Life's Inanities and Ironies

  Have you ever hummed the tune of " Trust and Obey " during a church service or in a quiet moment of reflection? This beloved Christian hymn, with its simple yet profound message, has touched countless lives since its creation in the late 19th century. But who created it, and how did it come to be? Let's dive into the fascinating history of this timeless song.  The Creators: John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner The lyrics of "Trust and Obey" were penned by John H. Sammis (1846–1919), a Presbyterian minister whose life journey reflected a profound commitment to faith and service. Born on July 6, 1846, in Brooklyn, New York , to Oliver Ketcham and Sarah T. Sammis, he grew up in a bustling urban environment. As a young man, Sammis pursued a career in business, relocating to Logansport, Indiana , around 1869 at the age of 22 or 23. There, he established himself as a successful businessman, but his life took a transformative turn when he converted to Christianity i...

Hello, fellow believers! In a reality that's spinning faster than ever with cultural shifts, political upheavals, and moral confusion, it's easy to feel lost. But praise God, He hasn't left us without direction. Today, I'm excited to share a message inspired by the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:14–3:1 . I've called it " The Road Map to Maturity ," because these verses provide a clear, biblical guide for every Christian to navigate from worldly thinking to the profound wisdom of Christ. As conservative Christians , we're called to stand firm on Scripture amid the storms of secularism—whether it's defending the sanctity of life , upholding traditional family values , or resisting the tide of relativism . Let's dive in and see how Paul's ancient words speak directly to our modern lives.   Understanding the Natural Man: Blind to Spiritual Truths Paul starts by describing the " natural person " in verse 14: "The natu...

  We often mistake "encouragement" for a simple "like" on social media or a polite nod in the church foyer. But if we look at the life of a man named Joseph—better known by his nickname, Barnabas —we see that biblical encouragement is something much more radical. It is a sacrificial, risk-taking, life-altering ministry. In Acts 4:36-37 , we are introduced to the man who would become the "gold standard" for what it means to build up the Body of Christ. " Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus , whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘ son of encouragement ’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." How can we move beyond being merely "polite" and start being a "Barnabas" to those around us? Here are three ways to cultivate the heart of an encourager. 1. Encouragement Starts with Your Hands, Not Just Your Lips It is telling that the very first thing the Bible records about the "Son of En...

In our fast-paced society, where fashion trends come and go, it's easy to get caught up in appearances. We admire the sharply dressed executive or the celebrity with the latest designer outfit. But what if I told you that the truly best-dressed person isn't defined by earthly threads? Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, let's explore a profound vision from the prophet Zechariah that reveals God's wardrobe for His people. This isn't about style—it's about salvation, righteousness, and transformation.   The Scene in Zechariah: Filthy Garments and Divine Intervention Turn with me to Zechariah 3:1-5 , a powerful passage set in the post-exilic period of Israel. The prophet sees Joshua , the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord. But Joshua isn't ready for this holy encounter. He's clothed in filthy garments—symbolizing the sin and uncleanness that plagued him and the nation. Standing at his right hand is Satan , the accuser, ready to c...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where cultural pressures and moral ambiguities seem to lurk around every corner, it's easy for even the most faithful among us to feel ensnared. As conservative Christians, we hold dear the timeless truths of Scripture, standing firm against the tides of relativism and secularism. Today, I invite you to reflect on a powerful message drawn from Colossians 1:9-17 —a passage that calls us to rise above the dangers of worldly compromise and live in the elevated realm of Christ's supremacy . This blog post expands on a recent homily I shared, using the metaphor of the " snake line " to illustrate our spiritual journey. Just as mountaineers know that venomous snakes can't survive above a certain elevation, so too are we called to ascend beyond the perils of sin and darkness. Understanding the Snake Line Metaphor Picture this: In the Appalachian Mountains or the Rockies, hikers often speak of the "snake line"—that invi...

 Hey there, fellow seekers of wisdom! If you've ever delved into the Old Testament , you might have stumbled upon the Book of Lamentations —a poignant, gut-wrenching collection of poems that captures the despair of a nation in ruins. Traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah (though not explicitly stated in the text), this book serves as a dirge over the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar . It's not just a historical recount; it's a raw expression of grief, confession, and faint glimmers of hope amidst divine judgment. To set the stage, let's recall the broader biblical narrative. In 2 Kings 25, we read about the siege and fall of Jerusalem: temples looted, walls breached, and people exiled. Jeremiah, who prophesied this doom (Jeremiah 52 echoes much of it), warned of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness leading to such calamity. Lamentations picks up right after, personifying the city as a desolate widow, ec...

Today , where truth is often compromised and moral absolutes are blurred, the life and works of the prophet Jeremiah stand as a beacon of unwavering faithfulness to God's Word. As conservative Christians , we cherish the inerrant Scriptures , and Jeremiah's story reminds us of the cost—and the glory—of standing firm in biblical truth. Let us explore his life, his prophetic ministry, and the timeless lessons he imparts to us today. The Call and Life of Jeremiah Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1), was called by God before he was even born: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). This divine preordination echoes the sanctity of life from conception, a truth we hold dear in our pro-life convictions. Jeremiah's ministry spanned over 40 years, from the reign of godly King Josiah around 627 B.C. through the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B....

 In the quiet corners of our daily lives, an unseen conflict rages—one that pits the forces of darkness against the light of God's truth. As conservative Christians , we hold fast to the inerrant Word of God, and today, we delve into Job 1:1-12 to uncover the reality of this " Invisible War ." This isn't mere allegory; it's a biblical truth that demands our attention and action in a world drifting from godly principles. Job was a man of exemplary faith: "blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1). Blessed with family, wealth, and influence, he exemplified Proverbs 9:10—"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ." Yet, his story pulls back the curtain on the spiritual realm. In Job 1:6-12, we witness a heavenly assembly where Satan , the accuser, challenges Job's devotion. "Does Job fear God for no reason?" Satan sneers, suggesting faith is transactional, bought by prosperity (Job 1:9-10). God, in...

 In an era of constant change and uncertainty—where jobs, relationships, and even global events can shift overnight—many believers quietly wrestle with a profound question: Can we be sure our salvation will endure? Doubts can creep in during trials, temptations, or moments of spiritual dryness. Yet, the Bible offers rock-solid assurance for those in Christ. Drawing from Philippians 1:6 , let's explore the divine guarantee of eternal security , a cornerstone of our conservative Christian faith that emphasizes God's sovereignty and the perseverance of the saints .   The Foundation: God's Initiating Work The Apostle Paul, writing from the chains of a Roman prison, exudes confidence in Philippians 1:6: "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Notice the key: Salvation begins with God, not us. This "good work" is the miracle of regeneration —God awakening dead hearts to faith in Je...

 At a time where youth is idolized and age is often seen as a burden, it's easy to feel like life has left us behind. We turn to supplements like Geritol to chase a fleeting sense of vitality, or we marvel at the fresh energy of newborns bundled in diapers. But what if I told you that the Bible offers a profound lesson on renewal that bridges these two ends of life? Drawing from Romans 4:18-25 , let's explore how Abraham 's story of impossible faith can ignite our own trust in God's unchanging Word.   The Story of Abraham: Hope Against Hope Abraham, the father of our faith, wasn't exactly in his prime when God made His extraordinary promise. At nearly 100 years old, his body was "as good as dead," as Romans 4:19 bluntly puts it. Sarah , his wife, was barren and well past childbearing years. If this were today, Abraham might be popping Geritol pills just to keep up with daily chores, while Sarah wondered if her dreams of motherhood were forever dashed. Ye...

With distractions at every turn, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As Christians, we're called not just to secure our own salvation but to carry a deep, aching burden for those who are lost without Christ. This truth hit me profoundly when I reflected on Romans 9:1-5 during a recent sermon preparation. The Apostle Paul's raw emotion in this passage isn't just historical—it's a timeless challenge for us today. Let me unpack this for you, drawing from Scripture and real-life application, in hopes that it stirs your heart as it has mine. The Weight of Paul's Anguish Paul opens Romans 9 with a gut-wrenching confession: "I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh" (Romans 9:1-3, ESV). Imagine that—a...

What truly stands as the greatest undertaking we can embark upon? As a conservative Christian, I've often reflected on this question, and it leads me straight to the timeless wisdom of Scripture. Recently, I crafted a homily based on Deuteronomy 6:1-9 , a passage that calls us to a profound, eternal mission: loving God with every part of our being and passing that devotion to the next generation. This isn't just any biblical exhortation—it's the Shema , the foundational declaration of faith that beats at the heart of Israel's spiritual identity . In this blog post, I'll expand on that homily, delving deeper into the Shema's significance, its enduring relevance for us today, and how it shapes our lives as followers of Christ.   The Shema: The Heartbeat of Israel's Faith At the core of Deuteronomy 6:1-9 lies the Shema, named after its opening word in Hebrew: "Hear" (Shema). This passage, recited daily by devout Jews for millennia, is more than a pray...