Category: From The Desk of Pastor Gene

Human Sexuality, Marriage and the Sanctity of Life We are inundated with opinions and political notions about human sexuality, marriage and sanctity of life from politicians, television, radio, movies, news sources, social media, electronic mail, educators and not to forget family, friends, classmates, neighbors and the occasional loudmouth in the grocery store. The opinions and...

How many times have you or someone you know planted a tree in anticipation of harvesting fresh, juicy apples or pears in your own backyard? Home fruit production can be both rewarding and troublesome. One of the most common questions is why trees fail to bear fruit or only have fruit every other year. Likewise, how...

I’ve experienced some interesting circumstances over the years concerning charitable giving. Whether it’s a blog post, article in a publication, website, personal testimony or argument at small group—people generally express strong opinions about giving to the local church. Beyond that, you can learn a lot from years of observation. In fact, I’ve organized some groupings that...

When I was a child my dreams of the future centered on becoming a professional athlete. In the summer, I dreamed of playing professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. In the fall, I dreamed of playing professional football for the Dallas Cowboys. In the winter, I dreamed of playing professional basketball for the Boston Celtics....

As I was listening to a Christian radio station on the way home from the office late last week, I realized that I’ve heard a recurring message from pastor and author Francis Chan on this particular Christian radio station over the last few weeks. In fact, this station has played  short messages dubbed “1 Minute...

What do you see as the essentials of a New Testament Church? A couple of weeks ago, as part of my normal routine as I drive to the office, I was listening to a Christian radio station. As I turned on my radio that particular morning, I immediately recognized the voice of the venerable Dr....

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is it a religion? Is it a relationship? Is it a way of life?  As I observe what is going on under the Christian umbrella and compare it to the New Testament, it is highly likely Christianity may not be what we think.  Christianity begins and ends...

You’ve likely heard the term “cancel culture” over and over and probably tired of hearing it. I’m tired of the term and I’m tired of the associated behavior. What about you? With that said, is this just a response on social media, politics and traditional media or is there also a “cancel culture” in the church? In...

  Let’s Talk About Church It is a privilege and blessing to say that I’ve been engaged in church life since 1980. I must say, “to God be the glory.” However, during these years I’ve heard numerous negative statements on the subject of church. The following is my list of the top 7: I don’t...

  The Harvest is Now As I drove to the airport in Omaha recently, I saw combines and semi-trucks in the fields on both sides of I-29 for several miles. It was an impressive sight to see. In all the years growing up in the midst of a farming region in South West Ohio spreading West into...