I wish one of Jesus’ 11 remaining disciples had gone to his tomb on that first Easter morning. Just one! Alas, it seems that all of them were hunkered down in homes, hiding from the authorities who had arrested and killed their rabbi, Jesus. The honor of discovering the empty tomb went to those faithful, […]
Postal Jesus
“Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild.” This was a hymn written by Samuel Wesley and it presents a lovely picture of our Savior. And there are certainly moments in Jesus’ life when that gentleness shone through: when he welcomed the children to him, when he protected the adulterous woman, and when he dined with the tax […]
Lift a glass to him
“For the City.” That is a theme we have pounded on for the last couple years here at Chapel Hill. In our lobby you will find a map covered with stickers representing ways our members have reached out to love, serve, and better their neighborhood and their community. The prophet Jeremiah once wrote, “Seek the […]
Blocking the streets
The other day, Cyndi and I found ourselves stuck in a traffic jam caused by 20 people who were in the middle of the intersection. And I drove away from the experience with joy in my heart! Surprised? Let me explain. We were stopped at a very busy intersection in Fircrest, when we watched as […]
Would you please go away?
That sounds rude, doesn’t it? But it’s not meant to be; I’ll explain in a moment. I’ve been church-hopping recently. It has been fun and inspiring. It’s a Tuesday evening service so it reminds me of our old Saturday night gatherings. It is small enough to be friendly and familiar. But large enough to feel […]
Hole in one
Cyndi and I recently returned from some vacation in the desert. We rested, ate great food, sat in a hot tub, hiked, visited Joshua Tree National Park and, of course, we golfed. Cyndi enjoys the game as much as I do and, by the way, was POUNDING her drives! My high point was a hole-in-one. […]
Service changes?
I was recently asked by someone, “When are we going to two Sunday services?” The answer is, we are not. Our two modern services are growing. We have new people every Sunday. Some who are visiting from other churches have been literally tearful with joy at the fact that they are able to worship in person. […]
Stick it
I just got my first Covid vaccination. The stick itself was no big deal. I’m sitting in the observation room for 15 minutes to ensure that I’m not one of those rare cases that has a reaction to the vaccine. I’m already scheduled for dose #2. I got my vaccine as early as possible for […]
Integrity in the face of opposition
I was ticked. Although I wasn’t in close contact with the guy and had no symptoms, because I had been possibly exposed to a friend who may have had COVID, my staff urged me not to preach last Sunday’s sermon in person. The elders on the Council agreed. So, I submitted. But sure, I was […]
Subversive leadership
“Do you believe Jesus was subversive?” That’s a question I asked my men’s LifeGroup several weeks ago. I think they sensed a trap…so they were a little cautious. But, finally, one said, “Well…yes. I think Jesus WAS subversive. Not of the Romans. But of the religious rulers.” “So,” I asked, “do you think WE are […]