Author Archives: salooper57

Unknown's avatar

About salooper57

Husband, father, pastor, follower. I am a disciple of Jesus, learning how to do life from him. I read, write, walk, play a little guitar, enjoy my family.

A Biblical Model for Handling Church Conflicts

Posted on December 30, 2023 by salooper57

Anyone who has been around the church for any length of time has heard about church fights and church splits. Christians, it seems, are not much better than anyone else when it comes to handling conflict. They might even be … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Church Life, relationships | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Magnificent Obsession or Academic Religion: The Wise Men’s Story

Posted on December 23, 2023 by salooper57

The Feast of Epiphany, held on January 6th, celebrates the revelation of Christ to the world. It commemorates the visit of the Magi, traditionally known as the “wise men,” to the Child Christ. The origin of the Magi has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Bible, Christmas, Spiritual life | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s the Big Deal About Christmas?

Posted on December 16, 2023 by salooper57

Americans love Christmas. They plan for it, spend money on it – this year the average consumer is expected to spend over $1500 – and gather with family and friends to celebrate it. But few Americans understand why Christmas is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Peace with God, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Christian Nationalism: The Seduction of a Different Gospel

Posted on December 2, 2023 by salooper57

In an article from 2019, Newsweek summarized a Pew Research Center Study this way: “While Americans largely have a positive view of the role of religion in public life, they overwhelmingly want religious institutions to stay out of politics.” I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Worldview and Culture | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

He Has a Certain Way About Him

Posted on November 25, 2023 by salooper57

In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible speaks about “the way of the Lord.” The biblical writers frequently urge people to walk in God’s ways. What does it mean that God has a way? The “way of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Spiritual life, Theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Life’s Detours: What You Need to Know

Posted on November 18, 2023 by salooper57

A reasoned defense of God’s goodness and love in the face of suffering and evil is known as a theodicy. Examples of theodicy can be found in the works of philosophers like Leibniz, Hick, and Plantinga. I cannot hope to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Prayer, Spiritual life, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Only Animal that Asks Why

Posted on November 11, 2023 by salooper57

Some people approach life as if it were an Agatha Christie novel. They want to solve the mystery, explain everything the way Hercule Poirot does in the great “reveal” that happens at the end of each story. I once had … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Faith, Theology | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6)

Posted on November 8, 2023 by salooper57

This 29-minute sermon from Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us not to give up when things get tough. Click the link Do Not Grow Weary to listen or read the manuscript below. Emmet Smith, the great running back for the Dallas Cowboys, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual life | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Vacant House: A Horror Story Jesus Told

Posted on November 4, 2023 by salooper57

Jesus once told a story about an “impure spirit” that “comes out of a person” and “goes through arid places seeking rest” but does not find it. The spirit then says to itself, “I will return to the house I … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Spiritual life, Theology, Worldview and Culture | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Saying Farewell to the Church We Love

Posted on November 3, 2023 by salooper57

This past Sunday, I finished up my work as the lead pastor at Lockwood Community Church in Coldwater, MI. I have been in this role, in this place, with these people for 35 years. I did not end my service … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Life, Encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments