March 2000

Is the church Political?

The political season is upon us, and with it comes controversy about religion and politics. John McCain and George W. Bush have argued about the influence of the ""religious right."" Al Gore proclaims if he is elected, he will address all problems with the question, ""What would Jesus do?"" Religious activists populate both sides of nearly every important political issue, including abortion. And one of the most important questions we can answer is where the church of the Lord fits in all of this wrangling. more...

The Last Word on Cheerleaders

A new Arena Football League team has come to Los Angeles, and to spark interest and ticket sales the Avengers have plastered the LA area with shocking billboards. Several of these billboards are too obscene to print here but I did notice this gem: ""On Sunday, April 9TH, SIX BEAUTIFUL WOMEN WILL SHOW YOU THEIR PANTIES"" (source: Sports Illustrated, 4-13-00). more...

What Did God Establish

World scholars seem to agree that the church was established in Jerusalem, the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 2 gives the record, and only a few with some creed to defend offer objection. But what was established when the church was established? Foolish question? Well, read Acts 2 carefully. more...

God Seekers

""Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you"" (Matt. 6:31-33). more...

Observations on Ed Harrell's New Book

In his new book, The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century: Homer Hailey's Personal Journey of Faith, Ed Harrell has produced a work that stirs thoughts on several important topics. While the book is a historical work, the author infuses it with writings from some of the more prominent ""brotherhood papers"" of the day as he tells the story of the many controversies which have dogged the churches and, in many ways, defined their combative heritage in America. The use of those papers, as well as the novel approach of offering simultaneously the history as well as Hailey's biography, make the book a worthwhile read for Christians interested in the struggles of this movement. more...

Preacher's Pen

As I write this sixty-four college basketball teams are making their way across the country to begin the NCAA basketball tournament. Every team fortunate enough to be in the tournament has the same dream: to win the national championship. String together six wins in a row and you're wearing the crown. They all know that, and they all want it. Yet by the time you read this most of those teams will have been sent home. In some ways it is sad to realize that as excited as all sixty four teams are now, sixty three are going to end their season on a losing note. You can only have one champion. more...