Robert Smelser
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Remarkable Reproductions
In Florida, there used to be a Billboard on U.S. 119 with a picture of the Mona Lisa and the logo, “Remarkable Reproductions.” It was an ad for an art studio that specialized in creating low-cost facsimiles of famous pieces of artwork. You could have something that was close to the original, but was close.… Continue reading
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The Benefit of Genealogies
In Matthew 1, the New Testament opens with a genealogy establishing the lineage of Christ. Anyone familiar with the Bible knows it is full of genealogies. The first is in Genesis 4, and we have a tendency to gloss over these records. There is even danger that we may view these passages as mere padding… Continue reading
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Humility In Teaching
Paul, in the Romans 12, speaks of being distinct and separate from the world, and our attitude plays a role in this differentiation. One element of our attitude is reflected in how we speak to each other – reflecting the humility we are supposed to possess. Paul returns to the attitudes and motivations behind our… Continue reading
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Sliding Toward Apostasy
In Romans 1, Paul begins discussing signs that one is falling away from God. He describes at least some steps toward apostasy beginning in verse 21, and he does so in context of a larger falling away by an entire people. He describes the Gentile nations turning away from God and toward their own creations,… Continue reading
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Grace, Sin, and Our Choices
In the first six verses of Romans 6, Paul begins asking some questions regarding Christians and there relationship to sin. From these verses, we often teach the importance of baptism and its role in uniting us with Christ. We also point to these verses as evidence that baptism is an immersion, a burial so to… Continue reading
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The Preacher-Congregation Relationship
Another preacher once observed that there is an epidemic among churches in a desire for generic preaching – preaching that will not upset or challenge anyone in attendance. Unfortunately, this kind of preaching is little more than a continual meal of desserts. Also, in this context, many preachers are viewed as disposable congregation employees as… Continue reading
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Running Without Legs
A Boy Without Legs On January 2, 2008, one of my favorite bloggers posted this short anecdote to his site: On the final day of a trip to Disney World with my family last month, I saw something remarkable: a boy, 4 or 5 years old, with two artificial legs, running around Mickey’s Toontown Fair… Continue reading
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In, Not Of
A couple weeks ago, one of our members prayed that we be aided by God to remember who we are and the example we set for others as we engage in the celebrations and festivities typical during this season. We do have the challenge of being lights to the world, of being positive examples to… Continue reading
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Wise Men Still Seek Him
Like other culturally driven topics like the making of resolutions or the giving of thanks, focusing on Christ’s birth is relegated to one time of the year. In this, we remember the stories surrounding that birth like those recorded in Matthew 2, where we find the wise men following a brilliant star to Bethlehem. Surrounding… Continue reading
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Stop, Look, and Listen
Today marks the third anniversary of our preacher with this congregation, and those of us who were together back then had come to a crossroads in our spiritual lives. At that time, we studied about how to move forward from where we were, and we have indeed come far since then – achieving yet another… Continue reading
Simply Gospel 