Blog: October 2016

Missions is in the DNA of the Bible-based, Christ-centered, Gospel-driven church.  Here at Goshen, we have a strong commitment to sending, praying for, and supporting missionaries all around the globe (check out goshenbaptist.org, “Missions”).  Plus, we also have a high priority on out­reach right here—with Explorer Girls, Awana for Boys, Mom2Mom, Upward, Preschool, VBS, etc., AND through your friendships with co-workers, classmates, and next door neighbors. Having said that, we’re praying that God will take us much further down the ...

Cheryl and I received a promo flyer in the mail from a certified finan­cial planner inviting us to dinner at a nice restaurant where we’d hear a pre­sentation about the advantages of doing business with his company.  For some reason I decided to actually read this advertisement—and I was struck by “Bill’s” bold promise (not his real name). Bill’s unique, much needed service “heralds a new era in which retirees can enjoy security without risk and a future without uncertainty.”  Just think:  security without risk and a future without ...

I bet you’ve heard it said countless times, whether in testimonies, wor­ship songs, sermons, or elsewhere:  “God is faithful.”  But I wonder how often Christians are clear on what this phrase really means.  It seems that believers tend to say “God is faithful” when things go well and their prayers are answered in the hoped-for way.  But are we able to say “God is faithful” when everything’s falling apart? Let’s get to the biblical roots of the expression:  “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord ...

Here’s a key point from my sermon on faith and politics last Sunday, and it has to do with the way many Christians have gotten immersed and engulfed in the current political frenzy:  “When we act like politics is every­thing, we deceive the world and mislead our neighbors:  it’s false advertising.  What is it saying to your friends and family, even Facebook friends, if the only thing they can tell that you care about passionately is politics?  What message are you sending?  Is it obvious to those who know you that you care much more deeply ...