"The world was not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38)Ezekiel mentions three such heroes of the faith: Noah, Daniel and Job (Ezekiel 14:14,20). The Hebrews author runs out of space (Hebrews 11:32). Such heroes abound. They loved God more than life itself and would in no way compromise their relationship with Him. Though the world judged them and found them wanting, even to the point of banishing them,...  Read More

 “Therefore say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Though I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’ “Therefore say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give y...  Read More

Former Central Baptist pastor with a personality larger than life, Charlie Manning, preached a famous (at least in Cumberland County, New Jersey) sermon entitled: One Size Fits All. He was a stout man. Wearing a very large, even too large for him, sweater, he would reveal its capacity and then preach about the Holy Spirit Whose infilling, gifting and ministry apply to us all, uniquely and universa...  Read More

"And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment—so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28, CSB).Perhaps it is reading Ezekiel and relating God's fitting judgment to today that deeply saddens my heart. I'll never forget someone ...  Read More

Weekending Experience #3. As you are aware our reading guide gives Saturday and Sunday readings together. Generally, I divide them by day. Thanks for being patient when I take advantage of the guide to post!We have moved way beyond the concept of 'watchmen' in daily living. Certainly, there are still many places that employ security guards and have watch persons observing the flow of business and ...  Read More

"He is able to save completely those who come to God through him..." (Hebrews 7:25)The writer to Hebrews calls Jesus 'the guarantee of a better covenant' (7:22) and a 'permanent priest' (7:24) who 'ever lives to make intercession' (7:25). There is no lack in what Jesus has done and no inability on His part to accomplish God's plan. In fact, it is done, complete, fulfilled...yes it was finished on ...  Read More