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Drawing near to God, part two

By James Barnes [Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part article by Dr. James Barnes] VI. v.9 Be afflicted. What does that word mean? It means to feel wretched, to feel absolutely totally miserable. That is the feeling that follows the true estimate of one’s sinfulness. I mean you have to feel bad before you can feel good. It is a shame over your sins. VII. v.9 and mourn. Mourn over what? Mourning over your sinfulness. It speaks of a broken spirit. It speaks of this self-contained grief that makes ones heart ache. One writer said, “To repent is to accuse and condemn ...

New set of ‘pipes’: Let the music flow

LEWISTOWN — The music will flow with a new set of “pipes.” St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewistown recently had the pipe organ re-voiced with trumpet stops added to the instrument. The newly-refurbished organ is preparing for a special performance on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at St ...

Facing the unknown: Life’s difficult dark places create anxiety and fear

I don’t like to drive on unknown roads in the dark, especially in bad weather. I can’t see the lines well, or anticipate curves and other lights make vision difficult. Dark valleys of illness, suffering, loss, broken relationships, financial struggles, and spiritual struggles are very frightening. Why? We don’t know the outcome. Psalm 23 reminds us even in the “darkest valley,” God is present. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need…. ……4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. ...

Joy: The attitude of strong faith

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and troubled. In this life there is no shortage of difficulties and problems. How we approach our life makes all the difference. We can overcome or be overcome. We can be victorious in life or be victims in life. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith,” and faith has an attitude, a demeanor, a way of presenting itself. This is where joy comes in. Joy is how faith presents itself. Just like faith, Christian joy does not depend on circumstances or present conditions. Joy is an attitude. It is a posture of the heart. For those who live ...

Jonah and the Whale

William “Bill” Dougherty, of Burnham, holds the whale he carved during a “Jonah Sermon Series” at Parkview Church of the Brethren during the Lenten season. When Pastor Teresa Fink asked Bill how he might use his wood-carving talents for the church, he didn’t try to “run away” ...

Other laws were being practiced before God gave Moses the law at Mount Sinai

But every woman shall ask of her neighbor — so shall you plunder the Egyptians. Exodus 3:22 Last week, we saw how Jacob served Laban for seven years to obtain his first wife, and another seven to get the second (Genesis 31:41). He worked for Laban a total of twenty. The time Jacob served Laban was in increments of seven years while trying to obtain his wives. When Moses received the law from God, the seven-year period was included. “At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts (Deuteronomy 15:1).” But keep in mind, the law that God gave to Moses at Mount ...