Martin Luther

Today is Reformation Day, but who are we kidding? Today is Halloween! There’s a division in the house among Christians as to the origins of Halloween. Some contend it has Christian roots since Halloween means “holy eve,” the evening before All Saints...

Dmitry of Rostov

Dmitry of Rostov (1651-1709) died while praying. Literally! He was found dead in his monastic room, in a posture of kneeling.  What a way to go! Dmitry was one of the outstanding preachers of the Russian Orthodox Church at the turn of the 17th century. I read one of...

Russell Conwell

It may be the most successful fundraising speech ever given. Russell Conwell (1843-1925) delivered his “Acres of Diamonds” speech 6152 times over a span of 55 years. It is estimated that 13 million people heard his speech. In 1882 Conwell became pastor of...

Boniface

When I was a child in Sunday school, I couldn’t understand all the fuss over idol-making. I had never met anyone who worshiped a golden calf. Why, even the first two commandments deal with idol-making. So, what’s the problem? After a lifetime in ministry,...

Eusebius of Caesarea

Author Owen Barfield used to chide his agnostic literary colleague C.S. Lewis, for his “chronological snobbery” in his early years. Barfield coined this phrase to describe the attitude that the present is superior to the past. Could the same be said of our...