Pastor Why Do We ... Not have a paved parking lot?
Well, compared to former questions addressed in this series of blog posts, this one may sound trite. But not so fast! This is one of those questions that is deceivingly theological at its core, but also has multiple tributaries.
But before this issue gets theological, it is first ridiculously practical.
The last time we had someone quote paving our parking lot at Corydon Baptist Church, I think the estimate was somewhere around $80,000.
That's 8, with four zeroes after it!
Pastor Why Do We ... Preach Only Expository Sermons?
"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word" (2 Tim 4:1-2).
Expository preaching may sound like an evangelical buzzword, but once a Christian knows what it is, he or she usually grows more and more committed to it. That goes for both preachers and listeners.
Pastor Why Do We ... Not have “Children’s Church?”
We do! It meets at 10:45 AM every Sunday in the worship center / sanctuary. Where everyone else gathers to worship.
The answer to this question is really quite simple. It goes like this: If all we had was the Bible, we would never, ever think it is a good idea to remove children from worship gatherings. Wherever that idea came from, it did not come from the Bible.
Pastor Why Do We ... Begin our worship each Sunday by standing and holding our Bibles over our heads?
This blog post begins a new series titled "Pastor Why Do We?" Sometimes we pastors explain ourselves well. And at other times we simply implement something without much explanation. Thankfully, my dear flock at Corydon Baptist has been absurdly patient and gracious with me over many years now. The freedom they have given me to lead the church body has been a sweet gift. And yet, I know our sheep well enough to know they expect biblical fidelity from me and all pastors and spiritual leaders. Hallelujah! I wouldn't have it any other way.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
For the last two Sundays, I have been preaching from Psalm 122. Trying to tackle what some pastors and theologians would say is a nearly impossible subject: A right or biblical view of "Jerusalem" and "Israel" and how Christians might view even present-day Israel as a geo-political nation. To be sure, Bible-believing Christians have, and continue to disagree on this matter. So, right off the bat, we note it's not a "heaven or hell" issue. Like eschatology (end times views), we should approach it humbly and charitably.
Hoosiers, Abolish Abortion!
Several months ago, a sister in Christ and pro-life leader whom I deeply love and respect made the comment that pro-life legislation in both Kentucky and Indiana has been and continues to definitely save the lives of pre-born babies. Since the overturn of Roe, the pro-life pregnancy centers she's connected to have been seeing significant increases in clients, as well as increases in mothers choosing to give birth to their babies. For that reality we can only give all praise and glory to God, the Creator of Life!
Merry Christmas?
The penchant of some Christians today to shun all semblance of celebrating various holidays, even those seemingly quite "Christian," such as Christmas or Easter, amuses me. And the fact that we feel the need to debate such things, is also, amusing, or maybe worse, saddening.
Praise and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. More than that, it is distinctly Christian. What person, so pursued and gripped by the saving love and grace of God in Christ Jesus, could do anything but offer his or her life as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God? Eph 5:20; Phil 4:6; Col 3:17; 1 Thess 5:18
Sin Is Sin. Or Is It?
"God loves Satan just as much as He does you and me and everyone."
That was what a prominent deacon in a church I attended long ago said during a Wednesday night Bible study. We were studying the enemy of God's people, called Satan or the devil or the serpent. I was a new seminary student at the time, and although I was not then and am not now a world class Bible scholar, I knew enough to prevent me from staying silent. I spoke up, hopefully with respect and kindness.
Ready, Set, Vote!
The United States of America is an anomaly. An historic anomaly.
Our Constitutional Republic is unique in human history. The average citizen's opportunity and ability to both access and impact public policy at all levels, local to federal, is historically unprecedented. Our freedoms to picket and protest and petition and even personally pester our elected officials is unheard of in the vast majority of the world. We are a blessed people!