I think most of us hate conflict. Whether it is at work, with a neighbor or even in our own marriages and families. We all prefer peace. And yet so often it is elusive. Currently we are in an election season which feels like the opposite of peace. The Apostle Paul gives us some advice about peace; he says . . . Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those w...  Read More

     Last week, some of my good friends lost their eight-year-old grandson. He drowned in the family pool. My heart aches for their excruciating loss. I cannot comprehend the pain they are walking with. And yet as I interact with them, I can hear their Christian hope as they face this tragedy. As I studied for my sermon this week I was struck by the following Scripture.     The Apostle Paul writes...  Read More

    When we think of quiet, different images come to mind. For the young parent it’s when the children are down for a nap. For me it is when I get a day off to slow down and reflect. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.”    Personally, in a c...  Read More

 Unfortunately, as a minister I deal with death often. Death is something most people try not to think about. It is the ominous event that awaits all of humanity. However, for the Christian it has a very different connotation. In contrast to most of the world, as a Christian I look forward to the new heavens and the new earth. Christians view death not as something to fear but as a transition, eve...  Read More

THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUSA question I like to ask Christians is “How has Jesus been good news in your life?” Honestly some of the answers bring tears to my eyes. Usually, the first answer is that he paid for my sins. He made it so that I, a sinner, can be in a relationship with our Holy Creator. In Ephesians 1:7 the Apostle Paul writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of...  Read More

The Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The immediate context proceeding this Scripture is the notion that we are no longer to live for ourselves, rather we are called to live for Jesus. Immediately following this text is a call to a ministry of reconciliation. This Scripture gives me great ho...  Read More

I recently returned from a family reunion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of seeing Independence Hall where the founders signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. There was an astounding amount of history in that room. Nearby I then went to see the famous Liberty Bell. On it is inscribed a Bible verse: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto a...  Read More

Back when I lived in Indianapolis, Indiana I once had an important meeting to attend in Markle, Indiana. Markle was quite a distance, and I did not know the way, so I told my phone to give me directions to Markle. After driving for quite a while I realized that I did not seem to be where I thought I should be. Unfortunately, I had made a mistake and not told the phone I wanted Markle, Indiana inst...  Read More

With today being Father’s Day, I thought I would share some of the lessons Ilearned from my father. Dean Dickinson passed away about four years ago. I thinkabout him often. I learned so many things from him. Some of those life lessonsinclude:First, following Jesus Christ is what is most important. He was a Christian who took his faith seriously. Even his career choice reflected his faith. He was a...  Read More

Many people view the Christian faith through the lens of an emotional experience. They make a decision to follow Jesus at a powerful worship service or at the end of a week of Christian camp. This is common and certainly our emotions play a part in our spiritual lives. But what happens when we are weary? How do we move forward in our faith when the feelings fade? Personally, I have experienced mul...  Read More

One of the most famous songs in Rock and Roll history is “I can’t get no satisfaction” by the Rollings Stones. It is an anthem of frustration. It voices the cry of so many people who try to find satisfaction in material possessions, sex or any means besides God. We see this fruitless search for satisfaction in most people. We see warnings in the ten commandments about having no other gods and no c...  Read More

In our culture it is interesting to note who is held up as a strong person. It could be the elite athlete, the bold politician, the person following their dream despite all obstacles. Culture tends to promote a radically individualistic, independent form of strength. In contrast, the Bible promotes a dependent strength. King David writes that “the Lord is my strength and my shield. . .” (Psalm 28:...  Read More