“What if they won’t ordain you?” “You could leave the Presbyterian Church [USA] . . . that is what people are doing in other churches and that’s leaving a shortage in qualified people for the ministry and that sends a message too.” Both of these
Persecution is as old as recorded history. Being right has nothing to do with being popular or accepted. You know what you know. The approval and disapproval of others, both subtly and blatantly is to be expected no matter what path our life takes. The
When I first saw these words on the written page I had to look within and ask myself, are you standing firm? If I had to be honest about everything in my life I would say no I am not standing firm. If one were
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 Fear is of the devil! It comes about when one does not trust God to know what
Not too long ago, I received a response to an ad I ran while seeking musicians to put together a new band. In this particular instance, it was an established band that was seeking a new singer, and I sent them a link to my
You were never a Christian in the first place!” Comforting words from my wife, the one who ten years ago had originally invited me to the church we attended. And honestly, I had the same feeling about myself for a long time. I remember a
Many of you who read this magazine have endured long struggles for survival and worked hard to build and maintain your own self-esteem. What has kept you going? What has most motivated you to continue in your purpose for living and not give up? As
you can’t get there with your morals or without love lie down with me the rules aren’t always right. (Sam Phillips) I like certainty. I think it’s a fairly common trait in humanity, but it’s a problem sometimes. It becomes an idol. I used to
“Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 The apostle Paul often told his congregations to “stand firm” in their faith. You’ll find this phrase in several letters including Galatians, 1 Corinthians and Ephesians. And it’s no wonder
News release OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Pacific Northwest advocacy group of United Methodists today accused their denomination’s national lawmaking body of heresy for its anti-homosexual legislation. The charge came from The Reconciling Ministries Network in the Pacific Northwest, a coalition of lay and clergy in