LeBron James and Christian Discipleship
 
For those living on another planet: LeBron James is a basketball player.  He is 25 years old and for the past six years, since his graduation from high school in Akron, Ohio, he has played for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.  Between his contract with the Cavaliers and endorsements for the likes of Nike, he has earned hundreds of millions of dollars.
 
LeBron has been a remarkable player for the Cavaliers.  His all-star and MVP awards are too many to count. His team has become a contender and a bright spot in an otherwise dismal city. But the Cavaliers have not won an NBA title even with LeBron James in the line-up. Continue reading →

Life, Liberty and a 911 Carrera
 
In an opening prologue to worship this Sunday, Ebenezer Diabene, LPC’s newest American citizen, will read a portion of the Declaration of Independence. Among the words Ebenezer will say are these, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Continue reading →

Having a 100,000 Mile Warranty Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need an Oil Change…

According to Facebook, 471,246 Facebook users like the phrase “Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.” Some of my Facebook friends are among the 471,426. The phrase was originally coined by Billy Sunday who used it frequently as one of his famous one-lines in his evangelistic meetings. His line was, “Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.” Continue reading →

Good Dads Spotted
(Scroll down for your homework assignment)
 
Have you noticed those good dads out there? You know, they still outnumber the deadbeats. But the number of deadbeats has been rising and the number of good dads has been sinking. The signs aren’t good.
 
Cumulative effects are tricky things. One Big Mac once in awhile won’t hurt you. Neither will two. But the cumulative effect of too many Big Macs may be clogged arteries and a national epidemic of obesity. Not doing your homework once in the semester may not hurt you. Twice may change your grade and not doing it ever probably means a failed course. Continue reading →

In Sure and Certain Hope
 
As we gather tomorrow as a worshiping community to “give witness to the resurrection” and to remember the life of Lynne Ferguson, we do one of the most important and, indeed, one of the most deeply joyful things the church ever does. Christian funerals are a gift from God and in the midst of sorrows, tears, laughter and joy, they should be gratefully accepted as such.
 
As the church gathers for a funeral, there are three primary tasks before us:

• Remembering
• Comforting
• Declaring Continue reading →