For me, Sundays provide time for reflection. What is the nature of the fellowship Christians share? What does it mean that we assemble, that in fact the Greek word for church can also be translated assembly when referring to secular meetings? Is assembly something we do or something we are? How do the shared activities …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: The Communion We Share….”
It’s Sunday again–no preaching nor teaching obligation today. Early this morning the breeze on the back patio feels cooler than normal–a welcome harbinger of summer’s almost end. Another Lord’s Day–this must make over 3000. I suspect that I have preached on at least 2000 of them. The opportunity to arise and celebrate God’s presence and …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Sunday Morning Reflections on the Lord’s Day”
Today we are traveling, but it will not hinder the desires that now after more than half a century of developing habits, are easily and naturally associated with the Lord’s Day. On this day, we will worship God, declaring adoration and praise, thanksgiving and loyalty. We will share time with the spiritual family of God. …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Desiring God, Desiring God’s Family”
The local church has designated today a “Bonus Sunday.” The schedule is altered with a fellowship meal at noon, an early afternoon period of worship, and a congregational meeting to follow, after which the scheduled church activities for the day will be concluded. In addition to the altered schedule, the congregation is encouraged to give …
I think it may be nothing more than a bad habit. It is rapidly becoming ingrained–a custom learned from watching others and imitating them. Where did it come from? Is it an effort to ease a certain level of discomfort? Is it something done without thinking? Why do we persist in doing things that are …
Continue reading “A bad habit…please don’t interrupt my meditation…I am worshiping!”
It is amazing–changes in one’s life do not change one’s habits–at least not very rapidly, perhaps never. I have arisen early on Sunday for most of my life. As a youth, I was able to sleep in a little on Saturday (but not very long–there were always jobs to be done), but Sunday never! Mother …
On a recent Sunday, I attended the Bible class for the deaf at the Park Plaza church in Tulsa. It was the first time I had ever attended a class where the teacher was signing and was being interpreted by a hearing person. In reflecting on my experience, I realized that I had experienced something …
I love school teachers. They have a way of making things simple. They know how to distill complex situations and to make them easily understood. My mother was a school teacher. My sister is a school teacher. I am a teacher as well as a preacher. My wife and I were staying with friends—she is …
As a minister, the first Sunday of the New Year is traditionally one of my favorite Sundays of the year. Through the years, I have enjoyed the freshness, excitement and enthusiasm of leading the church in beginning a New Year with new hopes and expectations. The church seems poised and ready for action. The holidays …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: First Sunday of the Year–New Beginnings”
At the risk of “unleashing” rejoinders about assembly guidelines such as those in 1 Corinthians 14 (decently and in order), I observe that last Sunday evening’s gathering was for me refreshing. Here is some of what I saw. I saw the little dog on the front row. Explanation given by our sister in Christ: I …
