Hands-on Faith

Faithful Living In A Broken World

Regal words ignite our imaginations as our minds race through the landscape of the society being portrayed. It is beautiful. God enthrones his powerful, righteous and benevolent Son saying, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a...

By Barry Newton (07 May 2008, 10:25 AM)
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Freedom from LWI

Suddenly bright red and blue flashing lights lit up the rearview mirror startling the driver with a mild state of panic. Sure the reaction was slightly delayed due to the elevated influence of alcohol, but this was just another symptom of the driver's altered perception. ...

By Barry Newton (10 April 2008, 06:30 AM)
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First Impressions

by Barry Newton So much at stake in so little time! His pen scribbled across parchment articulating God's message to his half-hearted recipients. Those first utterances would either captivate their imaginations, fully engaging their minds, or boredom would quickly settle...

By Barry Newton (02 April 2008, 06:15 PM)
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Mission Impossible?

by Barry Newton Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to fan the flame in the hearts of God's people so that their faith and service to God burns brightly. Although the target group of Christians are not...

By Barry Newton (21 March 2008, 08:05 AM)
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Transforming Churches

by Barry Newton From fiction to the church, history exudes examples of those who have sought to impose their own will by transforming what exists into how their own imagination thought it should be. In Mark Twain's "The Man That...

By Barry Newton (06 March 2008, 10:36 AM)
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In Job's Footsteps

by Barry Newton Devastated by Satan's shock and awe salvo, Job sat silently, poverty stricken, childless and disease afflicted upon the ashes of a garbage heap feeling as though he, too, had become rejected rubbish. The nature of his initial...

By Barry Newton (21 February 2008, 10:10 AM)
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Failing Our Kids

by Barry Newton Anemic is sometimes the first word that springs to my mind as I interact with Christian young people. To be sure they often understand that we need to rely upon Christ for salvation. They also comprehend that...

By Barry Newton (14 February 2008, 08:29 AM)
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Grace: Now You See It. Now You Don't!

by Barry Newton Scandalous almost seems too timid of a description if you have been a victim. That any person, even those possessing a pre-meditated, calloused, self-centered intent to maliciously destroy others, can be transformed in one moment into a...

By Barry Newton (07 February 2008, 09:15 AM)
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Avoiding Both Fear and Failure: Living Faithfully Everywhere

by Barry Newton Destructive extremes have always been easier to achieve. Living as a Christian is no exception. The twin ditches of fear and failure all too readily seek to pull God's people from the road of healthy Christian living....

By Barry Newton (16 January 2008, 02:19 PM)
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Faith By The Book

by Barry Newton Dictionaries typically reflect a particular culture's usage of words. In contradistinction to modern nuances and meanings, what if a dictionary were to roll back time to reveal Biblical usages? What light might such a manual of words...

By Barry Newton (12 December 2007, 09:41 AM)
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Cruciform Worship

by Barry Newton The sun had set when the wheels of the Mercedes Benz crunched small clumps of dirt as it slowly created a parking space alongside the dirt road. Other less financially endowed individuals along with occupants from other...

By Barry Newton (05 December 2007, 03:36 PM)
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If We Know "What," Is "How" Significant?

Their faces are kind and time worn. Often beneath the aged brows eyes still sparkle. On this autumn day they have come to sit on leather padded chairs around scattered tables in a sitting room for another weekly Bible study...

Just how significant is it that we trust in Jesus as the Bible prescribes?

By Barry Newton (22 November 2007, 05:52 AM)
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Better Than Improved

Contemporary colors, spacious layouts and promises of insight into the latest beckons another guest-to-become-customer to enter. Strategic placement of topics and sales items, scattered reading spots and an in-house coffee shop ensure that your stay in today's bookstore will be...

On a common wooden cross the greatest power for humanity was unleashed as Jesus' death ratified the new covenant.

By Barry Newton (15 November 2007, 05:29 AM)
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Survivor! This Is No Game

What is the statistically best strategy for firing at your opponent in Battleship? How could you transform the rotating principle of the ubiquitous Rubik’s Cube into a board game? How do you create an intelligent computer program to play the...

By Barry Newton (31 October 2007, 02:00 AM)
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Sheep, Grace & The Cross

by Barry Newton As pastures go, the one hundred or so sheep who grazed peacefully on the lush green slopes above the loch had thrived under Radock's leadership until that eventful autumn. Since it was not uncommon for a few...

By Barry Newton (05 October 2007, 08:09 AM)
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Culture and the Cross

On January 27th in a graduate class entitled Ethnotheology, a professor explained the relationship of the church to its surrounding cultural influences. Echoing Paul's sentiments that Christians are to be in the world but not of the world, his steady...

The message of the cross penetrates beyond superficial wranglings to address the heart of the matter regarding life and worship.

By Barry Newton (25 July 2007, 09:39 AM)
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Liberating the Cross

Biblical preaching proclaims Christ crucified. But how often does that proclamation acknowledge that the cross is embedded within a larger context? Unfortunately, failure to comprehend how the gospel fits into an overall framework can result in an impoverished understanding of...

By Barry Newton (04 July 2007, 03:40 AM)
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Love Personified

Frankly real love is not only inconvenient; it is relentlessly demanding. Just ask any couple caring for their newborn baby. A newly minted dad might very well remind us that love's sacrificial demands began long before birth. Concern for his...

Love is inconvenient, love is unfair. At the cross we encounter love.

By Barry Newton (27 June 2007, 03:21 AM)
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Forgiven Forever

For people who know them, the details remain obscured within the shadows of history. Decades ago a passionate scene had vividly unfolded as anger spew forth. Words and actions understood as a personal attack had cut deeply. Today, just mentioning...

Forgiveness isn't that easy.

By Barry Newton (06 June 2007, 01:46 PM)
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We Want To Erect No Barriers To Christ - The Failure of Pragmatic Theology

Seldom have I witnessed a more succinct and poignantly phrased reason obscuring a hairpin turn down a disturbing path. "We do not want to raise any barriers to accessing Christ."

By Barry Newton (16 May 2007, 05:09 AM)
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Adoption

Shortly after the decade of 1960 had begun, a woman in a New York City hospital took a breath for one last time. While it is common for someone’s death to change family dynamics, the impact of her funeral was...

Jesus' death upon the cross made possible our adoption by God into his family. When we rely upon Jesus in baptism, the adoption papers to belong to God's family are signed.

By Barry Newton (25 April 2007, 03:05 AM)
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Peace

The man walking through my front door was squat and sturdy. We had just moved to town and he was delivering some new furniture. Determined to start a spiritual conversation, I had asked a question which I no longer remember. What I do recall is the gist of his answer. "The way I figure it," he said, "I'm trying to do good things. ...

We have peace with God only through Christ.

By Barry Newton (12 April 2007, 01:27 PM)
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Hope

Yesterday as she painted her story with somber colors, it was clear that whatever bright dreams for a future Camelot she might have clung to at one time had long ago melted away into dark oblivion. The hopelessly dark colors...

By Barry Newton (04 April 2007, 11:07 AM)
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Promises

We need promises. Promises come in many shapes and sizes. On their wedding day, making their marriage vows a couple exchange promises of love and care. In a business meeting an agreement is forged; a binding contract promises what services...

By Barry Newton (21 February 2007, 01:19 PM)
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Where The Heart Relies - A Contemporary Parable

Two mothers within blocks of each other on a Sunday morning helped their kids through the morning routine in preparation for a worship service. Perhaps it is ironic that these families would be headed toward the same building, for although...

By Barry Newton (14 February 2007, 12:08 AM)
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Label Magic

Imagine being able to wield tremendous power by just speaking the right word. One aspect of ancient magic involved the belief that knowing the name of a spiritual power could be used to gain control over it in order to...

By Barry Newton (25 January 2007, 04:25 PM)
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Winter Reflections

With long icicle whiskers dangling from the grill and a smooth icy glaze cocoon reflecting mottled colors, my car resembled a giant catfish more than my trusty set of wheels. Two days of drizzling freezing rain combined with pellets of...

By Barry Newton (17 January 2007, 11:45 AM)
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Sharpening Exegetical Perception

At first it appeared to be just another TV crime drama. Walking around a corner, a businessman was confronted by a victim lying in a puddle of blood. Hovering near the body, a youth was fixated upon the body while...

By Barry Newton (03 January 2007, 07:45 AM)
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Neither Good Nor Bad: Insight on Judging

The ensuing blanket of silence following his assertion, not only seemed to cause his words to hang indefinitely in the air, but also appeared to confirm the wisdom of their content. "You are judging when you insist that something is...

By Barry Newton (28 December 2006, 09:28 AM)
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"Why" is the Wrong Question

We have heard the emotionally intense language of frantic frustration and hopelessness. "My life is unraveling at the seams." "I am being crushed." "It feels like my life is in a ruthless meat grinder!" More often than not, the next...

By Barry Newton (20 December 2006, 09:01 PM)
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The Real Issues

Gaze with me, if you dare, at a future religious landscape within the proverbial crystal ball. Not unsurprisingly, the topics of discussion have morphed beyond those of our own experiences. Just as people today reject that the earth is flat...

By Barry Newton (13 December 2006, 06:17 PM)
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The Misnamed Parable

We first knew it as The Parable of the Prodigal Son. More recently, probably in an effort to broaden understanding, we have heard it called The Parable of the Lost Son. While it is true this story is in a...

By Barry Newton (06 December 2006, 08:20 PM)
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From Consumers to Community

"Welcome to Buffet America." Immigrants to the USA never see such a sign, but our general culture suggests such sentiments would not be misplaced. From dawn to dusk, from billboards to television, residents are educated to believe, "I need this."...

By Barry Newton (26 July 2006, 02:47 PM)
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Danger for Long-Term Christians

Having served Christ for decades, she felt a strange disorientation in reading "Danger for Long-Term Christians." What? Defensively a long list of benefits from serving Christ immediately flooded her mind. "More time provides greater opportunity to learn of Christ, grow...

By Barry Newton (19 July 2006, 06:18 PM)
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Biblical Unity for Dummies (3): Mystical Unity Imposed by Grace or Tools of Maintenance Required?

Will the one body of Christ be always mystically united despite apparent division on earth or are God's people responsible for employing tools to maintain the body's unity? This question brings to the forefront our understanding of the nature of...

By Barry Newton (12 July 2006, 01:22 PM)
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The Forbidden Files: Case #15 "Pro-Choice Vs. Pro-Life"

The Forbidden Files are buried from view somewhere deep beneath stacks of "to do items," "worthy projects" and "topics of immediate pressing concerns." The F Files are a listing of topics which, at best, are inconvenient to address. If tension...

By Barry Newton (28 June 2006, 01:45 PM)
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Biblical Unity for Dummies (2): A Trip to the Zoo

As the school bus slowly pulled into the zoo's parking lot, all doubt evaporated whether or not the students were excited. Their educational task for the day: to biologically classify the animals according to large family groupings. Although we are...

By Barry Newton (21 June 2006, 01:23 PM)
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Biblical Unity for Dummies (1)

Many people have recognized the value of Christian unity, whether this comes from their own intuition or from Scripture such as Jesus' prayer, "that all of them may be one ... so that the world may believe you sent me."/1...

By Barry Newton (07 June 2006, 08:20 AM)
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Reaching Beyond the Choir With Baptism

Almost in unison, heads were nodding in agreement as affirming smiles gently broke over the congregation. And why shouldn't they? He was preaching to the choir. But drop that same message upon informed detractors and you may have a whole...

What About the Thief on the Cross?

By Barry Newton (17 May 2006, 01:14 AM)
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A Phantom Guidepost

Sometimes epiphanies can strike at the oddest of moments. Streams of people were still filing in hoping to find a seat when, from the podium, the keynote speaker was introduced. Beginning with his outstanding academic record, the speaker's impeccable intelligence...

By Barry Newton (26 April 2006, 05:17 PM)
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Not Caught Red-Handed - Caught Empty-Handed

Standing before congregations, well-intentioned individuals have sometimes served up cruel kindness prior to the collection being taken. In the attempt to be loving, a hurtful prescription may go something like this: "The Lord loves a cheerful giver who freely gives...

By Barry Newton (19 April 2006, 03:45 PM)
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Raised With Christ

Consider that typical solid citizen of the neighborhood driving into her garage after a long day. Her marriage of twenty-some years has ebbed as well as scraped bottom, but she and her husband have worked through the rough times. Although...

By Barry Newton (12 April 2006, 02:52 PM)
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Christendom�s Blind Spot - The Nature of Faith

by Barry Newton All I could see dangling over the edge of our shed�s roof were his feet. My words ascended up to a boy obscured from view, �Son, slowly let yourself down. I will support you.� The response was...

By Barry Newton (22 March 2006, 05:33 PM)
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Seeing Through God's Eyes

Apparently my perspective about my Brazilian permanent resident status is distinctively my own. In an unceremonious moment this summer, my Brazilian resident ID card is scheduled to expire. My viewpoint is that not only is it in Brazil's economic interest...

By Barry Newton (15 March 2006, 04:59 PM)
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The Need To Redirect The Discussion

Years ago, my wife selected a mobile to hang in our newborn's bedroom above the crib. I remember attaching that mobile to a ceiling which I presumed would be stared at for hours by our newborn. Funny thing about mobiles....

By Barry Newton (08 March 2006, 05:28 PM)
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What I Want My Boys To Know

That you are a gift from God to your mother and myself ... so expect us to love you and to take our responsibility to raise you to love God very seriously. That the God who created this universe will...

By Barry Newton (01 March 2006, 12:39 PM)
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Signet Rings & Jesus' Name

Was Joseph able to keep his cool as he watched Pharaoh take off his royal signet ring and place it upon his own finger? Pharaoh then told Joseph, "I am Pharaoh." Pharaoh did not relinquish his authority, but Joseph was...

By Barry Newton (15 February 2006, 02:09 PM)
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The Battle For the Heart

His world consisted of plastered walls, glass windows with security bars, broken asphalt, and the continual buzz of a large metropolitan city. He was unaware of the unseen forces around him. As far as he knew, life as a kid...

By Barry Newton (08 February 2006, 06:00 PM)
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The Badge of Discipleship & Barriers Against Love

When Jesus commanded those who would follow him to love their enemies/1, Jesus revealed that we have the ability to choose to love anyone. Jesus is telling us that love is a decision. We are in control whether or not...

By Barry Newton (25 January 2006, 01:02 PM)
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After the Cancer

She had suffered and struggled against the insidious attack upon her body. But finally the disease had claimed her life. Friends and loved ones came to console and offer their deepest sympathy. With hearts filled with feelings of compassion, loved...

By Barry Newton (18 January 2006, 12:02 PM)
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Cross-Shaped Lives

Sitting in an all-too-quiet and empty room by himself after his wife stormed out of the house, a husband asked himself, "Why is she so upset?" Perhaps the answer lies in her hormones or it might be his cloddishness. Although...

By Barry Newton (11 January 2006, 12:07 AM)
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Citizenship in Nahnia

Twitching nervously, squire mouse felt quite perplexed. Although he had expected difficulties, he had not anticipated encountering what was unfolding before his large brown eyes. His mind flashed back to when standing before the king's presence, he had heard with...

By Barry Newton (04 January 2006, 08:48 PM)
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Why Do Some Believe? Why Don't Others?

While driving back from the San Francisco airport through natural beauty along a gently winding interstate, a well-known televised preacher once asked me, "why do you think some people respond to the gospel and others don't?" Perhaps many insightful answers...

By Barry Newton (14 December 2005, 11:52 AM)
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Who's Your SRP?

Gawking at himself in a large restaurant mirror in a men's restroom, a teenager adjusted his pants so that his underwear would show. Two other young men saw him. One immediately proceeded to alter how he wore his pants. The...

By Barry Newton (23 November 2005, 02:55 PM)
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Does This Divide the Body? (Thoughts on 1 Cor. 12:25 & Gal. 3:28-29)

Sitting comfortably in a living room, a few Christians cordially but earnestly discussed their differing views. Normally you could characterize them as being of one mind, but today a logjam threatened. If you find the following details of the initial...

By Barry Newton (26 October 2005, 05:05 PM)
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Jesus Rejected Making Life All About Himself

Satan's experience in exploiting fleshly desires and weaknesses had been honed over thousands of years. All of this dark cunning would be focused and unleashed against Jesus in the wilderness. As would soon be clear, to destroy Jesus under the...

By Barry Newton (12 October 2005, 02:43 PM)
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The God Who Comforts the Downcast

Filled with feelings of discouragement and helplessness, weary souls plod through dismal and shadowy valleys. We are human. We know what fear and discouragement are. Even the apostle Paul admitted to being downcast. Although the details of his situation were...

By Barry Newton (28 September 2005, 07:07 PM)
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Interpreting Revelation: Suggested Keys To Build A Framework

1) Revelation Involves A Prophecy Which Would Soon Take Place From When It Was Written. Revelation 1:1, 3; 22:7, 10, 18 Repeatedly and very clearly, John tells us this is a prophecy which would be fulfilled soon. But what about...

By Barry Newton (21 September 2005, 12:54 PM)
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Interpreting Revelation: Knowing the Goal

Standing before his class of hungry young minds eager to analyze, absorb, and critique his presentation on Revelation, the professor produced an unusually shaped ink blot. The first thought for many students was, "What's this?" Their teacher continued, "five theories...

By Barry Newton (14 September 2005, 07:40 PM)
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A Lesson From A Law Professor

Several years ago, I invited Phillip Johnson, a staunch adversary of macro-evolution and a law professor at the University of Berkeley for over thirty years, to be a guest speaker for a regional preachers� meeting. On the appointed day in...

By Barry Newton (31 August 2005, 02:47 PM)
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The Most Important Member

While our spinning planet careens through space, the Almighty patiently pursues his objectives. Through Christ, God is joining diverse peoples together into one community, one body. God's will for his people involves them being characterized by love, joy, and peace...

By Barry Newton (10 August 2005, 07:09 PM)
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A Canon Within the Canon?

What idea jumps to mind when you hear, "a wolf in sheep's clothing"? For most Biblically literate people, the mental image snaps to view of someone incorrectly teaching God's message. Perhaps this type of four-footed trouble is the easiest to...

False teachers limit what they teach to their own idea of what is good.

By Barry Newton (03 August 2005, 05:54 PM)
Continue reading: A Canon Within the Canon?

More Than Just From A Distance

From a distance, how do people appear to you? Bette Midler sings, "from a distance you look like my friend." Meeting someone who has a new SUV, designer sunglasses, a sun tan with a knockout hairstyle, gold jewelry or flashy...

By Barry Newton (27 July 2005, 04:13 PM)
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Got Trust?

A mouthful of dry chocolate cookie followed by the slogan "Got Milk?" is nowhere near the power of "Got Trust?" Trust can be harder than steel but more fragile than glass. While trust can grow slowly to the point where...

By Barry Newton (20 July 2005, 01:41 PM)
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Life In A Puddle (Do Numbers Count?)

Relentlessly day and night thundering waves crash against our coast reshaping shoals and occasionally even pulling down a section of a cliff. Each day tons of water barrel over Niagara Falls forcefully eroding back the location of the falls' descent....

By Barry Newton (15 June 2005, 02:00 PM)
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If It Is True, Is It Still Gossip?

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but he who is trustworthy keeps a secret" (Proverbs 11:13). "A perverse man spreads strife, and a gossip separates intimate friends" (Proverbs 16:28). "He who conceals an offense promotes love, but he who repeats the...

By Barry Newton (01 June 2005, 01:11 PM)
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Behold, The Lamb of God

Neither of the Johns could contain themselves. People find it hard to keep good news to themselves. With quill in hand, the apostle John recounted another John�s words. As John the Baptizer saw Jesus walking down the road his voice...

By Barry Newton (25 May 2005, 10:33 PM)
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Yuk! We're Wearing The Same Clothes!

A woman selects a nice looking dress from a clothes rack in a store. Simultaneously she becomes aware that a second lady wearing the same dress has just walked out of the dressing room while a third lady stands in...

By Barry Newton (18 May 2005, 12:34 PM)
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Questions, Questions and ... The Question!

There are many questions, and then there is "the question." Where will you vacation this year? Where will technology lead us in ten years? How many angels can stand on the head of a pin? Will you marry me? No,...

By Barry Newton (13 April 2005, 06:18 PM)
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Balm for the Faithful

"God is not unfair; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown because of his name, as you have served his people and continue to serve them" (Hebrews 6:10). Because you are trying to serve God...

By Barry Newton (06 April 2005, 01:08 PM)
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But I Thought It Was A Joke

A long time ago a couple of young men were engaged to marry Lot's daughters. One night their future father-in-law showed up unexpectedly at their home with a story that seemed so incredible to them they thought it was a...

By Barry Newton (30 March 2005, 11:49 AM)
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Life-Transforming Hope

Even though she was still single, she deliberately abandoned the adrenaline rush of navigating through the nightclub social chaos of chance encounters with potential sleep-over suitors. Even though the authorities had put some of his friends in jail for embracing...

By Barry Newton (23 March 2005, 06:30 PM)
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After The Water Bottle Was Empty

Under a pitilessly hot sun, a slave woman called Hagar and her son Ishmael slowly walked away from the life they had known into the harsh reality of a wilderness. With each step, a son was being ripped further from...

By Barry Newton (16 March 2005, 11:33 PM)
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For the Same Reason: Thoughts on Being A Restorationistic People

Why do we immerse in water those who wish to rely upon Jesus for salvation? Because the early church baptized respondents to the gospel? Or do we practice this for the same reason the early church baptized - namely, the...

By Barry Newton (23 February 2005, 12:36 PM)
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Grace on Wooden Beams

Passing through a conduit involving airport security checkpoints, stale re-circulated air, hours of travel and a bumpy, dusty ride in a four-wheel drive vehicle had taken the missionary from a world of wealth, incredible conveniences, electricity and running water into...

By Barry Newton (09 February 2005, 01:31 PM)
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The Sign

A few minutes earlier, the crowd inside the house had marveled and wondered at a man called Jesus.\1 A blind and mute man had been brought before Jesus. Now they too had witnessed what so many others had claimed. Jesus...

By Barry Newton (02 February 2005, 05:47 PM)
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A Lost Verse of the Bible?

It has been said that the best place to hide something is in plain sight. If those who teach the Bible were to selectively tip toe through Scripture to avoid offending current values, Lamentations 2:14 could very well be a...

By Barry Newton (26 January 2005, 05:49 PM)
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She Must Make The First Move: When Everybody is Right, But Relationships Are Still Broken

To listen to their self-testimony, neither of them had done anything wrong. Yet the atmosphere in the room was as cold as a blizzard in January. As far as he was concerned, their strained relationship was all her fault. Similarly,...

By Barry Newton (12 January 2005, 05:50 PM)
Continue reading: She Must Make The First Move: When Everybody is Right, But Relationships Are Still Broken

Entrusted

As Paul's pen scurried across parchment and papyrus, repeated glimpses of an amazing story have emerged. No, I am not writing about God's love toward us in sending his Son to forgive our guilt. We have much more than mere...

By Barry Newton (22 December 2004, 06:36 PM)
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Blessed Are the Peacemakers During the Holiday Season

by Barry Newton Sometimes between planning who will prepare the turkey gravy and singing "Auld Lang Syne," being a peacemaker can seem like an insurmountable mountain. To scale the cliffs of conflict during this holiday season, here are a few...

By Barry Newton (08 December 2004, 12:07 PM)
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When Good Turns Sour

At one time or another, while happily chatting with someone, many of us probably have opened the refrigerator and poured ourselves a nice, tall, cool glass of milk. Without giving it much attention, we took a large mouthful. Then the...

By Barry Newton (24 November 2004, 06:37 PM)
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Old School Or New School Husbands?

From sitting at a table while enjoying some coffee to casually chatting in a small group, I have heard several wives describe their husbands as being from the old school. How would you describe the husband and father in your...

By Barry Newton (10 November 2004, 06:38 PM)
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Does Anybody Understand Me?

"You just do not understand me," lamented the young wife. Her feelings of alienation and frustration felt as though she was on a lonely raft in the midst of the sea. Her husband was confident he knew exactly what was...

By Barry Newton (03 November 2004, 06:39 PM)
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A Haunting Question

by Barry Newton Tis the season for scary movies to fill the box office marquees. Looking for a good fright? Unless our spiritual compasses are completely out of whack, Jesus can be downright disturbing. Unlike a movie whose situation you...

By Barry Newton (27 October 2004, 06:40 PM)
Continue reading: A Haunting Question

Why Is My Little Johnny Like That?

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4, NIV). If there was something you could do as a parent to reduce the possibility of someday asking the question,...

By Barry Newton (22 September 2004, 11:39 AM)
Continue reading: Why Is My Little Johnny Like That?

Where Does The Bible Say I Have To Attend Worship Services That Often?

Rule #12 in the Newton household: Homework must be completed every day before you can play. My boys may not always enjoy this rule, but the self-discipline and education gained through doing homework is good for them. Accordingly, if I...

By Barry Newton (15 September 2004, 12:15 PM)
Continue reading: Where Does The Bible Say I Have To Attend Worship Services That Often?

To Be Known, Yet Loved - Barry Newton

Could these be some video clips from your neighborhood? Surrounded by her shopping treasures, she could not take her eyes off of her new picture perfect manicure and pedicure. She was feeling great for the moment. Buried deep beneath a...

By Barry Newton (08 September 2004, 03:17 PM)
Continue reading: To Be Known, Yet Loved - Barry Newton

Not By Works - Some May Need A Paradigm Shift (part 6)

He chose his words carefully. Standing next to me, the university professor made his case. It went something like this. If the Bible teaches that we can not be saved by works and if works involve doing something, then baptism...

By Barry Newton (01 September 2004, 06:43 PM)
Continue reading: Not By Works - Some May Need A Paradigm Shift (part 6)

Saved by Faith - Some May Need A Paradigm Shift (Part 5)

Although she held a postgraduate degree from one of the most prestigious American universities, viewed herself as a prayer warrior and had faithfully attended her church for years, she was at a loss to understand how the New Testament could...

By Barry Newton (25 August 2004, 06:54 PM)
Continue reading: Saved by Faith - Some May Need A Paradigm Shift (Part 5)

The Criminal on the Cross (Part 4)

The wood felt rough upon his back. The beam had not been crafted for comfort. It's purpose was grisly, to slowly cause his life to ebb away through much suffering. One thing was certain now, death would start closing in...

By Barry Newton (11 August 2004, 06:55 PM)
Continue reading: The Criminal on the Cross (Part 4)

Looking Through God's Eyes At Salvation (part 3)

I can hardly be justified in calling them clues because the framework was never intended to be a puzzle to be solved. Nevertheless, the following "clues" provide the necessary pieces for discovering the consistent principle of grace by which God...

By Barry Newton (03 August 2004, 06:56 PM)
Continue reading: Looking Through God's Eyes At Salvation (part 3)

Have Faith in Me (part 2)

Sitting on a large branch seven feet in the air, a small boy looked down at his father's raised arms. Calmly his father said, "Have faith in me." For the lad to have faith in his dad, he would need...

By Barry Newton (14 July 2004, 06:58 PM)
Continue reading: Have Faith in Me (part 2)

Is Baptism Essential to Salvation? (Part 1)

When sitting across the modern round table of discussion with those who may disagree about the essentiality of immersion for salvation, it has been my experience that, typically, a fruitful dialogue will be elusive if baptism is studied. Instead, clarity...

By Barry Newton (07 July 2004, 06:59 PM)
Continue reading: Is Baptism Essential to Salvation? (Part 1)

Whose Message Is That?

Imagine going to a Bible class or listening to a sermon where the Scriptures are never consulted. Instead, a story like Little Red Riding Hood or perhaps a current event is used to illustrate a principle such as: telling the...

By Barry Newton (30 June 2004, 07:00 PM)
Continue reading: Whose Message Is That?

Spiritually Healthy

Don't you just hate it when Jesus takes away a perfectly good excuse? After all, is it not much more convenient and comforting just to blame others than to face your own responsibility? If you dare ingest straight medicine, consider...

By Barry Newton (23 June 2004, 07:01 PM)
Continue reading: Spiritually Healthy

The Bonfire

Had the ancient city of Ephesus ever seen a fire quite like this one? The year was probably about 52 A.D. Neither the intense heat nor the rising column of smoke would have been unusual. What may have been a...

By Barry Newton (16 June 2004, 07:02 PM)
Continue reading: The Bonfire

More Than A Second Chance - God's Grace

Perhaps you have read a book or heard a sermon about the God who gives second chances. Scripture is filled with stories about lives which had been ruined in one way or another only to be picked up out of...

By Barry Newton (09 June 2004, 07:03 PM)
Continue reading: More Than A Second Chance - God's Grace

Do People Change? People Do!

Confident? Reality? Fatalistic? Lazy? An excuse? How would you describe the claims: "They will never change" or "I can not change"? Whether the words trickle forth as a seemingly despairing self-confession or a mumbled pessimistic comment labeling others, some people...

By Barry Newton (26 May 2004, 07:04 PM)
Continue reading: Do People Change? People Do!

They Do Not Deserve It

I suspect at one time or another we have all been tempted to think: "they do not deserve my time," "she does not deserve my forgiveness," "he does not deserve the effort," or "they do not deserve another chance." Perhaps...

By Barry Newton (05 May 2004, 07:05 PM)
Continue reading: They Do Not Deserve It

Homoveritasphobia

I have heard about a tribe of Indians in the Amazon whose language only contains numbers for counting up to 15. Anything beyond 15 is simply "many". Of course this is not particularly helpful in a number of scenarios. "How...

By Barry Newton (28 April 2004, 07:06 PM)
Continue reading: Homoveritasphobia

A Clear & Future Hope

In the 8th century B.C. a prophetic message rang out filled with hope about the future coming of God's Servant./1 Centuries later, Matthew's pen pointed out how Jesus had fulfilled this prophecy of Isaiah 42:1-4./2 However, one aspect of that...

By Barry Newton (21 April 2004, 07:07 PM)
Continue reading: A Clear & Future Hope

The Way of the Cross In Your Life

Although each Sunday Christians gather in worship to remember Jesus' death, it is at this time of the year that Jesus was actually nailed to a cross and raised up to die. As Paul wrote his letters to real congregations...

By Barry Newton (07 April 2004, 07:09 PM)
Continue reading: The Way of the Cross In Your Life

Can I Be Sure of My Salvation?

If you listen to enough people I will suggest that you will stumble upon both a human answer to this question as well as one from Scripture. While both appear to offer comfort, one answer is misleading and involves playing...

By Barry Newton (24 March 2004, 07:10 PM)
Continue reading: Can I Be Sure of My Salvation?

That Old Grape Vine of Gossip

Admittedly, the tongue is difficult to control; and we have all made mistakes in one way or another. But like every form of sin, malicious gossip is something the Lord takes very seriously. Praise God for forgiveness. However, this does...

By Barry Newton (10 March 2004, 07:11 PM)
Continue reading: That Old Grape Vine of Gossip

You Can Start With The Passion of The Christ

A few weeks ago I was talking with someone who has embraced an American Indian philosophy. He told me all about sweat lodges and the symbolism involved in them. He excitedly claimed that the trees and the animals are our...

By Barry Newton (25 February 2004, 07:12 PM)
Continue reading: You Can Start With The Passion of The Christ

Inbreeding, Butterflies and Responsible Discipleship

It was not because there was a lack of conviction or a deep passion for the message that a problem existed. The crisis Jeremiah encountered involved a simple but fatal activity which boiled down to inbreeding. An amazing story unfolds...

By Barry Newton (05 February 2004, 07:13 PM)
Continue reading: Inbreeding, Butterflies and Responsible Discipleship

After Divorce, Then What?

When making plans for the future, everybody likes to receive approval. And the stakes become even more intense when it is not just someone else's opinion but God's commendation which is desired. The more important our plans are to us,...

By Barry Newton (29 January 2004, 07:15 PM)
Continue reading: After Divorce, Then What?

Getting A Grip on Tolerance, Acceptance and Inclusion

This was not the first time the question had plagued his mind. Since Christians are supposed to be loving, is not a gracious broad-mindedness which accepts, tolerates and validates other's perspectives the loving approach? Sometimes it is easy to discern...

By Barry Newton (21 January 2004, 07:16 PM)
Continue reading: Getting A Grip on Tolerance, Acceptance and Inclusion

Getting Past the Blame Game

I walked into the living room and dropped down onto the couch after a long day. From across the room a popular psychologist was busily chattering away through my tv set. My wife seemed to be engaged in listening to...

By Barry Newton (14 January 2004, 07:17 PM)
Continue reading: Getting Past the Blame Game

Wisdom From a Hospital Bed

I suspect that when most people go to visit someone in a hospital bed, they anticipate trying to minister to the ailing one through their presence, words, and prayer. They probably do not expect to walk away having received words...

By Barry Newton (31 December 2003, 07:18 PM)
Continue reading: Wisdom From a Hospital Bed

When He Talks

Several years ago on tv a commercial would begin with a group of people happily and noisily chatting. But as a certain man began to speak, suddenly the crowd would go silent and strain to hear every word which would...

By Barry Newton (24 December 2003, 07:19 PM)
Continue reading: When He Talks

Saved by Faith: Everyone Tells You to Do Something

For me, sometimes the irony gets real thick. I remember watching a television evangelist spend fifteen minutes emphasizing "you are saved by faith not by works." He correctly pointed out that we are not capable of being good enough to...

By Barry Newton (17 December 2003, 07:20 PM)
Continue reading: Saved by Faith: Everyone Tells You to Do Something

Surviving the Holidays

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. These words could well have been written about life during the holiday season. It can seem like the holiday season is made up of a wreath of special...

By Barry Newton (03 December 2003, 07:21 PM)
Continue reading: Surviving the Holidays

Junk DNA? God Does Not Make Junk!

Perhaps you will remember several years ago a lot of talk about "junk DNA." At that time it was common to hear that a large part of human DNA was simply worthless genetic material which had been accumulated over a...

By Barry Newton (19 November 2003, 07:22 PM)
Continue reading: Junk DNA? God Does Not Make Junk!

Why A Cappella Music

A fairly common question asked by those first encountering our worship services is: Why do you sing without instruments? Perhaps a more interesting question would be, why did early Christians insist on going against the prevailing pagan culture and Jewish...

By Barry Newton (13 November 2003, 07:24 PM)
Continue reading: Why A Cappella Music

Danger: Hedging One's Bets

I do not remember exactly how long ago it was that for the first time I just sat and shuddered at the implications of verses like Zephaniah 1:5 and 1 Kings 11:4. "... those who bow down and swear to...

By Barry Newton (15 October 2003, 07:24 PM)
Continue reading: Danger: Hedging One's Bets

Where Does Jesus Want To Be?

You would expect to see those who wear white coats and a stethoscope in a hospital. You would expect to see those donning yellow hard hats to be driving heavy equipment or working at a construction site. Bright and smart...

By Barry Newton (08 October 2003, 07:25 PM)
Continue reading: Where Does Jesus Want To Be?

Abusive Relationships & Living For God

How should a Christian wife respond to an abusive husband? Does �turning the other cheek� mean that a disciple should quietly accept abusive situations? For those who seek to do God's will, questions like these deserve a reliable compass from...

By Barry Newton (01 October 2003, 07:27 PM)
Continue reading: Abusive Relationships & Living For God

A Rude Awakening About Being Spiritual

It must be a rude awakening when members of a congregation who were probably celebrating their freedom that �all things are permissible for me� and who seemingly were confident of their own spirituality suddenly discover their flight feathers being clipped...

By Barry Newton (24 September 2003, 07:28 PM)
Continue reading: A Rude Awakening About Being Spiritual

Resisting the Tide

(When Tolerance, Affirmation and Inclusion Become Everything) "How could those who were claiming to follow God do such a thing?" Such musings have often been associated with reflections on the history of the Crusades or how the majority of Christendom...

By Barry Newton (10 September 2003, 07:29 PM)
Continue reading: Resisting the Tide

Lessons From 580 B.C. For The Second Millenium A.D.

Does it frustrate you when the word of God falls on deaf ears? Have you ever been exasperated that someone was refusing to obey God because that individual had embraced a false interpretation of history? None of this is new....

By Barry Newton (03 September 2003, 07:31 PM)
Continue reading: Lessons From 580 B.C. For The Second Millenium A.D.

He Chose Crucifixion

Within those early years of the church Paul wrote, "We preach Christ crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23). But there is so much more to this story then just the historical fact that Jesus was crucified. It is one thing for whirlwind...

By Barry Newton (27 August 2003, 07:33 PM)
Continue reading: He Chose Crucifixion

Pay It Forward

No, I have not seen the movie. But if the previews on television are any faithful indication of the movie, we probably all have a fairly good guess of at least part of the story line. A small boy does...

By Barry Newton (06 August 2003, 07:34 PM)
Continue reading: Pay It Forward

A Matter of Perception

In recent years various authors have correctly understood that our perceptions govern how we understand ourselves and our world, and that the way we see governs how we behave. Consider Eve. When the serpent first asked Eve about the forbidden...

By Barry Newton (30 July 2003, 07:35 PM)
Continue reading: A Matter of Perception

A High Speed Motor, But No Compass

Summer is upon us and many will have enjoyed cruising across a lake or a river. If you have ever been in a high-powered speed boat, imagine the absurdity of opening wide throttle a powerful motor at night while lacking...

By Barry Newton (23 July 2003, 07:36 PM)
Continue reading: A High Speed Motor, But No Compass

The One Thing We Have Control Over

"The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the warriors, neither is the bread to the wise, nor wealth to the discerning, nor favor to men of ability for time and chance happen to them all" (Ecclesiastes...

By Barry Newton (11 July 2003, 07:38 PM)
Continue reading: The One Thing We Have Control Over

The Crisis of Decision

Can the clarity of resolve become foggy in the crisis of decision? Conflicts of interest and the clash of values have always muddied the eyes of those who would otherwise see clearly. We know this to be true. Those who...

By Barry Newton (02 July 2003, 07:38 PM)
Continue reading: The Crisis of Decision

What's The Use?

Huddled in the darkness of a cave all alone, Elijah continued to beat his drum of depression. How had God's prophet ended up here after the powerful victory over the false prophets on Mt. Carmel? The fire of the Lord...

By Barry Newton (18 June 2003, 07:40 PM)
Continue reading: What's The Use?

Freedom from the Bootstrap

With a bit of unconcealable pride, his rugged time-worn face lit up with a smile as his resonant voice announced, "I did not have anything when I started. Today, I have all this. I�m a self-made man!" While such a...

By Barry Newton (11 June 2003, 07:40 PM)
Continue reading: Freedom from the Bootstrap

Keeper of the Temple

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, ABC television network recently plowed through a mountain of video clips. Among those unearthed from their vaults were some scenes from the old �Laverne and Shirley� show. In one of these the character of Shirley...

By Barry Newton (22 May 2003, 07:42 PM)
Continue reading: Keeper of the Temple

Sims, Animals & Biblical Teaching: Wielding the Power to Shape

The computer game industry caters well to testosterone. Want to command the power of an army, fly the world�s most devastating airplane, build a city, manage a world or expand an empire throughout the galaxy? There is a computer simulation...

By Barry Newton (15 May 2003, 07:43 PM)
Continue reading: Sims, Animals & Biblical Teaching: Wielding the Power to Shape

Faulty Feelings

They are real. They are so convincing. We cannot ignore them. They often influence how we respond to others. We express them with words such as: �I�m on top of the world,� �I just don�t see any solution,� �everything is...

By Barry Newton (07 May 2003, 07:44 PM)
Continue reading: Faulty Feelings

Living Without Debt

The Lord�s perspective Long before financial advisors like Suze Orman were toting the virtues of living credit card debt free, the light from Jesus� teachings was evaporating the reasons for going into debt. * Why should you whip out your...

By Barry Newton (30 April 2003, 07:45 PM)
Continue reading: Living Without Debt

Mystery Theater: Where Do These Clues Lead?

Like a good mystery novel, this is probably best read wearing a pair of slippers and sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of hot tea. I would also suggest a Bible and perhaps a pencil. Ready? Clue #1...

By Barry Newton (28 March 2003, 07:46 PM)
Continue reading: Mystery Theater: Where Do These Clues Lead?

I Have To

Angry eyes glared at the financial counselor. Her words sought to cut him down to size so that he would realize she was just a victim of circumstance. �You just don�t understand. I have to spend this much money on...

By Barry Newton (20 March 2003, 07:47 PM)
Continue reading: I Have To

Ideas Have Consequences

In the playground, a child might start to believe, "since I cannot run as fast as other kids, I am not as good as them." Through school or watching television, a young person could begin to accept, "I have evolved...

By Barry Newton (12 March 2003, 07:48 PM)
Continue reading: Ideas Have Consequences

A Widow Prayed

Each day as the sun would rise, its light would be cast upon Jerusalem where an elderly godly widow would spend time in prayer. As she would walk into the temple court of the women, without a doubt there were...

By Barry Newton (04 March 2003, 07:49 PM)
Continue reading: A Widow Prayed

Pay Attention to How You Listen

Hardly any physical movement occurred, yet the attacks and countermovements were worthy of a Jujitsu championship. Each combatant scrutinized the other�s every word looking for something to exploit toward their own verbal advantage. At times people listen, not for the...

By Barry Newton (19 February 2003, 07:50 PM)
Continue reading: Pay Attention to How You Listen

Eliminating the Distance

How much do you enjoy being with your children? For me, to play with my two boys, read them stories, give them a hug, tell them how much I love them or teach them how to live and make decisions...

By Barry Newton (14 February 2003, 07:51 PM)
Continue reading: Eliminating the Distance

I Appreciate Honesty by Evolutionists

In preparing for yet another multimedia seminar on evolution, I stumbled upon a book in the San Jose public library which amazed me. The following six quotes are from Franklin Harold�s, The Way of the Cell published by Oxford University...

By Barry Newton (05 February 2003, 06:00 PM)
Continue reading: I Appreciate Honesty by Evolutionists

God Is Fair ... Good News! Bad News & Great News!

If you have ever suffered prejudice, you can really appreciate just how wonderful the truth is that God is fair. That's right. When we come before God, nobody gets special treatment ahead of (or behind) you because of their connections,...

By Barry Newton (16 January 2003, 06:01 PM)
Continue reading: God Is Fair ... Good News! Bad News & Great News!

Examine Everything

As you read scripture, I hope that various scenes spring to life for you. For me, one of these is Jeremiah's description of the religious world in which he was engulfed. It is sobering to fathom the dynamic in which...

By Barry Newton (08 January 2003, 06:02 PM)
Continue reading: Examine Everything

A Wonderful Gift

In the midst of making pleasant chit chat while she sat across from me at her desk, the bank clerk mused, �wouldn�t it be wonderful if we knew the future? Then we would know what to do with our money!�...

By Barry Newton (17 December 2002, 06:03 PM)
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God's People Need Great Leaders / God's Leaders Need Great Sheep

Why would an ancient Israelite break God�s commandments by making an idol and by installing his own son (who may have been an Ephraimite), as his household priest? Scripture provides us with the reason. �In those days Israel had no...

By Barry Newton (05 December 2002, 06:04 PM)
Continue reading: God's People Need Great Leaders / God's Leaders Need Great Sheep

Be Thankful that with God�s Help, You Can Make It

Joblessness. Illnesses. Broken relationships. A victim of abuse. Various types of temptations and trials. Satan is at work in our world as a roaring lion to destroy us. As the father of lies who appears as an angel of light,...

By Barry Newton (19 November 2002, 06:05 PM)
Continue reading: Be Thankful that with God�s Help, You Can Make It

A Heart Ready to Worship

Although this gentle and loving lady normally took pleasure in helping the downtrodden with a meal or some warm clothing, today would be different. Standing before her was a woman whose defiant eyes matched the demanding tone in her voice....

By Barry Newton (25 October 2002, 06:06 PM)
Continue reading: A Heart Ready to Worship

Christian Living - No Ostriches Here

Unlike imitating the proverbial ostrich, the life of a Christian involves squarely facing the facts, responding to them responsibly and then being released from our greatest weight and fear! Wow, now this is the way to live! To go back...

By Barry Newton (16 October 2002, 06:07 PM)
Continue reading: Christian Living - No Ostriches Here

We Call Them Shepherds

We see them whenever we gather for worship. They may drop by to see you at home or in the hospital. They are the ones who have been charged with watching over us and caring for our well-being.1 God's Word...

By Barry Newton (27 September 2002, 06:08 PM)
Continue reading: We Call Them Shepherds

The Fear Factor

Fear of something in creation Because the intelligence report of twelve spies revealed that the enemy was well-fortified and ten of those spies counseled that it would be futile to attack, the seeds of fear gripped the heart of a...

By Barry Newton (13 September 2002, 06:09 PM)
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Part of the Journey Toward Maturity

Adversity is a fact of life. There is no mystery here. What is interesting though is the question, �How are our trials shaping us?� When various types of troubles insist on crowding into our lives it can be easy to...

By Barry Newton (05 September 2002, 06:10 PM)
Continue reading: Part of the Journey Toward Maturity

The Watershed for the Same Message

We have grown up with the analogy that if someone plants a grape seed, it will produce a grapevine not a watermelon vine. Accordingly, we have argued that if we will just preach the original message, it will produce only...

By Barry Newton (23 August 2002, 06:11 PM)
Continue reading: The Watershed for the Same Message

Forgiving Yourself

What do all of the following have in common? Chocolate, video tapes, cookies, alcohol, over eating and starving oneself. These can all become compulsive avenues for how someone attempts to handle their guilty feelings. When Jesus died on the cross,...

By Barry Newton (16 August 2002, 06:12 PM)
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Standing in the Gap

Just as Ezekiel would not have readily understood Starbucks coffee and baseball, so too we are likely to fail in fully appreciating walled cities. After all, I have never lived in a walled city seeking refuge from marauding armies. Have...

By Barry Newton (07 August 2002, 06:13 PM)
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A Real Message for Today

Doubt was written all over her face. Speaking with a pierced tongue, her question was blunt but honest. �Is the Bible relevant for my life? After all, the Bible is ancient!� Such questions might reflect the thinking of a lot...

By Barry Newton (31 July 2002, 06:14 PM)
Continue reading: A Real Message for Today

A Chunk of the Rock

Standing as a near timeless sentinel, the Rock of Gibraltar has become a symbol of permanence and stability and therefore an icon of security. People need security and Jesus knew that. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offered to...

By Barry Newton (03 July 2002, 06:16 PM)
Continue reading: A Chunk of the Rock

Because of Who You Have Become

Does it appear to you that the lives of some people resemble a stainless steel pinball reacting to its environment? Consider the who wife responds to her husband�s inconsiderate actions with a stinging terse remark. Or the employee�s heart brimming...

By Barry Newton (19 June 2002, 06:17 PM)
Continue reading: Because of Who You Have Become

Where's the Treasure?

Although many people might nod a glassy-eyed acknowledgment that we need to comply with Jesus� teaching to lay up treasure in heaven as the self-vindicating rationalization of �yeah, I�m doing some of that� passes through their mind, Jesus� subsequent teachings...

By Barry Newton (13 June 2002, 06:17 PM)
Continue reading: Where's the Treasure?