Sep 21
One of our outreaches for Seven Oaks Church of Christ this year was a “Friends Night in the Park.” We have a local park with a nice pavilion, playground, basketball courts, and lots of open space. We reserved the pavilion, took our grill, bought 400 hotdogs, chips, drinks, and desserts. We encouraged our people to …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/church-outreach-idea-worship-in-the-park/
Sep 17
Judas Iscariot is famous for his betrayal of Jesus. We can learn many lessons from Judas regarding greed, unbelief, and hypocrisy. But I wish to consider an aspect of Judas typically overlooked. It is likely that Judas was the only Apostle not from the region of Galilee in the north. His surname Iscariot likely signifies he came from …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/lessons-for-the-outsider-from-judas/
Sep 14
Have you heard of the website and ministry of Advanced Bible Reader. It was started by my good friends Kyle Butt and Chad Thompson. It has been around for several years. It is based on the school program called AR for Accelerated Reader. Kids read books and take tests over the books to earn points. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/advanced-bible-reader-a-great-tool-for-your-kids/
Sep 11
This is the solemn anniversary of one of our great national tragedies. It has come to be represented with three numerals – 9-1-1. It is hard to believe it has been 13 years since that terrible September morning. Yet here in 2014, we continue to see more terroristic threats. Recently we have all been appalled at …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/because-of-who-their-god-is/
Sep 09
I wrote on a previous post about “How I Preach from my iPad Mini.” In this post I want to share with you some of my favorite apps for ministry and preaching. You likely are familiar with most of these, but it might be helpful to find out how I use them. Bible Apps Accordance …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/my-favorite-apps-for-ministry/
Sep 07
How do you define success? You have a definition. In fact, you have some different definitions of success according to the realm of life. For example, my mind defines success as it relates to being a preacher, father, husband, son, financially, and as a farmer now. This definition that we have developed for success has …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/what-does-success-cost-you/
Sep 02
After spending last week at a great conference called, “Polishing the Pulpit” in Sevierville, TN we headed to the Smoky Mountains after it ended on Thursday morning. We had a picnic lunch at a popular spot called Chimney’s. This is a beautiful picnic area situated on the banks of a beautiful creek. After eating the kids …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/this-is-parenting/
Aug 31
I like to know the plan and schedule for the week. I like routine and find comfort in a schedule. Times of waiting when the end is unknown are difficult. Our family runs on routine and regularity overall, though it is still pretty crazy with four kids. Thus the text of Numbers 9:17-22 jumped out …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/waiting-on-god/
Aug 21
Steven Covey in his classic book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People lists Habit #2 as “Begin with the end in mind.” The Apostle Peter had long ago applied this principle to the Christian life. In 2 Peter 3 he is discussing the end of time. He is talking about the promise of Jesus’ coming. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-2nd-coming-should-shape-today/
Aug 19
The nation of Israel is regularly in the news, especially now with the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. This post is not about the political position of the United States. In fact, let me say that what you think and believe about our policy regarding Israel politically is your opinion. Israel is a democratic state, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/should-christians-support-the-nation-of-israel/
