Monthly Archives: April 2009

Something the Lord Made

Posted on April 30, 2009 by John Armstrong

The finest made-for-television film that I have seen in 2009 has to be the HBO production Something the Lord Made (2004). It is the dramatic story of two men—one a wealthy white chief surgeon, the other a poor black lab … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | 3 Comments

Columbine Ten Years Later: The Story of Two Pastors Who Were There

Posted on April 29, 2009 by John Armstrong

A recent issue of Newsweek (April 20) provided a very moving account of the lives of two pastors who ministered to the grieving during the time of the Columbine High School massacre ten years ago. This is “the rest of … Continue reading →

Posted in The Christian Minister/Ministry | 4 Comments

An Update on My Friend David Stopke

Posted on April 28, 2009 by John Armstrong

Many of you have been praying for David Stopke since I wrote two earlier blogs about him and the accidental shooting on April 17th. He took a turn for the better on Thursday-Friday of last week, after surgery was canceled … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment

The Soloist: My Favorite 2009 Film, So Far

Posted on April 28, 2009 by John Armstrong

The Soloist, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx, is my favorite movie in 2009, at least so far. Likely there will be better movies but this one touched me very deeply. The Soloist tells the true story of Nathaniel … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | 5 Comments

Taxation and Politics: Are You Fed Up Yet?

Posted on April 27, 2009 by John Armstrong

The morning paper sometimes ruins my breakfast. Such was the case a few weeks ago when the Daily Herald ran a front page story with the title: "Five Myths Told By Illinois Politicians." I am not surprised that there are … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

Dealing With Criticism

Posted on April 26, 2009 by John Armstrong

I learned a long time ago that anyone who entered the Christian ministry would have to deal with criticism. The late Vance Havner once said a minister needs the heart of a saint and the hide of a rhinoceros. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Unity of the Church | 2 Comments

Criticism: Have We Crossed Over the Line?

Posted on April 25, 2009 by John Armstrong

One of the favorite pastimes of modern Americans in general, and many Christians in particular, is judging or criticizing others. We seem to relish the opportunity to find fault, assign blame or just plain criticize others. This is so common … Continue reading →

Posted in Unity of the Church | 4 Comments

Focusing on the Church Outside the Walls

Posted on April 24, 2009 by John Armstrong

Emergent churches often receive considerable attention in the press because they offer an element of surprise to readers who know little or nothing about them. One such church, with the fairly typical emergent type name of Fusion Church, meets in … Continue reading →

Posted in Emergent Church | 2 Comments

An Update on David Stopke

Posted on April 23, 2009 by John Armstrong

Thanks to scores of you who have prayed for David Stopke and the Stopke family since I posted their story a few days ago. I have now been to Las Vegas and am back home again in Illinois. David was … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | Leave a comment

Prayer is Irksome

Posted on April 22, 2009 by John Armstrong

 We must be honest about it, prayer is difficult for all of us. No one is immune to this great difficulty. Only immature Christians think otherwise. C. S. Lewis wrote: Well, let’s now at any rate come clean. Prayer is … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer | Leave a comment