, aggressive political methods, dogmatic posturing, "hatred" of enemies. But none of these

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-87264432581974408382007-04-17T10:52:00.000-04:002007-04-18T15:47:30.118-04:00

Question: You accept the historical existence of Jesus?Einstein: "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."(Time Magazine 04/16/07)

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-38370164510822056982007-04-16T15:32:00.000-04:002007-04-18T15:45:21.387-04:00

How did you do? Did you come up with some of Jesus' commands?Here's one: If anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.When was the last time you heard this idea tossed around? Have you ever heard a teaching on this? (I haven't.)I have to be the first to admit that I don't know if I can do what this tells me to do, but even so- have I grappled with the idea? Have I thought about it

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-18324596095990467352007-04-06T18:42:00.000-04:002007-04-06T18:55:43.362-04:00

He told the apostles to make disciples by 1.) Baptizing them and, 2.) Teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded us to do. So here we have some clear thoughts from Jesus himself about what it means to be his disciple.Jesus also said a lot about following him and obeying him. Here are just two, of many, examples:Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-8123728956327954712007-04-04T21:46:00.000-04:002007-04-04T21:55:32.752-04:00

Looking closely at Jesus' words, we can begin to understand what he meant by the word disciple.All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-44673559052511375192007-03-28T15:07:00.000-04:002007-04-02T12:13:10.228-04:00

Jesus said, ...go and make disciples of all nations. What did he mean by the word disciple? How does one make disciples? Why didn't he use the word converts or the word believers (make converts of all nations, or make believers of all nations)? Are all converts also disciples? Are all believers also disciples?

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-25272115581224003962007-03-28T15:06:00.000-04:002007-03-29T14:48:28.237-04:00

What is the difference between a believer and a disciple? Check back.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-67085863295845835742007-03-28T15:02:00.000-04:002007-03-28T15:18:03.533-04:00

I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-49838175671608352582007-03-23T15:12:00.000-04:002007-03-23T15:24:29.259-04:00

Lately I've been a little frustrated. There's something missing and I know what it is. A few years ago we were part of a house church. We met for two or three hours in someone's home each Sunday and for most of that time each Sunday we sat together, facing each other in typical living room fashion and talked. It didn't take long before we knew a lot about what was going on in each other's

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-21736583407921267922007-03-22T16:23:00.000-04:002007-03-22T16:25:19.695-04:00

I've been feeling lousy with a virus for the last three weeks, but I think I'm back in business now.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-53058424448067729802007-02-09T14:50:00.000-05:002007-02-09T14:53:13.439-05:00

Yesterday during my lunchtime I went to the bowling alley to get some exercise. With this cold, windy weather I haven’t walked in quite a while. My scores were twice what they were the previous week. I’m not sure why, but it was nice to have two good games. The prayer meeting on Wednesday at work went well- good discussion about “forgiveness” and prayer. For some reason the women have stopped

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-70521193173678937662007-02-08T16:05:00.000-05:002007-01-30T10:34:10.993-05:00

Just a note to follow up the discussion from last Sunday regarding your question about submission and abused women. My comments were focused on one aspect of the question- that a clear biblical teaching (wifely submission) cannot be disregarded because it poses serious difficulties in some situations (where there is abuse). (The same reasoning can be applied in the area of giving: the Bible

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-43148286844397381372007-01-30T10:32:00.000-05:002007-01-30T10:34:11.136-05:00

I think that outright persecution of Christians who refuse to deny their faith or deny the Bible's politically incorrect teachings is a likely possibility, even in the "land of the free." I hope it doesn't come to that, but it may- despite the sincere efforts of the James Dobsenes to protect our religious freedoms.But ultimately, it's going to be OK, because everything that comes about, even

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-62609621034293892492007-01-23T11:14:00.000-05:002007-01-23T11:39:06.595-05:00

How can twenty-five years go by so fast? At this time twenty-five years ago I was dressed up in my new grey suit, white shirt, navy tie with small red dots, and matching pocket handkerchief. My brother, his wife and I were standing around in a back room of a small, grey stone church on East 19th Street in New York waiting for the ceremony to begin. It was a cold and snowy January day and I had

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-69568088915723808312007-01-20T22:21:00.002-05:002007-01-20T22:42:45.712-05:00

Metropolis is a science fiction/political thriller that was made in Germany in 1927. Don't get put off by the fact that it's silent movie- stay with it for ten minutes and you'll be hooked. Look for biblical allusions throughout the film.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1592150841645999172007-01-20T22:21:00.001-05:002007-01-20T22:44:20.889-05:00

George Barna has done some research on house church people. Having been part of a house church for several years, I think his comments are valid and I tend to agree with him. This is not going to go away- for all the reasons he describes.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-10195669987155525262007-01-16T13:19:00.000-05:002007-01-16T13:22:27.892-05:00

Yesterday I was off for Martin Luther King Day. Chris wanted to see a Boston Bruins hockey game for his annual day trip. We left about 10 am and stopped at the Natick rest area on the Mass turnpike for lunch. In Boston we parked under the Common and took the T from Park St. to the Boston Garden. We had to use a vending machine to convert our tokens, which had been saved from an earlier trip to

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-90774071722021976042007-01-05T14:38:00.000-05:002007-01-05T15:04:50.861-05:00

This month I received two letters from Stephen. He's serving a sentence in a federal penitentiary in Pennsylvania. We have been writing for about four years or so. Since I've known him, he completed a sentence at a prison in Colorado and was released. After about two years he committed the same crime again and was back in prison.Once on the phone he tried to explain why he committed the same

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-41546510879870642972006-12-31T18:19:00.000-05:002007-01-23T11:47:03.921-05:00

There are three words that are called articles. Two of them are a and the, as in a violin and the robin. Despite the unimpressive size of these words, when paired up with a more important word such as savior, they can cause a world of difference.Is Jesus Christ a savior, or is he the Savior? According to his own teaching, Jesus Christ is the Savior. He said so and it wasn't an accident- he meant

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-75085964664033856402006-12-22T11:50:00.000-05:002006-12-22T12:00:37.206-05:00

Yesterday I had the chance to share breakfast with a brother and then share an afternoon snack with another brother. In middle age I am so enjoying the richness of friendships with other men who share a tenderness toward the Lord and the desire to know Christ more, and more. For the last couple of years, I've had opportunities to form friendships with fellows who are very different from me in so

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-59083642305127692782006-12-20T15:40:00.000-05:002006-12-20T15:53:45.004-05:00

Em and I were in New York for a couple of days. The weather was nice and midtown is all decked out for Christmas so it was fun to walk around. We spent Monday afternoon at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. In the evening we browsed around the East Village. Tuesday we went to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-61282350653153012132006-12-14T09:31:00.000-05:002006-12-14T09:34:46.396-05:00

The following quote is from Donald Kraybill, an expert on the Amish- it is in reference to the recent murder of Amish children in Pennsylvania. "...their [the Amish’s] faith sees even tragic events under the canopy of divine providence, having a higher purpose or meaning hidden from human sight at first glance. The Amish don't argue with God. They have an enormous capacity to absorb adversity- a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-28922764758546516642006-12-10T19:57:00.000-05:002006-12-10T20:08:40.446-05:00

Does God providentially work out his plans in the world, or do humans have the ability to make true choices?There is much in the scriptures that seems to support both ways of thinking, so I answer the question, "Yes, and Amen." It's not one or the other, it's both.I don't think that this is a cop-out or a contradiction- it is just a natural (and reasonable) response to 1) the limitations of the

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-62706269112596910502006-12-06T18:19:00.000-05:002006-12-06T18:26:35.793-05:00

Today it was just Keith and I at the noon prayer meeting at the college, which is unusual- probably because it was an open registration day. We prayed for some ongoing medical situations involving folks who couldn't be at the meeting and also for the college administration. We started with Psalm 25. The psalm shows a humble and tender heart before the Lord- a worthy goal to seek to be like David.

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-72946971333152692962006-12-04T11:11:00.000-05:002006-12-04T18:55:16.674-05:00

I used to think I knew what things were good and what things weren't good. But ... I'm not so sure anymore. The apostles thought it was a great tragedy for them and a victory for evil when the Christ was crucified. What they found out later was that it was a great victory for Christ, not for evil. They were wrong- they totally misunderstood. And, they had been living with Jesus and his teachings

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-65244109169738995592006-12-01T11:57:00.000-05:002006-12-01T12:01:01.061-05:00

I'm not surprised to hear that a low view of scripture is showing up in some college-age Christians. It seems that there is increasing social pressure to avoid having opinions that exclude some others, especially for the generation that has grown up in the last 20 years.Although, it's not just the younger folks.We know middle-aged professing Christian folks who may not understand/believe what

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-41635586011145296882006-11-22T15:32:00.000-05:002006-11-22T15:36:58.524-05:00

Are the blessings of our relative wealth and security truly blessings? Have our American lives made us into Christians who expect that following Christ will take us only and always through the Forest of Lothlorien, with all its verdant beauty and comforts?Or, are we still willing to follow, in self-denying obedience, his Providence if takes us sometimes into Mordor, the land of fire and trial? Do

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-90889558350873070562006-11-20T14:49:00.000-05:002006-11-20T14:57:46.904-05:00

If then I had to face only the Sermon on the Mount and my own interpretation of it, I should not hesitate to say, 'Oh, yes, I am a Christian.' . . . But negatively I can tell you that much of what passes as Christianity is a negation of the Sermon on the Mount . . . And please mark my words, I am not speaking of the present moment of the Christian conduct. I am speaking of the Christian belief,

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1163799535204966932006-11-17T16:38:00.000-05:002006-11-17T16:56:26.606-05:00

Modern science is trying to understand the human mind- What does it mean to think? to believe? to act? Some scientists are erroneously coming to the conclusion that all of these things are nothing more than the results of the chemical and electrical reactions that take place in the human brain.Consider this. If a person's thoughts, beliefs, and actions are controlled by nothing more than

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1163532865240025092006-11-14T14:32:00.000-05:002006-11-14T14:34:25.256-05:00

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV).It was so good to hear testimonies Sunday. There’s something qualitatively different about Christians from different backgrounds sharing and contributing and having their voices

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1162942035735570792006-11-07T18:25:00.000-05:002006-11-07T18:27:15.736-05:00

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."-Fellini

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1162648993999621012006-11-04T09:02:00.000-05:002006-11-07T18:26:03.970-05:00

Brother Rick, Also, I have a thought or two about your idea for the men's gathering on Nov 18. Your idea to emphasize the primary importance of Christ (and therefore the secondary importance of House Church practice and many other things) is valid and needed, based on my limited experience.In fact, I was thinking earlier this morning that the House Church as vehicle (not destination) metaphor

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1162537898590992772006-11-03T01:55:00.000-05:002006-11-19T21:23:21.283-05:00

It's 1:49AM and I should be deep into snoozeland, but I'm wide awake. I got up and read in the book of Hebrews and did some email. Now I'm going to empty my head, so to speak, and get some thoughts down. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with my mind racing if I haven't had enough down time in the evening to unwind.After work I went to a planning meeting for Purpose Driven Life

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1161806976903927372006-10-25T16:06:00.000-04:002006-11-03T11:15:47.856-05:00

Anabaptism is a hermeneutic – a way of understanding the> scriptures. First and foremost it recognizes Jesus as the very incarnation of God and recognizes His words and example as the clearest and fullest revelation of God's will. It recognizes that Jesus is the very "Word of God."It is a hermeneutic that does not systematize the scripture, it takes them as they are without overlaying a

Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7928757.post-1161220876407363242006-10-18T21:11:00.000-04:002006-10-18T21:22:22.223-04:00

Last weekend we were at the Cape and the weather was beautiful. We spent Sunday afternoon at Nauset Light Beach sitting in the sun, enjoying the ocean and reading. Monday morning we had a walk along the dunes of Hardings Beach in ham. Saturday evening we visited ham Light and the Coast Guard station (picture). Our motel was our old standby, the Beach 'n Town Motel in South Yarmouth where we

Chrisnoreply@blogger.com