Sermons and Biblical Studies

Powers of the Universe Hence we find in non-Christian religions a restless sense of the hostility of the powers of the universe; an undefined feeling of guilt, and all sorts of merit-making techniques designed to get rid of it; a dread of death, and a consuming anxiety to feel that one has conquered it; forms … Continue reading “Religions, universalism”

Canada’s Youth When in comes to belief in God, Canada’s young people are a lot like their elders, but they view religion as relatively unimportant, according to a federally sponsored study conducted by two experienced observers of Canadian social trends. Entitled Canada’s Youth: Ready for Today, the study was authored by Alberta sociologist Reginald Bibby … Continue reading “Religion, irrelevance of”

No One In The Audience Let’s accompany the British journalist David Pryce-Jones to Hereford Cathedral. While showing the cathedral to a pair of foreign guests, they stumbled upon a service in progress and were rebuked by the vicar. “Not a single worshipper, apart from the vicar, was present in that great nave,” writes Pryce-Jones “Evensong … Continue reading “Religion, empty”

Going to Church Better for Your Health People who practice their religious faith regularly may be getting some earthly benefits: They appear to be healthier compared to people who never attend a house of worship. A study conducted by sociologists at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., found that 4 percent of those who regularly … Continue reading “Religion, and health”

Religion is Social Penicillin Rector says, “Religion is a social penicillin, lethal against a wide array of behavioral pathogens.” He cites a study of black inner-city youth by Harvard University’s Richard Freeman: Boys who regularly attend church are 50% less likely to commit crimes. They are 54% less likely to use drugs and 47% less … Continue reading “Religion”

Quote •      It’s a glorious feeling when that piece of paper under the windshield wiper blade turns out to be an advertising circular. Dell Official Crossword Puzzles What a Relief! •      Finding out that the mess you’re in is fully covered under your insurance policy •      Discovering something you bought costing more than you paid … Continue reading “Relief”

A Grinder and a Mechanic For an extraordinary pitcher he performed few extraordinary feats. Though a veteran of 21 seasons, in only one did he win more than 20 games. He never pitched a no-hitter and only once did he lead the league in any category (2.21 ERA, 1980). Yet on June 21, 1986, Don … Continue reading “Reliable”

Time Off According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity. Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on … Continue reading “Relax”

Modern American Classroom Another survey conducted by the Lutheran Brotherhood asked, “Are there absolute standards for morals and ethics or does everything depend on the situation?” Seventy-nine percent of the respondents in the 18–34 age group said that standards did not exist and that the situation should always dictate behavior. Three percent said they were … Continue reading “Relativism”

Ways to Get Along Better 1. Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself three questions: 1) is it true? 2) is it kind? 3) is it necessary? 2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully. 3. Never miss an opportunity to compliment or say something encouraging. 4. Refuse to talk negatively about others and … Continue reading “Relationships”