   Jelly Roll is not really a pastor, but he certainly gave a powerful sermon at the Grammy Awards last Sunday evening (February 1, 2026). He had just won three of the top music awards, and he gave Jesus Christ the credit for turning his life around. In case you missed it (I always […]
3148) Pastor Jelly Roll Read More »
Above image: A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965), from the 1961 movie ————————-    The 1959 Broadway play “A Raisin in the Sun” tells the story of a black family in Harlem. They never had much money and saw little chance of escaping their poverty. Then the father died and the
3146) “There is Always Something Left to Love” Read More »
Part three of a sermon by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.:     (…continued) Abraham Lincoln tried such love, and left for all history, a magnificent drama of reconciliation.  When he was campaigning for the presidency, one of his arch-enemies was a man named Edwin Stanton.  Stanton hated Lincoln.  He used every ounce of his energy
3130) Loving Your Enemies (3/3) Read More »
Part two of a sermon by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.:     (…continued) The meaning of love is not to be confused with empty emotional outpouring.  Love is something much deeper than cheap sentimentality.  Perhaps the Greek language can clear our confusion at this point.  In the Greek New Testament are three words for love.
3129) Loving Your Enemies (2/3) Read More »
Our nation has been deeply divided these past decades, and each year this division grows deeper and more hateful. Many people see those on the other side of our great political divide as their enemies. On this weekend that we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) we would do well to pay attention
3128) Loving Your Enemies (1/3) Read More »
From I Am ‘N’ published by ‘Voice of the Martyrs’ organization, pages 233-235 copyright 2016. Â Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand were the founders of ‘Voice of the Martyrs.’ ( http://www.persecution.org ) ——– Â Â Â Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand (pictured above) were married in 1936. Â Both were Germans of Jewish descent. Â Richard, intellectually gifted and fluent in
3120) A Little Experiment Read More »
Pictured above: Philip and Janet Yancey —————————————    My favorite living author is Philip Yancey. He has written dozens of books and I have read every one at least once. His first book was published when I was in seminary, I read each of his new books throughout my ministry, and since I have
3119) Sin, Shame, Repentance, Forgiveness Read More »
By Lee Strobel ———————————— “This is embarrassing,” my friend said to me over the phone. “That’s okay,” I assured him. “Go ahead. You can tell me.” He sighed. “Well, we found out our little girl shoplifted a book from the church bookstore. We were really surprised because she’s a good kid. Anyway, I was wondering whether
3115) A Lesson in Grace Read More »
   (…continued)  God has three very important things to say about rules.  First of all, he gives the rules for our own benefit and the benefit of others who might be hurt by our bad behavior; and God demands that we obey him.  Secondly, when we break the rules, that is to say when
3092) III. Rules, Excuses, FORGIVENESS (3/3) Read More »
Luke 23:32-43 — Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Jesus to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And
3084) Making up for Bad Choices Read More »
