Lent begins with Jesus alone in the wilderness being tested by the Tempter. Temptations rarely beckon us to do something vile, terrible or evil. It’s unlikely any of you woke up laying plans to commit adultery, desecrate the sanctuary, or become consumed by anger. Temptations usually just pull us a little off track. I read […]
Author Archives: paulrpurdue
In seasons filled with division and loud voices, do we listen for the still small voice of God whispering peace into our souls? Do we let the Word of God trouble us, shake us up, challenge our notions and change our thinking? Today, I come preaching about seven qualities that God loves in any nation. […]
…. God judges a nation by its principles not its power. National greatness does not come from fire-power or economic clout but from ethics. Our high minded American forefathers looked to principles as our national foundation: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (people) are created equal, that they are endowed by […]
Our country is far from a united state, or so says my inbox, newsfeed and pastoral conversations. Jesus predicts, “A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). Given entrenched disagreement, the safest route for any pastor is on the sidelines laying low until the torrent passes. Frankly, I prefer to keep silent, not speaking […]
Why do we go to the gym? I swim to be changed or at least maintain my current level of fitness. If I miss a few days in the pool, I know I am letting the daily grind damage my health. Church is a lot like the gym. Jesus’ church offers transformation, community and a […]
What kind of book is the Bible? I think the Bible is a personal book telling a story of our God’s interaction with sinful folks like you and me. Jesus references God’s personal relationship with us by quoting the Hebrew Scriptures, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of […]
“Run in such a way that you may win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Perhaps the Apostle Paul was a runner or maybe all his missionary travels gave Paul an appreciation of race walking. Eckhard J Schnabel estimates that the Apostle Paul traveled some 8,700 miles over land and some 6,800 miles over sea in […]
“Christmas Traveling” Where are you heading this Christmas? When you consider that ancient travel involved walking or straining to stay atop a donkey or camel, you realize the First Christmas involved a lot of travel. So tonight, I wonder about our travels. Where are we headed this Christmas? What do you seek? Luke’s Gospel begins […]
After cousin Eddie parks his RV in front of the Griswold home, a squirrel attacks grandma, cousin Eddie’s Rottweiler destroys the dining room, Aunt Edna’s cat bites into a string of lights, the Christmas tree burns up along with Uncle Lewis’ toupee, the Christmas bonus turns out to be a Jelly of The Month Club, and […]
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