The SSB afternoon session with Virgil Walker (09/12/2021) addressed the question, “Is the church essential?” He argued “Yes!” for three reasons: 1. for the saints, 2. for sanctification, and 3. for society. His points were excellent and important for us, the church in Gretna, to grasp as we navigate these days with more and more people and... Continue Reading →
The SSB afternoon session with Virgil Walker (09/12/2021) addressed the question, “Is the church essential?” He argued “Yes!” for three reasons: 1. for the saints, 2. for sanctification, and 3. for society. His points were excellent and important for us, the church in Gretna, to grasp as we navigate these days with more and more people and... Continue Reading →
Matthew 28:19, Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Is baptism important? NO! and YES! Let’s start with NO! No – baptism is not that important for it cannot and does not save! Rather, one is saved by faith in the work of Jesus and saved by faith alone in... Continue Reading →
Our recent election was about two core issues – the message (platform) and the messenger (president). It was about values – those of the red and those of the blue - and about the country’s next leader – Biden or Trump. While many were voting on the messenger, the message should not have been overlooked. The message matters! Words... Continue Reading →
Some thoughts from Romans 12 about God’s gifting of His people in order that they might serve one another effectively to His glory in their local church. Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be... Continue Reading →
This past Sunday we considered I Peter 4:1-11 where verse 7 declares: the end of all things is at hand. And this after teaching believers that they are to live differently and likely suffer for doing so – even facing martyrdom. So what is a believer to do facing death and the end of all things? Be engaged... Continue Reading →
How special it is to regularly meet to fellowship, groan or giggle with, support, and sit at God’s feet with fellow saints to hear His words. To see and hear the family is – family! I miss so much of what has made church a rich, rich experience for me and for most. I miss singing... Continue Reading →
I love my God! How great! How glorious! How good! How grand! What an Awe-Full God! I love my Jesus! What a friend I have in Jesus! I love the Spirit! The Spirit introduced me to Jesus then baptized me into Jesus and sealed me for time and eternity and moved permanently into me where He comforts, teaches, directs, reminds and strengths... Continue Reading →
I have often been accused of being weak on evangelism and missions – even just recently. When comparing SSB with other churches, we are often and easily so accused. But that is only true if what other churches are doing lines up with Scripture. Also, to compare ourselves with others, per Scripture, is unwise (II Corinthians 10:12).... Continue Reading →
Emily and Allison brought the offertory this morning at SSB. The tune Emily played on her viola (Finlandia) sent my mind to January 8, 1956 and the five missionaries and their wives singing words to that tune. Those five went to their death attempting to bring the good news of Jesus to the Auca Indians, which did... Continue Reading →
a PK Musing 