I originally posted this two years ago at my own blog, and as we are sharing reflections for Holy Week, I thought it would be fun to share the experience with all of you. Tonight at church we did a Passover Seder in place of our normal Bible study on Thursday night. I have participated in a seder before, but this night was special. We are hosting the community Good Friday service tomorrow night to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and tonight we played the parts of his disciples as they gathered the night before he was to die. I told our people that I make a pretty poor substitute … [Read more...] about Christ, Our Passover Lamb
Devotional Posts
Claire’s Prayers
“Claire” usually wears a bright blonde wig placed obviously over her own still-dark hair. Sometimes she has her teeth in, but not usually. Either way you are guaranteed to be greeted with a huge smile beneath squinty, cheerful eyes. When she says “hi” her voice goes up, up, up and back down all in one syllable—like a roller coaster peak, or maybe a steep sine wave, but I never took calculus so I don’t know for sure. I do know that no packet of Sweet ‘n Low is safe when Claire’s around though. Yes, Claire is quite a character. I often wonder what she was like before … [Read more...] about Claire’s Prayers
Souls On Board
You may have caught the story of a United Airlines flight that had to make an emergency landing in New Orleans on Monday. The plane had just departed moments before and had no visibility due to cloud cover. Almost immediately after takeoff smoke began to appear in the cockpit. Like a page out of a Jerry Bruckheimer movie script amidst the cloud outside and the smoke inside, with a jet full of fuel and passengers, suddenly the pilots lost all instrumentation. With only the directions of air traffic control to guide them, the pilots had no choice but to attempt a completely blind … [Read more...] about Souls On Board
Blogging, Networking, and Purpose
I sat at my computer today and cringed. In light of the recent (uh, hmmmn), blog competition in which I failed, I was forced to wonder about my writing. Not because I did not make it to the next round of competition. No. Actually, I received a record collection of votes for a little old grandma from the plains of Oklahoma. All the more a marvel, since my competitors are well-known, highly educated men of God in the theological and religious world. Competing in the "Madness" was more for recreation and frivolity. I knew I stood no chance. I had fun badgering my Facebook buds who had … [Read more...] about Blogging, Networking, and Purpose
Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?
This piece originally appeared on my blog in November 2010. I'm grateful for a chance to give a wider audience. May the Lord use it to His glory and, perhaps, to your comfort if you are in a place of uncertainty today. -AR Once when I was unsure what to do about a matter, a pastor I love and respect reassured me that, "God is not the author of confusion" (1 Cor 14:33). I took comfort in the reminder that the Lord loves His children, He does not play head games with them. But, I admit that I walked out of that pastor's office confused about confusion. Look at what Paul says in 2 … [Read more...] about Is It “Christian” to Feel Like You Have No Way Out?
Did God Buy Your Lunch or Save You from Choking to Death?
This piece originally appeared on my blog in July 2008. It's an illustration I've used many, many times in trying to convey the severity of the gospel to people, our need for salvation, and the right response to the grace of the Lord. -AR Imagine one day you and I go to lunch. We have a good meal together and you generously pick up the tab for both of us. I’d be appreciative. I’d say “thanks” and think that was a really nice gesture on your part. And truthfully, not long after–a few days maybe–I would probably forget about it and go on with life; maybe picking up yours next time, … [Read more...] about Did God Buy Your Lunch or Save You from Choking to Death?
The View From This Inn
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? -- Matthew 6:27 I have at times in the past skated on very thin ice, life-speaking. I have also been tested by fire and occasionally found lacking. I have been cold and I have been warm and I have been luke . . . as in lukewarm, somewhere in the sad and unsatisfying middle. But this year, as Christmas closes in, I am at peace, almost overwhelmed by the incredible undeniable truth that wherever and whenever, I am never alone. And never will be. Last Saturday night, one week before Christmas, around 10:30 p.m., our house went up in … [Read more...] about The View From This Inn
The Need for Inerrancy
Originally posted at Modern March | Connect with Brandon on Twitter Inerrancy is a hot-button word in Evangelicalism. Men who stand for it are often called fundamentalists or legalists. Men who stand against it are called heretics and liberals. The Conservative Resurgence in the SBC surely polarized this subject on a broad scale, above and beyond Baptist life. In any event, say what you wish and stand where you want. As for me, I need the Bible to be inerrant. The Bible cannot merely be another religious book with some truth in it. Adam and Eve cannot be simply a poetic example … [Read more...] about The Need for Inerrancy
Preaching the Birth of Christ: Tell Us Your Plan
Tell us about your preaching program during the Christmas season. I spent 14 Christmases at Northbrook Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. It was not easy to come up with fresh, biblical approaches to the Christmas story. How many sermons can you do on the angels on the hillside or the Manger in Bethlehem? So, I'm interested. How do you approach your pulpit duties in the Christmas season? Any creative approaches to the Nativity story you'd be willing to share with the rest of us? I know some preachers who almost completely ignore the season from the pulpit and simply continue with … [Read more...] about Preaching the Birth of Christ: Tell Us Your Plan
Are We God’s Spoiled Children? The Secret to Thanksgiving
Ever watched a spoiled child in action? No matter how much his parents give him, he throws tantrums at the slightest deprivation. She believes that it is her natural right to get everything she wants and will let you know it if you do not please her. There are few things more annoying in life than a spoiled child. Sometimes, I wonder if we are God's spoiled children. He is so good to us in every way. He sent his only Son to live the righteous life we could not and die for our sins. He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us, to conform us to the image of Christ and to empower us to do … [Read more...] about Are We God’s Spoiled Children? The Secret to Thanksgiving