Clever Free Methodist

At the time of this writing, we are just over one solid month of “stay at home” orders due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Some of the obvious results coming out of this is seeing our stores, schools, restaurants and favorite venues closed for an indefinite period. I believe it is safe to say that we have had no choice but adapt to a whole new way of life. What was once a routine or tradition is now a thing of the past with most businesses with limited hours, churches closed, and in-class instruction for all levels of academics moved to on-line training. We could go on and on with how our lives have changed. Now, more than ever, we are challenged to make the most of all the time we now have. For most of us, some things in life have increased such as utility bills since we are all home more often. Some things have drastically decreased such as our savings and checking accounts as many have lost their jobs and have had no income for some time. This reminds me of a parti

I was reading a devotional article recently that challenged the old saying that “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I must admit that I never have bought into this saying because it seemed to be steeped in arrogance that I can not only do it all myself, but somehow that God will step back and actually let me solve everything under my own wisdom and power. When it comes to life, I will quickly admit that I really don’t want to handle it. I confess that I not only need help, but would greatly appreciate and welcome all help that could be directed towards my cause. When life becomes challenging or difficult, I usually quote the all-too-familiar, 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Perhaps even a similar passage of Psalm 55:22 , “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Now, back to that devotional I was referencing earlier. The author challenged the mindset of “God won’t

When it comes to the Apostles’ Creed, there are some of us who have been challenged by some of the statements made in the Creed. When we came to those statements and read the words printed on the page, it created such a misunderstanding that we either stumbled through verbally or simply “skipped that part.” One, of course is the “I believe in…the holy catholic church.” Once we learn that it is not a direct reference to the Roman Catholic church, but that the word “catholic” (lowercase “c”) can be translated as the “Universal Church” (all Christians), we grow more accustomed to making the proclamation. However, there is another statement that rings loudly that has caused some discomfort. As a former United Methodist, there was a time in the Denomination’s history that the words were actually omitted. What part are we talking about? The belief that states Jesus Christ “descended to the dead” or in some translations “he descended into Hell.” The shortest way to summariz