A month after Hurricane Ian ravaged southwestern Florida, communities are getting back in business. Tamara Pigott of the Fort Myers News-Press reports that “an amazing rebound” is taking place.
Connections 08.22.2021: A Broad Focus
August 15, 2021 by
The construction of the Jerusalem temple had been completed. King Solomon was presiding over a dedication ceremony. He addressed the people of Israel who had gathered for the occasion.
Formations 04.12.2020: Giving Things Up for Lent
April 5, 2020 by
John places Jesus’ “cleansing of the temple” near the beginning of his Gospel rather than at the end, as the Synoptic Gospels do. In John, this symbolic act foreshadows the many controversies that Jesus will face and that will eventually end with the crucifixion.
Formations 10.20.2019: Containing God
October 13, 2019 by
There are some impressive houses of worship in this world. Some are centuries-old survivors of war, fire, and poverty. Their stonework and artwork immortalize great architects and artists across the ages.
Formations 10.06.2019: Everyone Plays a Part
September 29, 2019 by
In the most recent chapter of the continuing saga of the Pursiful family, I’m proud to announce that my daughter is gainfully employed—at least for certain definitions of “gainfully.”
Connections 12.30.2018: Growing Up
December 23, 2018 by
My younger daughter Natalie will be 12 years old in March. It’s a delicate age. She is just crossing the threshold into puberty, clinging to the joys of childhood while also confronting body changes and swinging emotions.
Connections 07.22.2018: Preachers in High Places
July 15, 2018 by
King David wanted to build a house for the Lord, which means he wanted to build a temple. What could be wrong with that? After all, as David observed as he discussed the idea with the prophet Nathan, it hardly seemed right that David had a fine house to live in while the Lord had only a tent (fine tent though it was).
Formations 03.25.2018: Breaking the Rules
March 18, 2018 by
During Britain’s heat wave last summer, teenage boys at Isca Academy in Exeter staged a protest against their school dress code, which forbade the wearing of shorts. This protest took the form of them coming to school in skirts they had borrowed from their sisters or girlfriends.
Formations 04.10.2016: Places of Worship
April 3, 2016 by
Do you have fond memories of a particular place of worship? Maybe it’s the sanctuary were you were baptized, where you were married, or where your parents or grandparents were bid farewell.
Formations 01.03.2016: Baby Names of 2015
December 27, 2015 by
Jackson and Sophia are the most popular baby names of 2015, but there are some interesting trends further down the list. According to a USA Today report, the gender-neutral name Royalty is up 90% this year.
Uniform 08.09.2015: A Choice to Be Just
August 2, 2015 by
In the 1984 film Mass Appeal, the older priest is a “Don’t rock the boat” sort while the younger man fervently believes that the boat really needs to be rocked–if not sunk.
Uniform 01.18.2015: Our High Priest
January 11, 2015 by
During my fourteen years of working as an assistant editor for Smyth & Helwys, I’ve had the privilege of editing many of our books and Bible commentaries. It’s been fascinating to read interpretations of Old and New Testament texts.
Uniform 11.02.2014: If You Build It, God Will Come
October 26, 2014 by
In the iconic 1989 film, Field of Dreams, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is moved by a mysterious voice to plow under most of his cornfield and build a baseball field. “If you build it, he will come,” the voice whispers.
Thrive: Questions – Allison Kentle
September 22, 2014 by
The tension could be cut with a knife, questions flying all over the place. Matthew 21-22 make it pretty clear that Jesus and the religious leaders are not BFFs, for these chapters are filled with questions.
Uniform 09.07.2014: Rebuilding
August 31, 2014 by
When my great-great grandparents settled in Middle Tennessee, they found a farm in the small community of Mona and built a house for their family. Robert and Ella Barrett spent many happy years in that farmhouse with their fourteen children.