I had a conversation with Jim today. Jim’s not a member of Pittsburgh Baptist, in fact, I don’t think he claims any church affiliation. He wanted to know about baptism. It seemed important to Jim. I started by asking about his faith background to get a little perspective before diving into my response. Boy, what..
read moreIt’s January 2013, twelve more months have passed and you can’t believe the time has gone by so quick. I known the New Year is just beginning, but looking in the rear view mirror of your imagination, how does 2012 appear? Take a few moments to envision what is yet to happen. What do you..
read more“Happy birthday” are words virtually all of us enjoy hearing. Some appreciate them less as they age while others accept the accolade as a badge of honor for making it another year. Regardless of your sentiment, it is one of the most familiar phrases we know. Now imagine it’s your birthday but no one calls..
read moreAbusa is the Chichewa word for pastor. The Chichewa language is widely used in the African nation of Malawi where my brother-in-law and sister-in-law serve as missionaries with the International Mission Board. On my desk sits a handmade sculpture of an abusa given as a gift by Billy and Susan. This little authentic piece is..
read moreWhy do most people rarely live in the living room or dine in the dining room? When I was growing up most living and dining was done in the kitchen. The kitchen was where the family gathered for meals and conversation, arguments and important life lessons. The kitchen was where food was prepared and small..
read moreIn his book, Radical author David Platt asks an important question. “If making disciples is the plan of Christ, and if it is acceptable to all of us and expected of all of us, then how do we do it?” (p. 92) He continues, “This is the last command we have from Jesus to his followers..
read moreWhen Paul sensed there were schisms in the Corinthian church he wrote this, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor..
read moreYou likely know that VBS is an acronym for Vacation Bible School, but I’d like you to think about VBS another way. As I watched our 60 + volunteers labor, laugh, learn, love and sometimes long for the end of this year’s event, the significance of their contributions for our strength as a church was..
read moreWhat would Jesus’ Facebook page look like if He had one? Would His profile include Christian, Jew or both for the Religion category? Would there be a note on the Rapture under, Messages? Do you think the Good News would pop up every time someone clicked on Top News? The speculation is endless. As far..
read moreIt’s said that Pittsburgh has four seasons; almost winter, winter, more winter and road repair. After surviving our fourth winter upon returning to Pennsylvania from 25 years of living in southern states, I think this description of the seasons cycle is pretty accurate. The final months of winter seemed long this year. When I looked..
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