Nov 02
Why do you worship God? Do you worship from a sense of duty? We should feel a duty to worship God, after all Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Mat. 4:10). It should eat away at our conscience when we fail at our obligation to worship, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-difference-in-duty-and-joy/
Oct 25
It is Halloween time! Halloween is the time when we put on costumes and pretend to be something we are not. Kids enjoy this holiday and many adults still dress up. While it is fun to put on a costume and pretend, do we put on masks throughout the rest of the year spiritually and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/wearing-masks/
Oct 24
It seems that some churches major in the Spirit. Their worship services focus on manifestations of the Spirit. They claim to speak in tongues and seek for the Spirit to come into their services in a powerful and miraculous way. Faith-healers claim they can heal the sick and give sight to the blind through the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-churchs-focus-is-jesus-not-the-holy-spirit/
Oct 19
When we are motivated we can accomplish a tremendous amount. The old saying is true, “When there is a why, there is a way.” I have seen it many times in my ministry. Someone has a strong reason for getting their life in order; it may be to save their marriage, or avoid trouble with …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/keeping-demons-out/
Oct 18
Today, Wednesday, October 18th is Seven Oak’s day of prayer and fasting. We have done this several times over my 14 years with this congregation. It was first started when we were involved in a new building project.back in 2005. We did it every year for a number of years. Then we stopped it for …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/our-churchs-day-of-prayer-and-fasting/
Oct 11
Fall is the season of football games, pumpkins, and hayrides. What fall activities do you enjoy the most? Aren’t you thankful for the changing of the seasons? Each season contains its own unique characteristics and activities. It helps provide a rhythm to your years and new adventures to anticipate. While I hope you are enjoying …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/embracing-a-new-season/
Oct 04
Are you shaking your head in disbelief? Mass shootings seem to be a weekly news item. On September 24th, peaceful worshippers of Christ were assaulted as they were ending their service at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee. One lady was killed and six others were injured. The carnage would have been …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-why-is-answered-in-the-absurdity-of-evil/
Sep 28
Mrs. Ruby Sanders, a sweet widow at Seven Oaks, gave me an old bulletin from 7th and College (the location and preceding name of our church). It was dated Dec. 9, 1962 (almost 55 years ago). I am sure she had kept it because it announced her marriage to Laddie Sanders. I enjoyed reading it …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/thoughts-from-a-55-year-old-bulletin/
Sep 27
Is it me or does it seem that everyone is offended nowadays? People are offended by all kinds of things from decorations to beliefs. While we are all entitled to our own opinions and right to be offended, it sure seems to me that it has gotten out of hand. “I am offended!” has become …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-jesus-handled-offending-others/
Sep 19
Hurricanes are destroying our cities! Cancer is ruining our health and stressing our families. Mental illness issues are plaguing our communities. Churches are struggling with discord and division. In the midst of these trials we must remember God invites us to cast all our care upon him because he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/jesus-cares-when/
