Life's Inanities and Ironies

 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...