Category Archives: In A Nutshell

Using Our Voices to Speak Up for What is Right One of the more controversial practices of the early church was that of speakingin tongues. Also known as “glossolalia,” speaking in tongues involved spontaneousutterances in a previously unknown language that others could allegedly understandand interpret. It is believed to be a rare gift of theContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 13, 2025”

Out of the Ashes I think we are all familiar with the Phoenix, the legendary bird from Greek mythology. As you may remember, it was consumed by fire, but miraculously rose from its ashes to conquer death and deliver the promise of new life. It sounds strikingly similar to the experience of our Lord and SaviorContinue reading “In A Nutshell | February 27, 2025”

Following God’s Roadmap for Life Nothing reveals our age quite like the top of our hands. As we grow older, our skin wrinkles, our veins bulge, and mysterious brown spots appear almost overnight, providing somewhat of a metaphorical roadmap of our journey in this world. So as you look at your hands, what do youContinue reading “In A Nutshell | February 13, 2025”

When It Comes to Evangelism   I will admit to being more than a little envious when I drive by some of the  megachurches in our area on a Sunday morning. Whether it’s Grace, Church of the Nazarene, or **, I am blown away by the number of cars in their parking lots. Why areContinue reading “In A Nutshell | January 30, 2025”

Escaping the Flames of This Life and the Life Hereafter It’s almost impossible to ignore the widespread devastation of the wildfires in Southern California that have engulfed homes, business, churches, and just about every other structure in recent weeks. Residents escaped the flames with little more than the clothes on their back and the tragicContinue reading “In A Nutshell | January 16, 2025”

A New Year’s Commitment to Prayer Happy New Year! Yes, ready or not, 2025 has arrived. It is time once again to take stock of our lives and ponder what adjustments we might make in our daily routine. We used to call these changes New Year’s Resolutions, but I’m not sure anyone makes those anymore, because soContinue reading “In A Nutshell | January 2, 2025”

Somebody’s Watching Over Us All the Time In 1949, George Orwell’s prophetic book, “1984” was published, providing a frightening overview of the future with “Big Brother” watching our every move. We now know that Orwell’s vision was surprisingly accurate in many ways. With surveillance cameras just about everywhere these days, we have come to realizeContinue reading “In A Nutshell | December 19, 2024”

Christmas Hymns Evoke Memories of the Good Shepherd As someone who has a hard time carrying a tune, I am in no position to comment about music in the worship service. However, just because I can’t sing doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the many options that we have. Jen Moser is a terrifically talented musician,Continue reading “In A Nutshell | December 7, 2024”

Simple Biblical Guidance to Life’s Complicated Situations As much as technology has improved our lives, it has also caused it to be infinitely more complicated. Case in point: I just bought some waterproof headphones so that I could listen to music when I swim, but I have no idea how to make them work, evenContinue reading “In A Nutshell | November 21, 2024”

New Leadership, Same Doctrine  We woke up on Wednesday morning to new leadership in the highest office inour land. Some were pleased with the outcome, others were disappointed, but one thinghas not changed: we are still one nation under God and one church rooted in faith. Throughout my ministry at Oak Chapel, I have beenContinue reading “In A Nutshell | November 7, 2024”