Jul 29
We teach children to let their “little Christian light” shine all around the neighborhood. Jesus said Christians are the “light of the world” (Mat. 5:14). I think we need to add an additional verse to the children’s hymn which currently speaks of hiding our light under a bushel or letting Satan blow out our light. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/has-covid-dimmed-your-light/
Nov 04
I don’t know if you have heard, but Tuesday is election day (sarcasm intended!). I know many folks will be ready for the day to pass. There is also much trepidation and concern about the future. Let me remind you of a few of our duties as Christians that surround this day. To be good …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/our-duties-with-the-election/
May 31
Most all of us have been to high points overlooking a deep canyon, valley, or waterfall. Most of these are now located in some type of park and our government has erected barriers or guards to keep people from getting too close to the edge. They often will have warning signs, telling sightseers to be …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-close-are-you-to-falling-away/
Jan 28
Who gets the credit? This question is seldom vocalized, but often unconsciously on the mind of everyone. Sports teams struggle with the question. Church leaders struggle with the question. Preachers secretly ask themselves, “will I get the credit?” when this succeeds. Elders just wonder why the preacher gets the credit and they get the blame! Husbands …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/who-gets-the-credit/
Oct 15
The world and Christians tend to speak of “happy” marriages. We say they look so “happy” together. We wish for a couple on their wedding day a “happy” marriage. This is not bad. I certainly want to be happy. I want my kids to have happy marriages. I want the couples of our church to …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/a-happy-vs-a-holy-marriage/
Oct 13
I have been guilty. Most other preachers are as well. We often teach God’s commandments and desires for our lives in this manner: This benefit is why you should obey this command. It may be an avoided consequence or a blessing gained. For example: We tell young people not to be sexually active because of STDs, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/our-motivation-for-holy-living/
Sep 25
It is hard to miss naked! Yet, Jesus said the church at Laodicea didn’t know they were “naked.” In fact, Jesus says they do not realize they are “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). How can you not know you are blind? How can you not know you are poor? How do you miss …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/it-is-hard-to-miss-naked-but-we-do/
Jun 05
Our money says, “In God We Trust.” Our leaders say, “May God bless America.” We appeal for prayers to God after our national tragedies. Our people in the U.S.A. talk about trusting in God. But what does it really mean to trust in God? It certainly involves having faith and trust in His providential care …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/how-to-trust-in-god/
