The pages in this section feature two groups of writings:
- Bulletin-length articles (see below), both new and from the archives of previous ministry tenures.
- Articles for Christian papers, essays, academic papers, and book reviews (click here).
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Bulletin Articles
An archive of bulletin-length articles. Many were prepared for the publications of the churches of Christ
at Snellville, GA (1991-2000) and Southwind (Memphis, TN, 2000-2015). New articles are also included.
Click on the title to read an article.
at Snellville, GA (1991-2000) and Southwind (Memphis, TN, 2000-2015). New articles are also included.
Click on the title to read an article.
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Miscellaneous
1 ~ Far-Reaching Words - The Value of Writing Ministries 2 - Unexpected Developments - an example showing the biggest problem with deciding right and wrong for ourselves 3 - A Story Worth Reading - revisiting a classic short story calling us to think about the true meaning of Christmas gift-giving. 4 - Where Love Is - a classic story, appropriate for Christmas or any time, that reminds us that to help those we meet who are in need is to help Jesus. 5 - Christmas - A brief consideration of history regarding the birth of Jesus, and some observations on believers can do about Christmas. 6 - Jesus Is the Reason - "Jesus is the reason for the season" is seen often in the weeks before the Christmas holiday. In truth, the slogan understates the point. |
Faith Meets Culture
1 ~ Living without Constantine - being the church in a non-supportive culture
2 ~ Apollos Meets Athens - Reaching out to all our culture, not just those most like us.
3 ~ When Jonah Spoke the Word - God's word is powerful; we must share it
4 - Where the War Was Won - For 2,000 years, believers facing hostile cultures have outlasted powers that suppressed them.
5 - Is It Really Possible? - Can Christians really live faithfully in a depraved culture?
6 - Changing Times - Or Not - Consider a New Testament book that helps equip us to meet the current challenge from our current pluralistic setting.
7 - Where God Is Not - A brief consideration of some consequences of the worldview of atheism.
8 - "Here Comes Everybody" - As Jesus' body, the church should continue to show that he welcomes everybody.
2 ~ Apollos Meets Athens - Reaching out to all our culture, not just those most like us.
3 ~ When Jonah Spoke the Word - God's word is powerful; we must share it
4 - Where the War Was Won - For 2,000 years, believers facing hostile cultures have outlasted powers that suppressed them.
5 - Is It Really Possible? - Can Christians really live faithfully in a depraved culture?
6 - Changing Times - Or Not - Consider a New Testament book that helps equip us to meet the current challenge from our current pluralistic setting.
7 - Where God Is Not - A brief consideration of some consequences of the worldview of atheism.
8 - "Here Comes Everybody" - As Jesus' body, the church should continue to show that he welcomes everybody.
Being Disciples
1 ~ Give Us More Andrews - Quiet, yet active service
2 ~ What If We Try This? - Taking our discipleship seriously
3 ~ Learning (and Showing) Jesus - the power of conversion is in the everyday lives of Jesus' followers
4 ~ A Real Optimist - while life lasts, we must keep moving forward
5 ~ "Hallelujah! Christ Arose!" - Let us appreciate the meaning of the resurrection and be grateful for every opportunity to share the news about it
6 - Simply Amazing - For those who know it well, Jesus' story can become old hat. Let's stop and think about it again.
7 - Better to Serve the Egyptians? - We're tempted to criticize the Israelites who received their freedom and then hesitated. But our obstacles often seem too large, too.
8 - An Observation on Forgiveness - A comparison of Paul's word for forgiveness with the word used more often in the New Testament
9 - Who Are They To Ask? - Our commitment to Christ also entails a commitment to one another, a truth we need to remember when we are called to account for our actions.
10 - Motivated by Grace - Meeting the demands of discipleship does not diminish grace, but is where grace leads.
11 - They Said I Was Special! - A child's reaction to the reception he received in Vacation Bible School reminds us of an important truth.
12 - Look for God - Jesus said that the Scriptures were about God and eternal life is about knowing him and the Father. in our study, we must look for God.
13 - "Lord and Christ" - Beginning with Peter's thesis on Pentecost and illustrated in Paul's counsel to the Philippians, the key to life and resolution of any problem rests in our practical acknowledgement that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
14 - An Overlooked Side of Jesus - A reflection on the value of studying Jesus' controversies.
15 - Discovering the Wheel - To gain perspective and wisdom for the present, we are wise to learn about the past.
16 - How's Your Health? - The expression of John's concern for Gaius should prompt an important question about our well-being.
17 - Aware Of Our Surroundings - As participants in the spiritual war in which we are engaged, we must always be aware of our surroundings, conscious of the potential danger posed by a determined and deceitful enemy.
18 - "The Gospel of God's Grace" - Some observations from a comparison of similarities between Luke-Acts and Paul’s writings.
19 - Eternal Life: Choosing Jesus' Definition - Since it is popularly defined in terms of endless and trouble-free existence with God in a glorious paradise, Jesus’ definition of eternal life in John 17:3 will surprise many moderns.
20 - Motivated By Grace - In the lives of New Testament believers, grace was what motivated their sacrificial commitment and diligent work for the glory of Christ.
21 - Jesus Is Lord - In view of the fact that “Jesus is Lord and Christ” was the thesis of the Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2, we are not surprised that the earliest disciples consistently recognized him as “Lord.”
22 - God and Our Temptations - After a sermon on the Disciples' Prayer (Matt 6:9-13), a woman in the congregation asked what we are to make of the command to pray, "and lead us not into temptation."
2 ~ What If We Try This? - Taking our discipleship seriously
3 ~ Learning (and Showing) Jesus - the power of conversion is in the everyday lives of Jesus' followers
4 ~ A Real Optimist - while life lasts, we must keep moving forward
5 ~ "Hallelujah! Christ Arose!" - Let us appreciate the meaning of the resurrection and be grateful for every opportunity to share the news about it
6 - Simply Amazing - For those who know it well, Jesus' story can become old hat. Let's stop and think about it again.
7 - Better to Serve the Egyptians? - We're tempted to criticize the Israelites who received their freedom and then hesitated. But our obstacles often seem too large, too.
8 - An Observation on Forgiveness - A comparison of Paul's word for forgiveness with the word used more often in the New Testament
9 - Who Are They To Ask? - Our commitment to Christ also entails a commitment to one another, a truth we need to remember when we are called to account for our actions.
10 - Motivated by Grace - Meeting the demands of discipleship does not diminish grace, but is where grace leads.
11 - They Said I Was Special! - A child's reaction to the reception he received in Vacation Bible School reminds us of an important truth.
12 - Look for God - Jesus said that the Scriptures were about God and eternal life is about knowing him and the Father. in our study, we must look for God.
13 - "Lord and Christ" - Beginning with Peter's thesis on Pentecost and illustrated in Paul's counsel to the Philippians, the key to life and resolution of any problem rests in our practical acknowledgement that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
14 - An Overlooked Side of Jesus - A reflection on the value of studying Jesus' controversies.
15 - Discovering the Wheel - To gain perspective and wisdom for the present, we are wise to learn about the past.
16 - How's Your Health? - The expression of John's concern for Gaius should prompt an important question about our well-being.
17 - Aware Of Our Surroundings - As participants in the spiritual war in which we are engaged, we must always be aware of our surroundings, conscious of the potential danger posed by a determined and deceitful enemy.
18 - "The Gospel of God's Grace" - Some observations from a comparison of similarities between Luke-Acts and Paul’s writings.
19 - Eternal Life: Choosing Jesus' Definition - Since it is popularly defined in terms of endless and trouble-free existence with God in a glorious paradise, Jesus’ definition of eternal life in John 17:3 will surprise many moderns.
20 - Motivated By Grace - In the lives of New Testament believers, grace was what motivated their sacrificial commitment and diligent work for the glory of Christ.
21 - Jesus Is Lord - In view of the fact that “Jesus is Lord and Christ” was the thesis of the Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2, we are not surprised that the earliest disciples consistently recognized him as “Lord.”
22 - God and Our Temptations - After a sermon on the Disciples' Prayer (Matt 6:9-13), a woman in the congregation asked what we are to make of the command to pray, "and lead us not into temptation."
Encouraging Hope When Trouble Comes
1 - "When There Are No Words" - Just Be There - Often, our presence is more important to the hurting people we seek to comfort than any words could be, especially if those words go beyond what any of us can know.
2 - Putting Praise In Perspective - Considering the text of the song, "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:22-24) in light of its context of trouble and despair.
3 - Faith Freed from the Hedges - Satan alleged that the strength of Job's faith was due to the protective hedge around him. How does our faith compare?
4 - Endure and Press On - 2 Timothy shows that Paul's motivation to endure suffering and even shame for Christ was rooted in knowing Jesus and what he had done.
5 - Thank God for Hope - The stories of those who survived disasters against incredible odds invariably have in common that they were able to retain their hope. We are not surprised, therefore, that hope is an important feature of the biblical story.
6 - "In Heart and Conscience Free" - Words from a favorite hymn prompted this reflection on conditions that are and are not necessary for God's will to be done.
7 - "How Long, O Lord?" - Reflections in light of the question people of faith have long asked as they face times of great trouble.
8 - Because He Lives - A brief study of Romans 8:18-39, one of the New Testament passages that go beyond declaring and giving evidence for Jesus' resurrection to talk about its significance.
9 - Jesus, Present in Our Sufferings - When we suffer, we have an advantage Job did not have: knowledge that Jesus came, suffered, and empathizes with us.
2 - Putting Praise In Perspective - Considering the text of the song, "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:22-24) in light of its context of trouble and despair.
3 - Faith Freed from the Hedges - Satan alleged that the strength of Job's faith was due to the protective hedge around him. How does our faith compare?
4 - Endure and Press On - 2 Timothy shows that Paul's motivation to endure suffering and even shame for Christ was rooted in knowing Jesus and what he had done.
5 - Thank God for Hope - The stories of those who survived disasters against incredible odds invariably have in common that they were able to retain their hope. We are not surprised, therefore, that hope is an important feature of the biblical story.
6 - "In Heart and Conscience Free" - Words from a favorite hymn prompted this reflection on conditions that are and are not necessary for God's will to be done.
7 - "How Long, O Lord?" - Reflections in light of the question people of faith have long asked as they face times of great trouble.
8 - Because He Lives - A brief study of Romans 8:18-39, one of the New Testament passages that go beyond declaring and giving evidence for Jesus' resurrection to talk about its significance.
9 - Jesus, Present in Our Sufferings - When we suffer, we have an advantage Job did not have: knowledge that Jesus came, suffered, and empathizes with us.
Glorifying the Father and Son
1 - God Is Relevant - In seeking for applications of Bible teaching, are we seeing the greatness and glory of God?
2 - James: Practical Teaching About God - Teaching about God is an important theme in James, evidenced by more than twenty direct references to him.
3 - The Cross, Resurrection, and Enthronement - The cross of Jesus was rendered powerless by his resurrection and subsequent enthronement.
2 - James: Practical Teaching About God - Teaching about God is an important theme in James, evidenced by more than twenty direct references to him.
3 - The Cross, Resurrection, and Enthronement - The cross of Jesus was rendered powerless by his resurrection and subsequent enthronement.
Devoted To Teaching
1 - The "Anti-Sunday School" Group - Some thoughts on the seriousness with which we approach the study of God's word.
2 - Can It Be That Simple? - We can learn from the practice of Paul who, for two years, taught daily in the the hall of Tyrannus.
3 - "Let Me Repeat That" - Good teachers know that we need to press on to things not yet learned. But they also know that we need to hear important things again and again so we will really grasp and act on them.
4 - "The Preaching Game" - When we let ourselves off the hook when a sermon hits too close to home.
2 - Can It Be That Simple? - We can learn from the practice of Paul who, for two years, taught daily in the the hall of Tyrannus.
3 - "Let Me Repeat That" - Good teachers know that we need to press on to things not yet learned. But they also know that we need to hear important things again and again so we will really grasp and act on them.
4 - "The Preaching Game" - When we let ourselves off the hook when a sermon hits too close to home.
Regarding Worship
1 - Worship Together - In a society where so much attention and focus is on the individual, we need to think about the implications of the Bible's emphasis - in both testaments - on community worship.
2 - Why Should We Sing? - An ancient believer teaches us that we should sing because the church’s singing is the purest form of music, a praise offering to God that anyone can give and a vital tool for spiritual growth. We will receive this benefit only if we sing with God in view.
3 - Worship! - Whether we see worship as a momentous, urgent, and glorious action depends on whether we are preoccupied with giving God the glory due his name.
4 - Benefits of Worship - Robert Webber related an exchange that began with a query by “a young person who objected to what she felt was the ‘egocentricity’ of God.” Why does he want every created thing to praise him? Does this not show him to be self-centered? A mature believer's response prompted this reflection on worship's benefits.
5 - Worship and Edification - Singing praises is a feature of community worship that is especially valuable for building us up in faith. The “new song” in Revelation 5, sung by saints later revealed to have been under great duress because of their faith (Rev 13.7, 10; 14.12; 16.6; 17.8; 18.24), indicates that this is best done when singing’s focus remains on the Lamb.
6 - Remembering Our Rescue: A Communion Meditation - Periodically remembering what we have been rescued from allows to have a deeper appreciation of what it means to be rescued.
2 - Why Should We Sing? - An ancient believer teaches us that we should sing because the church’s singing is the purest form of music, a praise offering to God that anyone can give and a vital tool for spiritual growth. We will receive this benefit only if we sing with God in view.
3 - Worship! - Whether we see worship as a momentous, urgent, and glorious action depends on whether we are preoccupied with giving God the glory due his name.
4 - Benefits of Worship - Robert Webber related an exchange that began with a query by “a young person who objected to what she felt was the ‘egocentricity’ of God.” Why does he want every created thing to praise him? Does this not show him to be self-centered? A mature believer's response prompted this reflection on worship's benefits.
5 - Worship and Edification - Singing praises is a feature of community worship that is especially valuable for building us up in faith. The “new song” in Revelation 5, sung by saints later revealed to have been under great duress because of their faith (Rev 13.7, 10; 14.12; 16.6; 17.8; 18.24), indicates that this is best done when singing’s focus remains on the Lamb.
6 - Remembering Our Rescue: A Communion Meditation - Periodically remembering what we have been rescued from allows to have a deeper appreciation of what it means to be rescued.