Sermons and Biblical Studies

Resource •      When God Was Taken Captive, W. Aldrich, Multnomah, 1989, p.13, 46

Quote •      You may win the argument, but if there’s blood on the floor, you lose anyway. – Anon Statue of Christ Years ago, a large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile. Called “Christ of the Andes,” the statue symbolizes a pledge between the two … Continue reading “Argument”

Formula for Failure I really cannot give you the formula for success. But I can give you the formula for failure. It’s this: Try to please everyone. Source unknown

Van Gogh Vincent Van Gogh first began to experiment with impressionist techniques during his Parisian period, the time from 1886 until 1888. “Last year,” the Dutch artist wrote to his sister in 1887, “I painted almost nothing but flowers to accustom myself to colors other than grey, namely pink, soft or vivid green, light blue, … Continue reading “Appropriation”

Chinese Legend A group of elderly, cultured gentlemen met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests. When the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented … Continue reading “Appreciation”

Invitation to Inauguration Given the many details which a presidential inaugural committee must cope with, mistakes are inevitable. So it was that Franklin Delano Roosevelt received an invitation to his own January 20, 1937 presidential inauguration! Through the White House social bureau, he solemnly sent word that the press of official business would keep him … Continue reading “Appointment”

Prime Minister The great 19th century British statesman and prime minister, William Gladstone, once said, “One thing I have against the clergy both of the country and in the towns. I think they are not severe enough on congregations. They do not sufficiently lay upon the souls and consciences of their hearers their moral obligations, … Continue reading “Application”

Violinists Recently my wife and I sat charmed at an outdoor performance by young Suzuki violin students. After the concert, an instructor spoke briefly on how children as young as two, three and four years old are taught to play violin. The first thing the children learn, he said, is a proper stance. And the … Continue reading “Applause”

Quotes •      A mule dressed in a tuxedo is still a mule. – Anon •      If you see a man holding a clipboard and looking official, the chances are good that he is supposed to be doing something menial. – Wayne C. Fields, Jr. Optical Illusion When architect Sir Christopher Wren designed the interior of … Continue reading “Appearances”

Baby Boomers Age is catching up with the baby boomers–the third of the population born between 1946 and 1964–but many aren’t ready to admit it. A survey of more than 1,200 30–50-year-olds finds that most (76%) are convinced that they look younger than their actual age. Most (73%) also believe that people who were 50 … Continue reading “Appearance”