(from 2004)     Introduction People throughout the ages were and are fascinated with speaking to a loved one from beyond the grave. Many will pay a hefty sum of money to have a Medium conduct a séance to contact people from the “other side.” According to scripture, that is impossible.   In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31), the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to his brothers to speak to him of their fate. Abraham refused saying that if they would hear Moses and the Prophets; they surely won’t listen to a ghost.   Even Mediums in the Old Testament were frauds.   In the scenario to follow, however, God makes one of the Mediums the real thing for a short time. Burning Bridges There’s an old saying, “Don’t burn your bridges behind you.” This is especially noted in the workforce. Meaning always leave yourself a place to return to if you new job doesn’t work out. King Saul was one of these people.   Th...

 (from 2008)             Ever since the popularity of 30-minute sitcoms on television, people of America have adjusted their lives to sit still no longer than that length of time.  When it comes to Sunday Services, and listening to the preacher, they don’t want the sermon to go past 25-30 minutes.  Once the 30-minute mark hits the credits should be rolling (or the Invitation given) and they can gather up their stuff and go home.  Anything longer and people get antsy in their seats; they look at their watch every two minutes, check to see if someone has stolen their car out of the parking lot, etc.             This creates the question: ‘How long is a Gospel Sermon?’  Right away people will respond but their answers will be how long  they  think the sermon should be.  It’s the ...