Why should it be done? This is really the most important issue. What exactly does baptism do? Why is it important? Does baptism make someone a Christian? Does it actually have the power to save someone? On these last two questions, the answer is no as our salvation is only by the sacrifice of Christ made for us on the … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 3 of 6
This week we’re continuing to look at when baptism should be done or part 2 of “The Case for Infant Baptism.” [Btw, the picture above is of my grandson, Theodore Jonathan Ginchereau (Theo). He’s my daughter, Emily, and Josh’s son whom you might remember was born two months premature in March. We’re so grateful that he is doing great now … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 2 of 6
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be looking at When Should Baptism Be Done? or The Case for Infant Baptism, Part 1 & 2. [Btw, the picture above is of my son, Timothy, and my granddaughter, Iris. He and his wife, Sarah, braved church for the first time last week! Crazy times…] When Should Baptism Be Done & The Case … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 1 of 6
Baptism is a big deal. The Christian Church worldwide (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) all agree that it’s related to the beginning of a person’s Christian life and the believer’s initiation into the church (both the universal invisible church and the local visible church). It is performed and received as an act of obedience to Christ who himself was baptized (Matt.3:13) … Read More
I Really Need Your Help with Two Things
Hi Friends! I hope you’re finding ways to keep encouraged and grateful despite all the COVID-confusion, misinformation, and polarization in our world. It can be so disheartening… Above is a favorite memory that has sustained me during this season. It’s from Father’s Day—the first time since the start of the pandemic that I had all my kids and grandkids together. … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 4 of 4
“The wicked are not so,but are like chaff that the wind drives away.Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,but the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1:6, ESV No one particularly likes the term “wicked” or thoughts regarding their destiny. In fact, … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 3 of 4
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3, ESV A verse like the above can seem so inaccessible in a year like 2020. Like one friend said after last week’s post, “How do you cultivate delight … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 2 of 4
“…but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2, NRSV Stepping away from polluting voices is the first step in getting involved in spiritual transformation, but it’s only the beginning. We need something to take the place of those polluting voices; that is, something that will strengthen our … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 1 of 4
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” Psalm 1:1, ESV In his final book As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Eugene Peterson pointed out that “Psalm 1 stands before the whole Psalter as a kind of prologue. It was likely written last. … Read More
Is Church an Essential Service?
Well, no and yes. Let me explain. No. When it comes to surviving a global pandemic, where everything is temporarily stripped down to the basics—food, clothing, shelter—physically meeting in a local church is not essential. It is appropriately put on hold or done virtually. Not all agree, however—even church leaders. For example, one pastor recently articulated his anti-social distancing sentiments … Read More