Building bridges

The future of America’s political discourse Igrew up in a small town in Michigan, where my viewpoints were shaped by the people and context of the times—rooted in religion, community service and a suspicion of government intervention.

Jesus inviting us to follow Him

It occurs to me when I remember hymns such as “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow,” “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” “Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me”—what does it mean to follow Jesus? Of course, literally countless sermons have addressed this; and entire books have been written about it.

Sacrifice is worth it

Mark 1:28 tells us, “And immediately His fame spread abroad throughout all the region about Galilee.” Mark wants us to know Jesus was famous - I like that. Jesus was the first rock star, the first major celebrity. People had never seen or experienced anyone like Jesus.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear editor. I am writing this in response to an article in The Rockdale Reporter, published Aug. 15, 2024. The article in question as an editorial by David Currie a retired Baptist minister entitled, “Constitution.” In this article, there are some things that I do agree with.

LOOKING BACK

10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO… A crowded house greeted the opening of Rockdale’s revival Sunday night at the First Baptist Church. In the absence of the of the Evangelist, Pastor Garrett preached the opening sermon, and also conducted the service Monday night.

Milam County taxes and tax rates

This year we will drop the tax rate $0.0712 from 61.32 cents to 54.2 cents per $100 valuation and lowered overall taxes on existing properties by a little over $145,000.

‘When pigs fly’ in several different tongues

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Last week something funny happened on the Rockdale Fair and Rodeo social media page when they were announcing who the musical acts will be at this year’s Fair in October. The headliner for Saturday night, October 19 was first posted as Braxton Hicks.

Bearing fruit

Itaught on the Parable of the Sower on Sunday (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). Not only do we find the unbelieving world hard hearted, superficial and worldly but sometimes we have to raise our hands and say, “Me too.” I’m not sure many people are critical thinkers in 2024.

‘And the Word became flesh’

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1). A minister waiting for his flight was spending some of his time browsing in the airport gift shop. He was in a small section of the store that featured patriotic souvenirs and memorabilia.

Constitution

It’s time to re-read this document in light of Christian Nationalism As I was watching my grandson play baseball a couple of weeks back, I spotted the following on the back of an acquaintance’s T-shirt: “The Constitution does not need to be rewritten; it needs to be re-read.