Have you ever been deceived? Have you deceived someone else? In literature and in history there are many stories of deception. Here are a few examples: The Last Leaf (O. Henry) In this short story, a woman suffering with pneumonia and close to death believes that she will die once the last leaf drops from…
In Genesis 26 we learn how Isaac followed in the footsteps of his father, Abraham. However, at the end of chapter 26 we find two obscure verses that mentions Isaac’s eldest son, Esau. Notice what the scripture says: “And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Berri…
Ronald Reagan said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” America is a nation made of families. The God ordained institution of the home is the fabric that knits America together. I have often said that as goes the family so goes the church and as goes the church so goes the…
I have heard of pastor’s who have the attitude that they do not visit people because that is the deacon’s job. I have heard of pastor’s who get angry when someone tells them that they should visit someone. This, I believe, is a lack of having a pastor’s heart and perhaps even having a calling…
In order for a local church to function, there must be a preacher. There must be a man to shepherd the flock and to lead the church. In Ezekiel 37 we see the famous vision of the valley of dry bones. This passage is speaking of the nation of Israel being revived. Though it does…
I grew up as a Southern Baptist. However, over the years I served in various churches. I have pastored three Southern Baptist Churches, served as a youth pastor at an Independent Baptist Church, and pastored one non-denominational church. As a result of my journey in ministry, I do have an interesting perspective on being a…
I am sure you have heard the saying: like father, like son. This statement is true in many ways. A son tends to follow in the footsteps of his father. A son will often have the same tendencies as his father. Sins of a father is often repeated by the son. The personality of the…
Matt Redman, the author of the song heart of worship provides an interesting view on what worship really is. The story behind the song is fascinating. Matt attended a church in England that had seemingly lost her way. The pastor of the church decided to do away with all musical instruments for season in order…
John 4:23-24 says, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” There is a saying that many of…
Psalm 19:1-3 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” All of creation was made to worship. The heavens along with the trees, flowers, mountains,…
Pastor Chris Noland 