Sermons and Biblical Studies

First to Stop Applauding We Americans do not adequately appreciate the political process in our nation. During the campaign, I often recounted a nightmarish 1938 incident from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago, by way of contrast: A district party conference was under way in Moscow Province. It was presided over by a new secretary of … Continue reading “Coercion”

Absurd Figure Many a woman who thinks she has purchased a dress for a ridiculous price has actually bought it for an absurd figure. Source unknown

Hand Washing Ridiculed In 1818, Ignaz Phillip Semmelweis was born into a world of dying women. The finest hospitals lost one out of six young mothers to the scourge of “childbed fever.” A doctor’s daily routine began in the dissecting room where he performed autopsies. From there he made his way to the hospital to … Continue reading “Cleansing”

One Liners •      Imbesis Law: In order for something to become clean, something else must become dirty. Freeman’s extension: but you can get everything dirty without getting anything clean. •      Isabella of Spain bragged that she had had only two baths in her life—one when she was born, and the other when she married Ferdinand. … Continue reading “Cleanliness”

Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame catcher and former New York Yankees manager, was the champion of muddled conversation. Here are a few of his ambiguous statements: •      On a hot day in St. Petersburg, Florida, a spring training observer told Yogi, “Good afternoon, Mr. Berra. My, you look mighty cool today.” “Thank you, ma’am,” Yogi … Continue reading “Clarity”

Need Not Fear If your cause is just, if your principles are pure, and if your conduct is prudent, you need not fear the multitude of opposing hosts. John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence Choose Battles Carefully The story is told of D. Bonhoeffer, who while imprisoned in a concentration camp, saluted a … Continue reading “Civil Disobedience”

The Pump Many years ago A.J. Gordon went to the World’s Fair. From a distance he saw a man pumping water with one of those old hand pumps. The water was pouring out and he said as he looked, “That man is really pumping water.” But when he got closer, he discovered that it was … Continue reading “Circumstances”

Adiction Chances that a first time cigarette smoker will become addicted: 9 in 10. What Counts: The Complete Harper’s Index, edited by

The Mustache Winston Churchill at one time had a mustache. Soon after growing it, Churchill’s aunt remarked to him, “Winston, I don’t like your mustache or your politics.” “Auntee,” he responded, “I see no reason why you should ever come into contact with either.” Source unknown

Obligations to the State The church’s task with regard to the state which is posed for all time is thus clear. First, it must loyally give the state everything necessary to its existence. It has to oppose anarchy and all zealotism within its own ranks. Second, it has to fulfill the office of watchmen over … Continue reading “Church, relation to state”