“For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11) My pastor made an observation a few Sundays ago that surprised me. He remarked that an alarming percentage of people who attend church are not saved. As I looked around, I realized that God’s the only one who can really tell the difference. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) But it’s hard to tell sometimes because “religion” can fool you. The fact is some people attend church out of custom or habit. Their presence […]

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27) In October of 1977, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I had no idea what being an Episcopalian meant. Instead, I saw confirmation as something that would enable me to improve my station in life. Episcopalians seemed to enjoy more success than members of other denominations. By way of background, I had been reared in a Southern Baptist church and later joined Methodist and Presbyterian churches in my search for peace and happiness. I […]

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) I was stunned by a New York Times editorial published on December 26, 2008. Op-Ed Columnist Charles Blow referenced a recently released survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. In Heaven for the Godless?, Blow points out that “70% of American Christians say they believe religions other than theirs could lead to eternal life”. Mr. Blow notes that this finding threw evangelicals in a “tizzy” […]

“Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself.” (Job 5:27) The days leading up to New Year’s Day are always a season of time in which we look back at the year and take stock of ourselves. What happened that was most important? What lessons will I take from this year into next year? How have I changed? So much about next year is unpredictable, particularly in our country, which is facing the worst economic crisis in decades. But the answers […]