Apr 05
This article is not intended to give a thorough Biblical defense of a cappella singing in worship (see the footnotes for information on that subject), rather this post assumes the belief in a cappella worship to God. The Otter Creek Church, which is a congregation traditionally associated with the Church of Christ adopted the use of …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/instrumental-music-debate-how-should-we-respond/
Apr 03
Jeff Abrams who preaches in Shoals, Alabama and has made many trips to the Ukraine has put together something special for this Easter. We in our comfortable pews (or seats here at 7 Oaks) are not aware of the persecution and challenges our brethren face in other parts of the world. Jeff has produced a …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/pray-for-the-persecuted-church/
Apr 02
Caleb loves peanuts. He developed a habit of getting them out of the pantry and eating them throughout his day. As he is getting older, Amanda has started clamping down more on this habit so he will eat his meals good. The other day it was almost lunch time and Caleb goes to the pantry and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/im-just-going-to-look/
Mar 27
Good people don’t want to be a burden. They don’t want to “put other folks out.” This is why . . . Aging parents have trouble allowing their children to do more for them. The cancer patient struggles to allow church members to come clean her house, because she knows the ladies are busy. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/accepting-love-and-saying-no-more/
Mar 24
We watch very few movies, because we never take enough time to watch a whole movie. But we finished an interesting movie the other day called “Get Low.” with Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. It took us three sittings to finish it, but I enjoyed the show; Amanda not as much, though she picked it. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/unlocking-your-own-jail-cell/
Mar 22
Are you cheating on God? What I am asking is: Are you giving him the loyalty, devotion, and service He deserves? People in Malachi were cheating God (1:6-14; 3:8-10). The Laodiceans were cheating God by being lukewarm in their faith (Rev. 3:15-21). The rich young ruler was cheating God with his money (Mat. 19:19-22). …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-lies-we-tell-ourselves-when-we-cheat-on-god/
Mar 18
We know what it is to have a busy schedule and how it is tough to find time for family devotionals. We don’t do something everyday, but we try to have a short devotional the majority of nights before the kids go to bed. We have been using a product that helps us make it …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/an-easy-way-to-do-family-devos/
Mar 15
Sunday! How is it viewed in our culture today? The day for football! (NFL season) The day of rest (stay home and relax) The day for TV watching The day for doing home chores The day for youth sports The day for recreation and hobbies What about the day for worship and service to Christ and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/is-sunday-still-special/
Mar 13
I am teaching through the book of Galatians on Sunday evenings (see the Audio Resources to listen to the sermons). The series is entitled “Salvation by Faith.” Paul in the book of Galatians is combating Judaizing teachers who have come into the church leading the Gentile Christians away from the truth by binding the works …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/is-baptism-unnecessary-because-we-are-not-saved-by-works/
Mar 10
Stella is a great Golden Retriever. She has been at our home for three years now and is the most friendly dog you will ever meet. In fact she loves people so much that it is sometimes a problem, because she greets everyone and begs them to pet her. Stella wears a collar that works …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/my-dogs-boundaries-and-the-word-of-god/
