So I began as a large outcropping of bedrock, just outside of the ancient city of Jerusalem near the place called Golgotha. As a huge rock, I often wondered what I would eventually become. Maybe I would be hewn into stones for a great building. Perhaps, I would become a monument for a great king. I could be cut into pieces and used as a fortress wall. My mass may be chipped into pavement for a king’s highway or perhaps small stones for a fancy garden wall.
Continue reading “If Tombs Could Talk!”The Executioner’s Dream
A Story of the Executioner at Golgotha by Harry L. Whitt
After their scourging, we herded the three men through the jeering streets to Golgotha. The citizens of Jerusalem hate us only a bit less than we hate them. Being assigned to the occupation force of Judea is a good point for a possible promotion but today the city is set on edge. One of the three is a popular prophet to the common people but hated by the elites of their counsel.
Finally, we are out of the bustle of the city streets and bring the three miserable souls to the top of the hill, the place of the skull. The rock outcropping resembles a skull, and today it is the place of execution for all to see.
The schemer who devised the crucifixion is to be congratulated. Nothing puts the fear and dread in occupied people as the crucifixion. It is an agonizing death to endure and to witness. I have killed countless men in warfare with sword and spear, but this is the most gruesome of all.
Continue reading “The Executioner’s Dream”What Gets Heaven’s Attention?
People are fickle. Politicians worry about what the polls say. Internet gurus worry about clicks. Media folks look at the ratings. Churches count the heads.
Continue reading “What Gets Heaven’s Attention?”Resolution: An Improved You or A New You?
Now at the flipping of the calendar to a New Year, all around us the marketing has begun to sell us a new diet plan, a book on how to be a better you, a program to get you out of debt, or a plan to get you a house on a cul-de-sac (country boys call it a dead-end). Some of that you may need but…
Continue reading “Resolution: An Improved You or A New You?”Above Ground and Limber (Be Thankful)
Some years back, I called to check on a longtime friend; he answered the phone and I asked him how he was doing. His answer, “Well brother, I’m above ground and limber!” [Thanks Bro. William Borden for that one-liner; I have often used it since that day.] After the two years we all have been through, if you are reading this—you got through it. Yep, you are “above ground and limber!” Be Thankful!
Continue reading “Above Ground and Limber (Be Thankful)”Radical
A true radical probably doesn’t think himself a radical. Radicalism in some respects may be a personal perspective. Those who have a position that is diametrically opposite than another may consider the other person a radical and vice versa.
Continue reading “Radical”No More Options!!
Jesus said some difficult things. One of the more difficult statements He made to His followers was for them to have life it would be necessary for them to eat His flesh and to drink His blood (see John 6:53-57). Many of His followers stopped following Him after that teaching. Jesus asked His twelve apostles, “Do you also want to go away” (John 6:67 NKJV)?
Continue reading “No More Options!!”Right Side Up!
We often hear people say they want to make a difference in the world. Most who say that usually have a motivation toward a positive difference even though their idea of change may not result in a positive difference. Many people have a world view based on an incorrect assumption rooted in falsehood. They operate on ideas that are counter to the truth.
Continue reading “Right Side Up!”Journey Update: June 2021
To say that our world here and abroad has changed in the last year is a big understatement. Cultural attitudes and societal norms have shifted. As a Christian, I have begun to think more deeply about the implications these things will have on the church going forward. I wonder how long it will be before our American culture revs up its opposition toward Christianity bringing about open persecution. This is not a popular topic but a real possibility.
Continue reading “Journey Update: June 2021”Revelation and Confession
Evangelism is not salesmanship. People are not funneled into Christianity with smooth human tactics. There is a revelation component that is often missed in our Christian circles. There is an eighteen-inch difference between true salvation and mere mental assent—the distance between the head and the heart yet it is eternity long.
Continue reading “Revelation and Confession”
