THE TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. A gracEmail subscriber asks if we know why the New Testament book of Hebrews was written. * * * Yes we do, although we dont know exactly to whom, when, where, or precisely what was going on then and there among those people. But we do know that for a variety of reasons the original recipients of Hebrews were worn out, disheartened, tempted, and seemingly about ready to walk away from their faith. The book hints at some possible causes, including persecution, passing of time, being misfits in their … [Read more...]
Family Notes 19/02/2016
THE NINETEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. JUSTICE SCALIA LECTURE -- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia lectured at the Lanier Theological Library ("LTL") on September 6, 2013. His topic was, "Is Capitalism or Socialism More Conducive to Christian Virtue?" This lecture, like all Antonin Scalia presentations, was profound but easily understood. To enjoy it on video, go to: vimeo.com/74846727 Justice Scalia was noted in all his circles for his imaginative and expressive mind, but also for his humor and quick wit. They all shine in this … [Read more...]
Family Notes 17/02/2016
THE SEVENTEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. HEBREWS TREASURY -- No book of the Bible is more full of Jesus, more attuned to daily life in the 21st century, and more relevant as a word of encouragement than the book of Hebrews. For the next few weeks, our gracEmail family notes will include two items related to Hebrews. First, a piece of a conversation with me about the book itself (see "Who Wrote Hebrews?" below). Second, excerpts from a review of Hebrews: Ancient Encouragement for Believers Today, which is probably one of the two or three most … [Read more...]
Family Notes 10/02/2016
THE TENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. HEBREWS TREASURY -- It might come as a surprise to many Christians today, but there is no book of the Bible more full of Jesus, more attuned to daily life in the 21st century, and more relevant as a word of encouragement than the book of Hebrews. For the next few weeks, our gracEmail family notes will include two items related to Hebrews. First, a piece of a conversation with me about the book itself (see "A Neglected Book" below). Second, excerpts from a review of Hebrews: Ancient Encouragement for Believers … [Read more...]
Family Notes 13/01/2016
THE THIRTEENTH DAY OF JANUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. GREEK PHILIPPIANS STUDY Dr. Gary Collier, creator of the popular "Coffee With Paul" (CWP) adult Bible studies, is now starting a new study of the Greek text of Philippians. This inviting but in-depth journey through one of Paul's most practical epistles is open to men or women of any age with any prior Greek studies, without regard to academic degrees or formal education. It is especially well-suited to preachers, Bible class teachers, and other church leaders. CWP will publish the resulting translation. For … [Read more...]
Family Notes 06/01/2016
THE SIXTH DAY OF JANUARY IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. Feedback to gracEmail for Sunday, Jan. 3 The most recent previous gracEmail, published on Sunday, January 3, 2016, and titled "Knowing so much but so little," was unusually well-received by many subscribers, who responded in appreciable numbers with feedback intended to encourage, inspire, and inform--and who accomplished with flying colors all they intended to achieve. You touched my heart, and reminded me how incredibly blessed I am to enjoy the constant support of such a band of brothers and sisters as … [Read more...]
Family Notes 30/12/2015
THE THIRTIETH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. GracEmail subscribers Chester and Angela Woodhall mark forty-five year mission milestone Britishers Chester and Angela Woodhall, long-time gracEmail subscribers, are celebrating their 45th year as missioners taking the gospel to countries across the southern parts of the African continent. It is thought they might be among the longest-serving missionaries from Churches of Christ presently on the field. As newlyweds nearly a half-century ago, Chester and Angela went first to Zambia, previously known as … [Read more...]
Family Notes 21/12/2015
THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. WHAT WILL MATTER It is easy to find people willing to praise the old-fashioned virtues, more difficult to locate folks who demonstrate those virtues year after year by their lives. I know no one who does that more consistently, more humbly, and with more enthusiasm and good cheer than my dear friend, gracEmail subscriber Dwain Evans (dwainevans@att.net). Dwain recently forwarded a beautiful video that is sure to bless. Enjoy it at: player.vimeo.com/video/89476173 LITTLE PORTION BAKERY John Michael … [Read more...]
Family Notes 16/12/2015
THE SIXTEENTH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. COLE, SINATRA, AND SHELBURNE Picture your most comfy chair, your favorite beverage, and a private concert of standards like "Moonglow," "The Very Thought of You," and "The Way You Look Tonight." This musical treat awaits you on the latest CD from singer and gracEmail subscriber Curtis Shelburne titled "For Sentimental Reasons." On it, Shelburne faithfully delivers a dozen such classics, wrapped in pure, mellow tones reminiscent of Nat King Cole with a touch of Sinatra-style light jazz. And that is no … [Read more...]
Family Notes 09/12/2015
THE NINTH DAY OF DECEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. USES PRAYER JESUS TAUGHT gracEmail subscriber Roger Harper, who happens to be a priest in the Church of England, proposes using as a conversion prayer the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray, and he explains as follows: May I suggest an alternative prayer for beginning the Christian life? Our Father, in heaven, hallowed be . . . Jesus commanded us to pray using the Our Father . . .' words. He introduced it with an imperative. Jesus commanded us to teach disciples to obey all that He commanded. We … [Read more...]