We all know people who say: “I’m spiritual, but I do not believe in organized religion.” Most of them are women. This usually means they read a little Buddhism, delve into some of the latest books about spirituality, and might even do yoga. They are determined to pilot their own boats over the spiritual waters.

The most useless statistic in the sports world is the halftime score. Nothing has been decided. There is no winner and no trophy; nothing is final. The second half may be a reversal of the first half. It is the second half that will reveal stamina, endurance, determination, and that intangible ingredient, called “heart.” “Excitement [...]

When I began my college education in the mid 1960s, I didn’t realize that I was leaving home. My home was close enough to my university that I commuted for a semester before moving to the city where it was located. I suppose that I had a certain sense of location in my mind that [...]

Many years ago, while making my way back to North Texas after spending the Thanksgiving holidays with my family, I decided to stop at a mall in Tyler to buy some Christmas gifts. Entering through the Sears store, I happened upon an interesting scene. A small group of people had gathered around a mannequin modeling [...]

When asked to write this article, I pondered in my heart what my subject should be and how I might aid someone on their journey of life. The great purpose of the church is to help someone better know God and His purpose for their life. God wants each one to have a strong foundation, [...]

by Pastor Jim Pledger First United Methodist Church Sherman Several years ago I chaired a task force for the North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church to revitalize Sunday School, called “Sunday School Makes a Difference.” The group consisted of some of the pastors of our most influential churches and leaders of our [...]

“Would you like a cup of tea, pastor?” The very question made me a little uncomfortable. I drink hot tea occasionally, but not usually with a group of finely dressed women, softly clacking their china cups and saucers together, smearing a slightly different lipstick color on each rim, hair perfectly coiffured, fragrances wafting through the air, a tin of cookies on the table.

I am continually amazed at how distorted and misunderstood the gospel of Jesus Christ has become in our community. Professing Christians and non-Christians alike can give you bits of information about Christ’s life. They can tell about the God of the Bible, but they do not know the God of the Bible. They can tell you about Christ, but they do not really know Christ.