How do you define dying well?

In the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Psalm 116:15 says “Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His godly ones.”

What is your favorite verse of holy scripture and why?

Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well.” This is my life verse. When God is first, everything else falls into place.

Memphis is the second most generous city in the country, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. According to the publication: “Religion plays a major role in how much money Americans give to charity. The parts of the country that tend to be more religious are also more generous.” Why is this true? [...]

Are you concerned about new voter ID laws? Are we doing enough to prevent fraud and other problems? How can we make voting as accessible as possible while still safeguarding the democratic process? If voting is a privilege and a responsibility, what is wrong with the responsibility of proper identification before you vote? Easing requirements won’t [...]

The tragic mass shooting at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin, coming just a few days after the tragic mass shooting at the theater in Colorado, continues a deeply disturbing American trend. Since 1976, the U.S. has averaged 20 mass shootings a year – including 30 in 2003. Why is America such a violent place? Why are [...]

This week the Faith in Memphis panel reflects on the movie theater massacre in Aurora, Colo. The loss of life in Aurora, CO, is tragic and horrific. Good can come from this, if we will turn to God for answers. The Bible says, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus has come [...]

What accounts for our such low and declining confidence in ‘the church or organized religion’? These numbers should concern all ministers. Especially in light of the eternal significance of the message of Christ. I do suspect people are less confident with most things in society i.e. Government, military, church, the stock market, some even with…[Read more]

According to the 2010 Census, of the 168,000 children living in Memphis, nearly 67,000 — about 4 in 10 — are living in a family with a female householder and NO FATHER PRESENT. Later this month, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton will host the Second Annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads. (Wharton is writing a [...]

Is imposition of the death penalty a political/partisan matter or a religious/moral matter? Why is the death penalty largely being carried out in the South? Should Tennessee abolish the death penalty? The imposition of the death penalty is both a political and moral matter. I will focus on the moral side of the equation. When Adam [...]

In a recent interview, Rev. Franklin Graham questioned the Christian credentials of President Barack Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He apologized Tuesday for questioning President Obama’s faith. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, members of the NAACP’s religious roundtable called on Graham and all Christian leaders to “refrain from using…[Read more]

What concerns you most about Memphis? Any city has municipal infrastructure of electric lines, water lines, and sewer lines. Cities also have spiritual infrastructure. Houses of worship that support the moral, spiritual, and ethical climate of the community. I am concerned that the spiritual infrastructure of Memphis is declining. Part of this…[Read more]

Does God care who wins football games? And what do you think of Tim Tebow and his public displays of devotion? God cares for Tim Tebow AND God cares for Tom Brady because God cares for ALL of us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, he gave his only Son Jesus, that whoever [...]

If an entire community could make a New Year’s Resolution, what should ours be for 2012? If I were make a theme for the region in 2012, it would be, “STOP THE KILLING!” We can never have productive discussion and future directed progress until we have enough basic respect to quit taking life senselessly. From infants [...]

Can you offer those who find the holidays depressing a word of solace, comfort, hope, even joy? Job 36:15 says But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction. Isaiah 9:6 says: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the [...]

In 50 words or less send a holiday greeting to the Memphis community. What is your holiday wish your fellow Memphis area residents? May the grace and forgiveness of Jesus be yours this season. For the believer in Christ, Christmas is not a season but a life. A life that can be yours for the asking. [...]

These are fretful times. The economy seems to be in another tailspin. We’re witnessing gridlock in Washington, panic on Wall Street, riots in London, high unemployment and budget cuts all around. Are these difficulties strictly economic and political, or are there moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions to our economic woes? How are these…[Read more]

The bombing in downtown Oslo and the shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the capital were intended to start a revolution to inspire Norwegians to retake their country from Muslims and other immigrants, the suspect said. What was your reaction, and given the heated rhetoric on Muslims and multiculturalism in this country, what are your [...]

Given that the Fourth of July has just past and we are now at the height of summer vacation and prime reading season, what are you reading this summer, and what books would you recommend to our Faith in Memphis  readers and why? 

Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders.

President Obama came to Memphis this week and spoke to the 2011 Class of Booker T. Washington High School about the value of education and dedication. What message do you have for this year’s graduates at BTW and other schools across the community? Love Jesus Christ with ALL of your heart, soul, mind, and strength!!  Pretty [...]

What gives you hope? Hope for me is in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  This life, with its complication and stresses, is not my ultimate home.  Home and hope for that matter, is with Jesus.  While in this world, I gain hope through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He overcame the struggles of [...]