Taking a journey through an engaging book is a soul-nurturing, mind-stretching adventure. Charles W. Eliot contends, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” My appreciation for reading was slow to develop. But when it emerged, it surged. As … More 24 Books I Plan to Read in 2024
Grief is challenging to deal with at any time of the year, but during the holidays, grief can be deeper, darker, and more unpredictable than at other times. Why does grief seem to turn up the volume during the holiday season? I think there are at least three reasons that grief is more amplified from … More Holiday Grief: Finding Comfort and Joy
Someone wisely advised, “Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” Advent helps us to take a scenic and reflective route to Christmas, which includes devotional reading, prayer, and reflection which are disciplines that nurture our spiritual health in all seasons. If you prefer to go “paperless” in your devotional reading … More Beginning Your Journey Toward Christmas: 8 Good Options for Online Advent Devotionals
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. -Psalm 119:105 Since childhood, I have been taught that the Bible is the word of God. Later I was taught that Jesus is the living word of God and the Bible is the written word of God. From a theological point … More The Basics: 7 Reasons We Study the Bible as the Word of God
(This is the third column in a 5-part series on The Basics.) Different people have differing perspectives on the purpose of the church. Some mistakenly think of the church as a social gathering place for the religious elite. Others see the church as a breeding ground for legalist and judgmental personalities. Yet there are many … More The Basics: What Is the Purpose of the Church?
In recent weeks, I’ve been having more conversations about baptism than usual. Some of the conversations are with parents who are asking about baptism on behalf of their children. Other conversations are with adults, most of whom are new to the church and the Christian life. And I have enjoyed conversations with students who are … More 7 Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism
(This is the second column on a series about The Basics.) These are the words I wrote as a fifteen-year-old in the front of my KJV Scofield Reference Bible, Red Letter Edition, just after my baptism: “I was saved on June 26, 1975 at 1:30 a.m. at the Colonial Apartments on Laguna Beach near Panama … More The Basics: What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
(This the first column in a 5-part series on The Basics.) In 1966, Peter Scholtes, who served as a parish priest and choral conductor, composed a hymn that declares, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Love is one of the … More The Basics: What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
Over the past few days, we have been heartbroken and outraged by the terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas. Throughout the week, reports have revealed that the attacks were even more brutal and inhumane than we can imagine. No matter what our political views are regarding the Middle East, we all agree that such attacks … More Praying for the Situation in Israel and Gaza
In the realm of spiritual leadership, pastors shoulder a weighty responsibility of guiding, supporting, and nurturing their congregations. The demands of the role can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly demanding, often leading to isolation and burnout. During this journey, one invaluable resource that can serve as a lifeline is a pastor peer group. I … More 10 Benefits of Being in a Pastor Peer Group
Barry's Notes 