Posts by David Oliver
Grace of Many Colors, To Meet Every Need
Back when I was a college student I believe I possessed a fairly well developed sense of style. I was certainly no clothes horse. However, whether motivated by trying to fit in with my peers or perhaps hoping to look appealing to young ladies, I was always careful to dress in a way that was…
Read MoreWhat Brings Revival? — Moody’s Secret
Recently I have been reading the inspiring biography of evangelist Dwight L. Moody written by his son, William. During the last quarter of the 19th century, until his death in 1899, Moody preached on average to over 40,000 people per week – without the aid of modern electronic voice amplification. The descriptions of halls, opera…
Read MoreUnreal Reality? Unreal!
In 2015, Rachel Dolezal became the subject of national debate when the truth materialized that this Eastern Washington University instructor was not in fact what she claimed to be – African American. Dolezal admitted that she was “born white to white parents,” but now she self-identified as black. Can a person really do that? Many…
Read MoreHonesty? Honestly!
There is an old joke about a husband and wife who were visiting a cemetery. As they placed flowers on the grave of a loved one, they noticed a marker a few feet away. Under the name of the deceased the inscription read, “A lawyer and an honest man.” The husband spoke up, “Look, Dear!…
Read MoreRegenerate Membership – A Good Idea!
Several years ago I attended a breakfast hosted by a large Grand Rapids-based publishing house. The event targeted local ministers from various denominations in order to promote recent publications. I like both books and good food so I accepted the invitation. At the breakfast I sat next to an Episcopalian rector. As we talked, I…
Read MoreNew vs. Old – why updating doctrinal statements does not represent change
I have no aversion to new things. In my lifetime, microwave ovens, personal computers, cell phones, and a list of other innovations have made life easier. I am glad for that. However, when it comes to religion and morality I am firmly opposed to innovation. Christianity is an ancient faith, founded by Jesus Christ, the…
Read MoreWhat Use is Confinement in the Lord’s Service?
Following his bold testimony at the Diet of Worms, in order to protect him, friends had Martin Luther imprisoned in Wartburg Castle. Initially, he did not know who had captured him or where he was confined. While the drama of the Reformation raged on in the world outside, Luther remained in seclusion for nearly a…
Read MoreNew York’s Reproach
Although I have lived most of my life in the great state of Michigan, I am by birth a native of the Empire State, New York. I was born in a small town at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, three hours north of New York City. (A town, by the way, that was also…
Read MoreThe Laborers Are Few
Current cultural and religious trends in our country are alarming and ought to be upsetting to the faithful Christian. Church attendance is down. The number of churches in our country is declining. Enrollment in Bible colleges and seminaries is dropping. Bible reading is less and less common. There is increasing popular support for the legalization…
Read MoreTreating Trauma with Prayer
As a fire service chaplain I have been exposed to extreme forms of crises most pastors never encounter. Frequently I have to minister to the victims of these tragedies as well as to the firefighters themselves. To better equip myself for this unique ministry, I have attended several conferences dealing with trauma and stress. The…
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