Have you ever been invited to some event and had to decline because it was scheduled simultaneously with worship or study? When you try to explain to that person why you can't attend, they may give you a confused look and say something like, "Oh, you have Mass on Wednesday Night?", or the ever popular, "You do that church-thing every week?"After you carefully explain ... read all »

How can we find happiness in an imperfect church? Perhaps the preaching is long, the songs are unfamiliar, those who preside over the Lord’s Supper mumble, the Bible class is boring, the carpet is dirty, or it’s always too hot or too cold in the building. It’s hard to invite friends to church when we see all those imperfections. Dissatisfaction can b... read all »

This past Sunday’s sermon from Matthew 18:1-10 on the kingdom of heaven got me to thinking about the kingdom of heaven itself. In fact, the teaching on the kingdom is very central to Jesus’ ministry, and he has much to say about it in the book of Matthew. But what does it all mean for us? First, we must understand that the kingdom of heaven, as it exists ... read all »

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10) Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and tonight the Indianapolis Colts will take on the New Orleans Saints for the yearly NFL championship. I enjoy watching the game every year – along with millions of other fans – because who doesn’t enjoy a good conte... read all »

One of Jesus’ more difficult teachings is in Matt. 7:6: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” Jesus here describes a person cornered by enraged dogs and swine. In desperation and fright, the person throws to the animals their most... read all »