Posts by David Oliver
Regenerate Membership – A Good Idea!
Several years ago I attended a breakfast hosted by a large Grand Rapids-based publishing house. The event targeted local ministers from various denominations in order to promote recent publications. I like both books and good food so I accepted the invitation. At the breakfast I sat next to an Episcopalian rector. As we talked, I…
Read MoreNew vs. Old – why updating doctrinal statements does not represent change
I have no aversion to new things. In my lifetime, microwave ovens, personal computers, cell phones, and a list of other innovations have made life easier. I am glad for that. However, when it comes to religion and morality I am firmly opposed to innovation. Christianity is an ancient faith, founded by Jesus Christ, the…
Read MoreWhat Use is Confinement in the Lord’s Service?
Following his bold testimony at the Diet of Worms, in order to protect him, friends had Martin Luther imprisoned in Wartburg Castle. Initially, he did not know who had captured him or where he was confined. While the drama of the Reformation raged on in the world outside, Luther remained in seclusion for nearly a…
Read MoreNew York’s Reproach
Although I have lived most of my life in the great state of Michigan, I am by birth a native of the Empire State, New York. I was born in a small town at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, three hours north of New York City. (A town, by the way, that was also…
Read MoreThe Laborers Are Few
Current cultural and religious trends in our country are alarming and ought to be upsetting to the faithful Christian. Church attendance is down. The number of churches in our country is declining. Enrollment in Bible colleges and seminaries is dropping. Bible reading is less and less common. There is increasing popular support for the legalization…
Read MoreTreating Trauma with Prayer
As a fire service chaplain I have been exposed to extreme forms of crises most pastors never encounter. Frequently I have to minister to the victims of these tragedies as well as to the firefighters themselves. To better equip myself for this unique ministry, I have attended several conferences dealing with trauma and stress. The…
Read MorePoisoning America
We observe a disturbing trend in the United States in recent years – the lowering of the average life expectancy. With no major war, continual improvement in medical technology, decreasing popular acceptance of cigarette smoking, the use of seatbelts and air bags in automobiles, how can life expectancy be declining? An article in The Washington…
Read More“What Kind of Society Do You Want to Live In?”
That was the headline on cbsnews.com introducing a story, also broadcast the night before on the network’s news program, On Assignment.1 The rest of the headline read, “Inside the country where Down syndrome is disappearing.” The CBS News Twitter feed advertising the broadcast stated, “Iceland is on the path to eliminating Down syndrome through abortion.”…
Read MoreAbout Prodigals — Who is to Blame?
Some time ago, I attended the funeral of a Christian gentleman who served his church as both deacon and choir director. Eulogies from family and friends attested to the strength and consistency of this man’s Christian testimony. He was at home and in private exactly what he professed at church. Without exaggeration, his life was…
Read MoreNo judgment, just neighbors
A post card advertising a local church was delivered recently to my mail box. Printed on this card was a catchy slogan, “No judgment, just neighbors.” I can imagine that this catch phrase would have some appeal to certain people. After all, who wants to be looked down on or condemned? Apparently this church wants…
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