Life's Inanities and Ironies

In our previous reflection on the Tabernacle as described in Exodus , we marveled at its divine design and purpose among the Israelites. Now, let's turn our gaze to the New Testament book of Hebrews, where the Holy Spirit illuminates this ancient structure not merely as history, but as a profound symbol—a "shadow" pointing to the greater realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As conservative Christians committed to the authority of Scripture, we find in Hebrews a bridge between the Old and New Covenants , revealing how the Tabernacle prefigures our Savior's redemptive work. This exploration draws directly from Hebrews chapters 8 through 10, encouraging us to see Christ as the ultimate High Priest, Sacrifice, and Mediator . The Tabernacle as a Copy of the Heavenly Sanctuary Hebrews 8:5 declares that the priests who served in the earthly Tabernacle "serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." God instructed Moses to build it according to the pattern shown o...

As conservative Christians, we hold the Holy Scriptures as the infallible Word of God, guiding our faith and practice. In the pages of the Old Testament, we find profound truths that not only reveal God's character but also point forward to the ultimate fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, let's delve into the Tabernacle of God —a magnificent structure commanded by the Lord Himself during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. We'll explore what it was, how it was constructed, and the divine reasons behind its design. May this study deepen our awe for God's holiness and His plan of redemption.   What Was the Tabernacle of God? The Tabernacle, often called the "Tent of Meeting" or "Tabernacle of the Testimony," was the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His chosen people, the Israelites, during their 40 years in the wilderness. Described in exquisite detail in Exodus chapters 25 through 31 and 35 through 40, it served as ...

Oh, dear readers, have you ever felt the crushing weight of a dream deferred, a longing that gnaws at your soul like an unrelenting storm? Imagine a woman, her eyes swollen from endless tears, her heart a barren wasteland where hope seems to wither away. This is the raw, unfiltered story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1:1-18—a tale not just of ancient sorrow, but of timeless truth straight from God's inerrant Word . As fundamentalist Christians standing firm in a world awash with compromise, let's dive deep into this passage, letting it stir our spirits and challenge our faith. Scripture isn't a dusty relic; it's alive, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and Hannah's journey from desolate barrenness to humble brokenness speaks volumes to us today. The Setting: A Family Fractured by Favor and Famine Picture the dusty hills of Ephraim, where Elkanah, a devout man of God, led his family in faithful worship. But beneath the surface of devotion simmered a cauldr...

 With the obsession with more—more money, more status, more distractions—it's easy to feel perpetually unsatisfied. But what if there was a secret to true contentment , one that doesn't depend on your bank account or the latest headlines? As a conservative Christian living in Indianapolis , I've often turned to Scripture for guidance amid the cultural chaos. Today, let's dive into Philippians 4:10-13 , where the Apostle Paul reveals what I like to call " The Secret Society of the Satisfied ." This isn't some exclusive club with hidden handshakes; it's an open invitation to all who follow Christ, grounded in biblical truth that stands firm against the shifting sands of modern society. Paul's Joy in Faithful Support Paul, writing from the confines of Roman imprisonment, begins with heartfelt rejoicing: "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it...

 Conservative Christians navigating a world that often feels at odds with our faith, we find solace and guidance in the timeless truths of Scripture . Today, I invite you to join me in exploring Galatians 6:1-5 through this homily-turned-blog post. Titled * How To Heal A Broken Body *, this message draws from the Apostle Paul 's words to the early church, applying them to our modern context. In an era of cultural shifts and spiritual battles, Paul's instructions remind us how to mend the fractures within the body of Christ —His church. We'll unpack the passage verse by verse, weaving in stories, analogies, and practical applications to make it come alive. Let's dive in, standing firm on God's unchanging Word. The Analogy of the Broken Oak: Understanding Our Wounds Picture this: A majestic oak tree on a family farm in the heart of Indiana , much like those resilient giants along the Wabash River . For decades, it has withstood blizzards, droughts, and the relentless...

 In the heart of ancient Jerusalem, amid the dust and determination of a people rebuilding what was lost, a profound drama unfolds. It's a story not just of bricks and mortar, but of resolve, deception, and divine purpose. Nehemiah 6:1-4 isn't merely a historical footnote—it's a battle cry for today's Conservative Christians navigating a culture that lures us from our posts with promises of peace and progress. If you're weary from the cultural wars, from defending biblical marriage , the sanctity of life , or the authority of Scripture in a relativistic age, this is for you. Pull up a chair, open your Bible, and let's explore why we must ** stay on the wall **. The Siege of Subtlety: Recognizing the Enemy's Ploys Imagine the scene: Jerusalem's protective walls, once symbols of God's covenant with His people, reduced to rubble after years of exile and disobedience. Enter Nehemiah , a humble cupbearer in the Persian court, whose heart breaks for his ...

In the hustle of modern life—where notifications ping like enemy fire and headlines scream doom—it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As conservative Christians , we fight hard for biblical values : the sanctity of life, the definition of marriage, the pursuit of justice in a fallen world. But amid the battles, are we staring at the wrong horizon? Drawing from Acts 1:3-11 , this post explores the Ascension of Jesus and a piercing angelic question: *What are you looking at?* It's a call to refocus on the mission that outlasts elections and cultures. If you're weary from scrolling through culture-war casualties or praying for revival that feels delayed, pull up a chair. Let's unpack this ancient scene and apply it to our Indiana winters and beyond. (Shoutout to my fellow Hoosiers—yes, even in Indianapolis , the Gospel calls us outward.) The Proofs and the Promise: Forty Days of Resurrection Reality Picture the disciples: battle-scarred from betrayal, crucifixion...

 In the glow of Hanukkah candles each year, we remember a story of defiance, miracle, and resilience. But who were the central figures in this tale—the Maccabees ? Often celebrated as heroes who reclaimed Jewish identity against overwhelming odds, the Maccabees were a family of Jewish rebels whose actions reshaped history. This blog post dives into their origins, the revolt they led, and their enduring legacy, drawing from historical accounts to paint a vivid picture of these ancient freedom fighters.   Origins: A Priestly Family in Turbulent Times The Maccabees, also known as the Hasmoneans , emerged from a priestly Jewish family in the 2nd century BCE. The name "Maccabee" likely derives from the Hebrew word for "hammer," symbolizing the forceful strikes they dealt to their enemies. At the heart of the family was Mattathias, a priest from the village of Modiin , and his five sons: John, Simon, Judas (also called Judah Maccabee ), Eleazar, and Jonathan. They lived ...

  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...