The Pew Research Center recently published an article entitled “Almost half of Americans say people have gotten ruder since the COVID-19 pandemic.”  It claims that 47 percent of people surveyed are convinced of this, with 20 percent categorizing public behavior as “a lot ruder.”  The article narrowed the categories of rudeness to smoking around other [...] The post How Rude! appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

You may be familiar with the vocal ranges of a standard four-part harmony—soprano, alto, tenor and bass.  There are, however, other lesser-known parts such as mezzo-soprano, contralto and baritone.  The lowest vocal register of them goes by the Italian title “basso profundo.”  (Think of Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” [...] The post Down Deep in the Sea appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

Pittsburgh Steeler Quarterback Cliff Stoudt was the first player in NFL history to earn a pension without ever taking a snap during the regular season or playoffs.  He was on the active roster for the first 56 games of his career without taking a single step onto the field.  In his unused backup role he [...] The post No Spotless Uniforms appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

In 1862 the Coleraine Chronicle was the first to publish the catchphrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  The expression certainly has had staying power as parents continue to teach it to their children today, but is that a biblical sentiment?  Consider the case of Doeg the Edomite. It started [...] The post Sticks and Stones appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

I know a Christian man that had become overly involved in day trading.  Unlike the long-term strategies that most financial advisers will recommend, day trading involves buying and selling securities as they move up and down the market in the same day.  (Think of the person trying to get ahead on a busy freeway by [...] The post Blessing Abuse appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

The phrase “never forget” is applied to the most solemn of circumstances.  I have a book on the top shelf behind my desk that bears the phrase.  It is an anthology of personal experiences from the 9/11 terrorist attack.  Sometimes I’ll see a “never forget” graphic on the back window of a vehicle along with [...] The post In Remembrance appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

You may have gone your entire life without being exposed to the word “concupiscence.”  It is an antiquated word that means “an intense longing” or “a passion” that’s usually connected to sensuality.  The King James Version (KJV) uses the word in Romans 7 in place of “covetousness.” What then shall we say? That the law is sin? [...] The post Be a Fighter, Not a Lover appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

In the movie Gladiator, the bloodthirsty crowd fell silent after a protracted, violent battle in which the protagonist, Maximus, unexpected slayed his opponents.  Exhausted, he threw down his sword and cried to the stunned onlookers, “Are you not entertained?  Are you not entertained?  Is this not why you are here?”  The iconic quote has even come [...] The post Unapologetically Odd appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

I met Yancey about three years ago.  After an introductory discussion about work, the topic of the Lord came up and, as Christians do, we began to share excitedly about what God was doing in our lives.  After a matter of minutes he revealed something incredibly personal.  A few months earlier he had been diagnosed [...] The post Evangelize and Trust appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more

“Hearts and Minds” is a psychological operation employed by an invading military designed to gain the confidence of the people being invaded.  While brute force may be used to gain initial control, subsequent actions benefit the populace such as the provision of electricity or clean water where there previously was none.  A popular representation of [...] The post Hearts and Minds appeared first on Redeemer Reformed Baptist Church ..read more