Posts by Gerry Carlson
Grace in Afflictions
I have been meditating for several weeks on 2 Cor. 4:15-18. The expression “light affliction” has been returning to my mind as I deal with daily, nagging physical conditions that are burdensome and uncomfortable. I’m seeking relief, improvement, and help from any source available. Even though I’m plagued by real challenges and wearing out, I’m…
Read MoreA Gangster for Christ
In August of 1944 POWER magazine, distributed as a Sunday School take-home paper, published the following testimony of George Mensik. George was a deacon in my dad’s church, Marquette Manor Baptist, when we arrived in Chicago in 1954. As a 13-year-old kid this amazing man made a powerful impact on my life. Here is George’s…
Read MoreCome and Dine
Recently I read a blog post that drew me to an old song we sang in the youth group many years ago. I can almost hear Youth Pastor Don Nelson fingerpicking the melody as the group would sing…”’Come and dine,’ the Master calleth, ‘Come and dine’, You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time.…
Read MoreThe Unexpected Road
An unexpected crisis, a frustrating detour, or a messy stumbling-block, can send us into a tailspin. Things like pandemics really play havoc with our 21st Century sensibilities. Our autonomous lifestyle rebels and shouts that this should not be happening to us. The present Coronavirus intrusion bedevils the pop philosophy that tells us we should live…
Read MoreA Tale of Two Churches
The following article is offered as a prospectus for hopefully more extensive research into the invasion of the two main Baptist conventions in the USA during the 20th Century into local church autonomy. If anything, a Baptist church is to be an autonomous body that is ruled by congregational polity. Both conventions – Northern and…
Read MoreGrowing in Grace – Resources for Christian Living
This article is excerpted from a blog where a member of the FBFI Emeritus Board shares his thoughts and musings. Frankly, I’ve read only one book on the subject of grace that was signally helpful to me, but in the context of my grace journey that book was a capstone to several other influences in…
Read More