Life's Inanities and Ironies

The inspired words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:1-5 read: "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." In these perilous times, when the pulpits of many churches have been compromised by the wisdom of this world, entertainment-driven messages, and the philosophies of men, it is more important than ever that we return to the biblical pattern for preaching. The inspired Apostle Paul provides this unchanging standard in 2 Corinthians 2:1-5. As those who love the inerrant Word of God and contend for the faith once delivered to th...

In the context of yesterdays post on faithful stewardship and the painful reality of leaders or members who accept responsibility but later abrogate their duties, healthy accountability is essential. It protects the flock, prevents burnout among the faithful remnant, upholds biblical integrity, and glorifies Christ. Conservative Christians value personal responsibility and scriptural authority; therefore, accountability structures must be thoroughly biblical rather than borrowed from corporate models or cultural trends. Biblical Foundation Scripture demands faithfulness, especially from leaders: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Elders “keep watch over souls as those who will have to give an account” (Hebrews 13:17) and will face stricter judgment (James 3:1). At the same time, the congregation is called to honor faithful leaders while testing their life and doctrine (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Church discipline f...

As we approach another anniversary of D-Day — June 6, 1944 — the beaches of Normandy call to us across the decades. On that fateful morning, tens of thousands of young men stormed into hellish fire, determined to break the back of Nazi tyranny. Many never left those blood-soaked sands. They gave their lives so that others might live in freedom. For those of us who hold fast to the old paths, who believe the Bible from cover to cover and reject the spirit of this age, this is far more than a history lesson. It is a solemn spiritual summons. Scripture Commands Remembrance The God of the Bible is a God who repeatedly calls His people to remember. After crossing the Jordan, Joshua commanded twelve stones be set up as a memorial “that all the peoples of the earth might know the hand of the Lord is mighty” (Joshua 4:24). The Passover, the Lord’s Supper — these are divine institutions of remembrance. Deuteronomy warns sharply: “Beware lest you forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:12). Whe...

Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. Today I speak especially to those of us who call ourselves conservative Christians—men and women who treasure the unchanging Word of God, who believe in personal responsibility, duty, honor, and building something that lasts for generations. We rightly reject the flakiness of our culture, where commitments are treated like disposable options and loyalty is old-fashioned. Yet, if we’re honest, that same spirit has crept into too many of our churches. How many times have we seen it? Someone steps forward and promises to serve—teaching Sunday school, greeting at the door, helping with the sound system, visiting the shut-ins, or supporting the men’s or women’s ministry. They may say it directly: “I’ll be there.” Or indirectly—through membership vows, standing during a call to service, or simply claiming Christ as Lord while enjoying the fruit of others’ labor. Then, without warning, consistency fades. Texts go unanswered. The slot sits emp...