"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These words, found in the ninth chapter of the Old Testament book by the prophet Isaiah are perhaps one of the most recognized prophesies concerning the Messiah. Since the first century, this prophecy has inspired believers who have acknowledged the coming of Israel's deliverer in the child born on a Continue Reading
Deliver us from Gossiping! {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Alan Redpath was a well-known 20th Century British evangelist, preacher, and author. He led a church in Richmond, London until 1953, when he moved to the United States and became the pastor of the historic Moody Memorial Church in Chicago for nine years. He returned to the United Kingdom in 1962, where he continued his ministry until his death in 1984. I came across a story told by Redpath in the book "A Passion for Preaching," which offered what I believe to be a practical test against Continue Reading
Unity: A Challenge to the Christian Church {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
On Sept. 6, 2005, our family drove to the local immigration office for my citizenship ceremony. After almost six years of extensive paperwork and considerable costs, I finally held the green certificate that attested that I was an American citizen. I remember the excitement of pledging allegiance to the American flag as a citizen for the first time. I would not need a “green card” or an “alien card” to be accepted for employment, to leave the country and — best of all, I would finally be able Continue Reading
This Mother’s Day, Give Mom Forgiveness, Compassion and Grace {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and when I started thinking about the theme for my column, I had a recurring thought. For the past several years, I have been in constant prayer about some mothers I know and their children, whose relationships are filled with unforgiveness, separation or constant conflict. In each of these situations, I can easily understand the motives behind the estrangement: overbearing and controlling mothers, children who neglect or disrespect their mothers, mothers who Continue Reading
The Key to Receiving God’s Best {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. – Lao Tzu The story spread like fire in the small fishing village. People hurried to the beach, just to take a glimpse of the extraordinary catch. Simon Peter and his fishing partners, James and John, looked at the nets, in disbelief. It all started when Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and great crowds were gathered to listen to his teachings. He noticed two empty fishing boats at the water’s edge, while Continue Reading
Cultivating Contentment This Christmas {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Russell Conwell was a 19th-century attorney, philanthropist and writer, who later became a Baptist minister and founder of Temple University in Philadelphia. Conwell was known for his eloquent sermons, and the stories he often told to illustrate spiritual and life principles. One of his most acclaimed essays is titled “Acres of Diamonds.” It was written before Conwell became a pastor, and published in book form in 1890 by the John Y. Huber Company of Philadelphia. He delivered this message Continue Reading
