Sunday, September 22, 2024

Reflection - In The Church - No Frills Church?

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 33, "No Frills Church?", Page 175.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


 From time to time, we hear of no-frills airlines, no-frills hotels, and the like. Will we also see the emergence of no-frills churches?
PHOTO: From time to time, we hear of no-frills airlines, no-frills hotels, and the like. Will we also see the emergence of no-frills churches?

There is much good in the concept. It could greatly improve the church's spiritual health and maturity. The church would rise to a level of stewardship that powerfully demonstrates the message it tries to preach.

But what exactly does a "no-frills church" mean? I searched for "no-frills churches" on the internet and found several. Their websites did not really explain what was meant by "no-frills". After a while, however, I found that these "frills" consisted of liturgy, elaborate ritual, priesthood, paraments (cloth or tapestry hangings used to adorn the space for worship), and other elements that one would associate with older established churches. In one sense, it is true that the Protestants did away with the "frills" of the medieval church. They simplified the sanctuary, the ministry, and the liturgy, cutting away what they considered to be unnecessary and excessive, existing things that distorted the gospel and obscured the church's true mission.

One needs to remember the logic behind the trimming of such frills in the first place, lest we fall into a sort of anti-liturgical minimalism (stripped to its essentials) that is overly simplistic. A church that does away with what it thinks are liturgical frills may still end up with vain material trappings and an excess of self-indulgent activities. These types of frills are the concern of this chapter.

The logic of a no-frills airline is cutting cost and focusing on the core business, which is to bring passenger from one point to another. Everything else, such as in-flight entertainment, is considered a frill. Some passengers, though not all, prefer it this way. Hence the success of no-frills airlines.

I'm not sure if a similar strategy would work for the church. Modern Christianity has increasingly produced consumer Christians who shop around for churches, looking for various things. American pastor Eugene Peterson rightly pointed out that pastors (and churches) have become more and more like shopkeepers. Their primary concerns are now packing their "product", retaining their "customers", and dealing with the "competition". [1a]

Churches therefore end up spending much on themselves, on buildings packed with facilities, on sanctuaries equipped with state-of-the-art technology, for worshippers' comfort and maximum satisfaction. They may also run a whole array of activities that have very little to do with the core business of the church.

What if churches try to be like the no-frills airlines? Would it work? I have doubts on two counts. First, will consumer Christians buy this? A no-frills church would have little attraction for them. While no-frills airlines charge less to maximise their profits, no-frills churches spend less to maximise what they can give away to the needy. We are not talking about Christians decreasing their giving to the Lord, but about how the church spends the money Christians give. It is like asking full-service airline passengers to fly no-frills airlines but at unreduced prices. Such a proposition would not make sense to consumers.

But our pews must be filled not with consumers, but with disciples of Christ. A no-frills church would make great sense to Christ's disciples. After all, God often showed himself in Scripture without frills. The first Christmas, unlike our contemporary celebrations, was a no-frills event. The birth of Christ took place in a stable, not a luxury hotel or a palace. The visitors that night were poor shepherds, not the who's who of the ancient world. No expensive fireworks lit the sky, but a single star in the heavens guided the wise men. The birth of the living Son of God was undoubtedly a no-frills event.

When the Israelites wandered in the desert, the daily menu God gave them was simple. It was a no-frills diet of manna, just enough for each day (Exodus 16). Indeed, the journey that God invites us on is a no-frills journey.

When Jesus met the rich young ruler, He saw him sinking spiritually under the weight of heavy frills (Matthew 19:16-30). Pitying the man, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then come follow Him. But the man could not part with his frills and remained a lost soul. Jesus himself, on the other hand, had "no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). His was truly a no-frills ministry.

Those who were His authentic disciples learned this lesson quickly. The apostle had left their possessions to follow Christ (Matthew 19:27). Later, Peter declared to a crippled beggar: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you" (Acts 3:6). The early Christians shared their possessions so that there was no needy person among them (Acts 4:34). They collected money for the poor and cared for the destitute (extremely poor) (Acts 9:36; Romans 15:16). They turned the world upside down. This was a no-frills church.

Today, the church spends far too much on itself, on comfort and cosmetics. For many outside the church, we look like a socialite who frequently self-pampers. Some money is spent on charity, but this is often seen as tokenism (seems like that money is spent on charity). The day we dress in simple clothes and spend our resources helping the poor will be the day we will be believed. There is a radiant power about barefoot saints, and saints who go about simply, spending almost all they have on others, especially the poor and downtrodden. That same radiance will shine from a no-frills church that resembles its God, who, keeping nothing for himself, spent all He had on the cross to redeem a broken world.
Picture posted by Tennessee Baptist and Reflector on 14 September 2024 - Byron Ash, pastor of Cowpunchers Cowboy Church in Shelbyville, back row with cowboy hat, recently baptized an entire family of new believers, the Wagners. They family now regularly attends the church, driving roughly 100 miles roundtrip to be at Cowpunchers each week.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmby_EQSHEA1qFVB2HTSKemFW3lxDt1etOxVxucaTmOTXsAIB7GKaG69fxYXIU9HpS1LXlwwNX6bXMyUh1j235AALOivReD-p8d6i-A0KKZAKjfE6AqPj7n3WH12jYfAIj7blT9Qos8UOVTqWlIK-JkmtrfMxwcKr2im0xSMuG3iXt9SP-straW3u2NE/s698/091124-Cowboy-Church-e1726237031619.jpg
https://thebaptistpaper.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/091124-Cowboy-Church-e1726237031619.jpg
https://thebaptistpaper.org/no-frills-cowboy-church-steers-lost-to-jesus-in-tennessee/


From time to time, we hear of no-frills airlines, no-frills hotels, and the like. Will we also see the emergence of no-frills churches?

There is much good in the concept. It could greatly improve the church's spiritual health and maturity. The church would rise to a level of stewardship that powerfully demonstrates the message it tries to preach.


 From time to time, we hear of no-frills airlines, no-frills hotels, and the like. Will we also see the emergence of no-frills churches?
PHOTO: From time to time, we hear of no-frills airlines, no-frills hotels, and the like. Will we also see the emergence of no-frills churches?
There is much good in the concept. It could greatly improve the church's spiritual health and maturity. The church would rise to a level of stewardship that powerfully demonstrates the message it tries to preach.
Picture posted by Universal Full Gospel Church on 14 April 2024
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RHk3Boc07zcKqgXv3l0pUldJs2a2DLByqdD9TzQU-x6IcLWWg3q_xlEEBjPz0hGkvWugxiAVjl4HZG7WhSivFzR08S8_kxYpRRKg4isuDo1WC67Z04Neq1pVXtntF-n6wt3AVeeVd4004Vr8zdcT4zNU0guCOW8nDxxJYsDP1byBqa9fK991Ij7EhsI/s480/no_frills_church_sddefault_1.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BDMrqb-Cm-s/sddefault.jpg?v=661bb21a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=BDMrqb-Cm-s


But what exactly does a "no-frills church" mean? I searched for "no-frills churches" on the internet and found several. Their websites did not really explain what was meant by "no-frills". After a while, however, I found that these "frills" consisted of liturgy, elaborate ritual, priesthood, paraments (cloth or tapestry hangings used to adorn the space for worship), and other elements that one would associate with older established churches. In one sense, it is true that the Protestants did away with the "frills" of the medieval church. They simplified the sanctuary, the ministry, and the liturgy, cutting away what they considered to be unnecessary and excessive, existing things that distorted the gospel and obscured the church's true mission.


 But what exactly does a 'no-frills church' mean?
PHOTO: But what exactly does a "no-frills church" mean? I searched for "no-frills churches" on the internet and found several. Their websites did not really explain what was meant by "no-frills". After a while, however, I found that these "frills" consisted of liturgy, elaborate ritual, priesthood, paraments (cloth or tapestry hangings used to adorn the space for worship), and other elements that one would associate with older established churches. In one sense, it is true that the Protestants did away with the "frills" of the medieval church. They simplified the sanctuary, the ministry, and the liturgy, cutting away what they considered to be unnecessary and excessive, existing things that distorted the gospel and obscured the church's true mission.
Picture posted by 4BibleStudy - How the Church Worships
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrhN7cP19LcQ8JAksSZIUgYHKRc2_zZ3-mnx-OZY09ELanyX5rftMwuha6BeABAXygX2_3CHwIVdHcWOoTk20h4_YwR9KADBNlD-MYHzyVxaUQFMgK-lRjsOZ-aug_zc1LUOufdrtl09rbIcGAtuDYQr8zSkJWblP2CC8pPTGCbv0SJSPj-HiJviJfzE/s3300/7ee803a5996c2fe974b011c1fc870bdb.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7e/e8/03/7ee803a5996c2fe974b011c1fc870bdb.jpg
https://es.pinterest.com/pin/1002613935784024284/


One needs to remember the logic behind the trimming of such frills in the first place, lest we fall into a sort of anti-liturgical minimalism (stripped to its essentials) that is overly simplistic. A church that does away with what it thinks are liturgical frills may still end up with vain material trappings and an excess of self-indulgent activities. These types of frills are the concern of this chapter.

The logic of a no-frills airline is cutting cost and focusing on the core business, which is to bring passenger from one point to another. Everything else, such as in-flight entertainment, is considered a frill. Some passengers, though not all, prefer it this way. Hence the success of no-frills airlines.


 One needs to remember the logic behind the trimming of such frills in the first place, lest we fall into a sort of anti-liturgical minimalism (stripped to its essentials) that is overly simplistic.
PHOTO: One needs to remember the logic behind the trimming of such frills in the first place, lest we fall into a sort of anti-liturgical minimalism (stripped to its essentials) that is overly simplistic. A church that does away with what it thinks are liturgical frills may still end up with vain material trappings and an excess of self-indulgent activities.
Picture posted by Fr Anthony Chadwick on Friday, 08 September 2017 - Liturgical Minimalism
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOBZfLWrQFF8Gusd-QKLtYUi6UKX42AMqJ8lYQYx3ukm6abUYbT8aqKaY7JjQICqXHu98ZNa9E0Lix0giV-Qq8RvzPooBnZZkndqGnZSlBXLhHx_ItbLEho2qKovlIQnSmD3JHo1_2WIX3MPuX-0XrRFmH2Idv-YWuBfkiIh8lxW5VFiOa5VBu8OqsWU/s640/other-modern.jpg
https://sarumuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/other-modern.jpg
https://sarumuse.org/2017/09/08/liturgical-minimalism/


I'm not sure if a similar strategy would work for the church. Modern Christianity has increasingly produced consumer Christians who shop around for churches, looking for various things. American pastor Eugene Peterson rightly pointed out that pastors (and churches) have become more and more like shopkeepers. Their primary concerns are now packing their "product", retaining their "customers", and dealing with the "competition". [1a]


 I'm not sure if a similar strategy would work for the church.
PHOTO: I'm not sure if a similar strategy would work for the church. Modern Christianity has increasingly produced consumer Christians who shop around for churches, looking for various things. American pastor Eugene Peterson rightly pointed out that pastors (and churches) have become more and more like shopkeepers. Their primary concerns are now packing their "product", retaining their "customers", and dealing with the "competition". [1a]
Picture posted by Seattle Pacific University
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHNx48_pAyyP9aFIneYtFnLlEj_AkzewgpbG_PrU7IiMlIGW-nXJxx6X7rcSLj9MIhecpR46NswL5kOso4eUPzrZTWb-RAwqpssZeAuMwLeFeIpk8ht8QvET0hEEMeZN__kfwGKicrClXqAD8LBIp364UhFMeg-6gQagSFbvcGufpETm8fhcQp6Uq7xM/s783/1540232924135.jpg
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/C5622AQHCEf9jvSeQtQ/feedshare-shrink_1280/feedshare-shrink_1280/0/1540232924135?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=NkBrq6e-A9Fqe51N3OJNiiUM4bNx7R_YPfTY3k9pxY8
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/seattle-pacific-university_our-hearts-go-out-to-the-family-of-eugene-activity-6460205121077944320-upE9


Churches therefore end up spending much on themselves, on buildings packed with facilities, on sanctuaries equipped with state-of-the-art technology, for worshippers' comfort and maximum satisfaction. They may also run a whole array of activities that have very little to do with the core business of the church.

What if churches try to be like the no-frills airlines? Would it work? I have doubts on two counts. First, will consumer Christians buy this? A no-frills church would have little attraction for them. While no-frills airlines charge less to maximise their profits, no-frills churches spend less to maximise what they can give away to the needy. We are not talking about Christians decreasing their giving to the Lord, but about how the church spends the money Christians give. It is like asking full-service airline passengers to fly no-frills airlines but at unreduced prices. Such a proposition would not make sense to consumers.


 What if churches try to be like the no-frills airlines?
PHOTO: What if churches try to be like the no-frills airlines? Would it work? I have doubts on two counts. First, will consumer Christians buy this? A no-frills church would have little attraction for them. While no-frills airlines charge less to maximise their profits, no-frills churches spend less to maximise what they can give away to the needy. We are not talking about Christians decreasing their giving to the Lord, but about how the church spends the money Christians give. It is like asking full-service airline passengers to fly no-frills airlines but at unreduced prices. Such a proposition would not make sense to consumers.
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuZg47ArI-i2gb2HX3P0yJEGWqb7z7jrusV1gUKbEImxJ2XuvysU5HFowoVxqJPOwO2rOy-OmHAsMmhpuUWhF4gSpMEI1Oy6_mw3Q8aHo5OZi2cJW_9a00mW0ksqXiXIpOoPWKe3y-PdFuihjJRtDCUuqYLvOrNSZ5SprqQYx3zJVvBqIZy9SX366Lbg/s3400/Priests_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Lipa_2024-06-29.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priesthood_in_the_Catholic_Church#/media/File:Priests_of_the_Archdiocese_of_Lipa_2024-06-29.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priesthood_in_the_Catholic_Church


But our pews must be filled not with consumers, but with disciples of Christ. A no-frills church would make great sense to Christ's disciples. After all, God often showed himself in Scripture without frills. The first Christmas, unlike our contemporary celebrations, was a no-frills event. The birth of Christ took place in a stable, not a luxury hotel or a palace. The visitors that night were poor shepherds, not the who's who of the ancient world. No expensive fireworks lit the sky, but a single star in the heavens guided the wise men. The birth of the living Son of God was undoubtedly a no-frills event.

When the Israelites wandered in the desert, the daily menu God gave them was simple. It was a no-frills diet of manna, just enough for each day (Exodus 16). Indeed, the journey that God invites us on is a no-frills journey.


 But our pews must be filled not with consumers, but with disciples of Christ.
PHOTO: But our pews must be filled not with consumers, but with disciples of Christ. A no-frills church would make great sense to Christ's disciples. After all, God often showed himself in Scripture without frills. The first Christmas, unlike our contemporary celebrations, was a no-frills event. The birth of Christ took place in a stable, not a luxury hotel or a palace. The visitors that night were poor shepherds, not the who's who of the ancient world. No expensive fireworks lit the sky, but a single star in the heavens guided the wise men. The birth of the living Son of God was undoubtedly a no-frills event.
Picture posted by wolneyradighieri - The birth of the Son of God
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXoavET75Ag2ez8K1nFbBPVNk7meLLInC4_dTVhXAxDHeNCiI1WjjHC22Uh-j9gq2nWdu3gup3BENJ7bN128in75I3i8nLeGF9qhdgd_5lpUoyYa3KMLDB5gLi2aPWHTL6KX_adqiM5jhiZSqlweMYvsy3Bc0axRBUzrSKyUC5hBG6mz28LN5UPZwe-4/s826/birth-son-god_1107970-347.jpg
https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/birth-son-god_1107970-347.jpg?w=826
https://www.freepik.com/premium-ai-image/birth-son-god_157973770.htm


When Jesus met the rich young ruler, He saw him sinking spiritually under the weight of heavy frills (Matthew 19:16-30). Pitying the man, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then come follow Him. But the man could not part with his frills and remained a lost soul. Jesus himself, on the other hand, had "no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). His was truly a no-frills ministry.


 When Jesus met the rich young ruler, He saw him sinking spiritually under the weight of heavy frills (Matthew 19:16-30).
PHOTO: When Jesus met the rich young ruler, He saw him sinking spiritually under the weight of heavy frills (Matthew 19:16-30). Pitying the man, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then come follow Him. But the man could not part with his frills and remained a lost soul. Jesus himself, on the other hand, had "no place to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). His was truly a no-frills ministry.
Picture posted by Pastor Charles, The Early Morning Dew on 08 January 2021 - The Road to Growth – Part 2
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzUj7ae8zEqN4zLSjBZpxyBPaoCuoCRargaEn3d6_m8miOUEjZWCGz7TwJp4o_OJKRz5JQXv1jZ4LWXSpuIXhTFtp3paj9woAcW-Kulva3HyYX58BxnyMH8hv13-7D-CWmQiAxjyk6Wyjl5B7Ox7wfCtGspAktgbjIW5I9aXF_r4LKi0rl-o3ogSJVWA/s1260/rh-richyoungruler_dsc_0098_1.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/theearlymorningdew.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rh-richyoungruler_dsc_0098.jpg?ssl=1
https://theearlymorningdew.com/2021/01/08/consecration-the-road-to-growth-part-2-2/


Those who were His authentic disciples learned this lesson quickly. The apostle had left their possessions to follow Christ (Matthew 19:27). Later, Peter declared to a crippled beggar: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you" (Acts 3:6). The early Christians shared their possessions so that there was no needy person among them (Acts 4:34). They collected money for the poor and cared for the destitute (extremely poor) (Acts 9:36; Romans 15:16). They turned the world upside down. This was a no-frills church.


 Those who were His authentic disciples learned this lesson quickly.
PHOTO: Those who were His authentic disciples learned this lesson quickly. The apostle had left their possessions to follow Christ (Matthew 19:27). Later, Peter declared to a crippled beggar: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you" (Acts 3:6). The early Christians shared their possessions so that there was no needy person among them (Acts 4:34). They collected money for the poor and cared for the destitute (extremely poor) (Acts 9:36; Romans 15:16). They turned the world upside down. This was a no-frills church.
Picture posted by Bible Art - Acts 3:6-7
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuYuFGq2pdv1lfqWqN3xH0cnNCN6jwtMrEoSPCJXRlu89WbS7qMfFfy8wd48gkYgaRvgBXXsu72Nxr4kUajs2RRqR4geX8XdFjorlZ4vP3qJvVBo6RMCZ82DmOQHW6zUaIIrqbE_OQ86kYrAKTC75bCd2kkJ8KsoKGGOiTW0Epdq8KZb-EiSBdrzOLoQ/s1024/711d639f-a793-4f51-9cad-870427ae67a3-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/711d639f-a793-4f51-9cad-870427ae67a3-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/n1GW4jaZI5pFAAYW9Oru/acts-3-6-7


Today, the church spends far too much on itself, on comfort and cosmetics. For many outside the church, we look like a socialite who frequently self-pampers. Some money is spent on charity, but this is often seen as tokenism (seems like that money is spent on charity). The day we dress in simple clothes and spend our resources helping the poor will be the day we will be believed. There is a radiant power about barefoot saints, and saints who go about simply, spending almost all they have on others, especially the poor and downtrodden. That same radiance will shine from a no-frills church that resembles its God, who, keeping nothing for himself, spent all He had on the cross to redeem a broken world.


 Today, the church spends far too much on itself, on comfort and cosmetics.
PHOTO: Today, the church spends far too much on itself, on comfort and cosmetics. For many outside the church, we look like a socialite who frequently self-pampers. Some money is spent on charity, but this is often seen as tokenism (seems like that money is spent on charity). The day we dress in simple clothes and spend our resources helping the poor will be the day we will be believed. There is a radiant power about barefoot saints, and saints who go about simply, spending almost all they have on others, especially the poor and downtrodden. That same radiance will shine from a no-frills church that resembles its God, who, keeping nothing for himself, spent all He had on the cross to redeem a broken world.
Picture posted by Bible Art - Acts 3:6-7
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9drPSA_1gDL7huMmrdYVJ2HMi-HanBq0zWQQ8RAUgzUmTyS4msWQLOw5ZzGrJlaqd8zpCWd3d5ixVa3e4TvuKFQjRja1gnaR1mgozoNvE5W8tKlHTwzbCm04WMq68CeP_XDzk1Z-DjuDj2uWE_v1fjJRLCiTJaNE9eGRQuOu-Y3XdhVo23YBTtQdy6rs/s1024/2fa68a6d-d289-47fb-927b-539135796986-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/2fa68a6d-d289-47fb-927b-539135796986-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/1ZOM4pd14nxeV0jeYOp3/acts-3-6-7
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, today, the church spends far too much on itself, on comfort and cosmetics. For many outside the church, we look like a socialite who frequently self-pampers. Some money is spent on charity, but this is often seen as tokenism.

We pray we dress in simple clothes and spend our resources helping the poor so that we will be believed. There is a radiant power about barefoot saints go about simply, spending almost all they have on others, especially the poor and downtrodden.

May that same radiance will shine from a no-frills church that resembles its God, who, keeping nothing for himself, spent all He had on the cross to redeem a broken world.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Bible Art - Luke 4:1 - "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,"
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuQv_yh1eEi_SLPkf3TaG4GgphGSqubYw9jF3kAeUVFel6agbnw_C_Nmn0l59bPDQdIwesFmVV2JZYjutLl6tje4rP53PDGwhb2gPiuQb62O-INDZm-WftP4DckeS9y3eJ81iAV_BTF8P9KGgQxGH2OdHhCx-hYYFh81PJ7wKYbOxvlO78SmPWE_c1gY/s1024/8f1b481b-385d-4612-8c73-ef94ca9cdd14-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/8f1b481b-385d-4612-8c73-ef94ca9cdd14-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/uLyGSH7T6mXFLUrcStxr

Reflection - In The Church - No Frills Church?
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 33, "No Frills Church?", Page 175.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
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"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
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"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 33, "No Frills Church?", Page 175.

[1a] Eugene H. Peterson, Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Grand Rapid Eerdmans, 1989), 2.

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