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Continue reading →: “Jesus Card” is a Christian’s ace in the deck
By guest contributor, Matt Cook Back in February, I read about an unfortunate situation that occurred in Arizona. A pastor of a large congregation visited a local Applebees one night after church. With a large crowd in attendance, the store automatically charged an 18% gratuity as most restaurants do. When…
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Continue reading →: “So Send I You”: An Easter Sermon
(Sermon preached on March 31, 2013. Text: John 20:1, 19-23.) On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary went to the tomb and found it empty. (John 20:1) I. Preaching on Easter Sunday is difficult for us pastors. Sure, we’re excited about the occasion; we…
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Continue reading →: Easter Christ-Clothes include compassion and forgiveness
Like most ministers, I look forward to Easter every year at church. We have special services, breakfast, and see families who are visiting from out of town. Everyone wears their best Easter clothes, and I wear my Easter bow tie. This will be about the eighth Easter in a row that…
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Continue reading →: Sabbath happens when we reach the end of our words (and worlds)
By Joe LaGuardia “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). All that we do Is touched with ocean, yet we remain On the shore of what we know. (Richard Wilbur) I. Words are the most valuable resources we pastors have. I agree with Walter Brueggemann who wrote…
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Continue reading →: “All Glory, Laud and Honor” even in trials and tribulation, a Palm Sunday reflection
This weekend many churches will observe Palm Sunday and sing the classic hymn, “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” penned by Theodulf of Orleans. It is a high-church, soaring hymn that lifts hearts heavenward and voices aloft. The original writing of it actually took place in the harshest of circumstances. God is…
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Continue reading →: The church custodian’s perspective
I am convinced that every pastor needs to do the custodial duties in his or her church for a few weeks. Nothing gives someone a greater appreciation for the church than to clean up after a busy week of worship, fellowship, and discipleship. I had the distinct privilege of being…
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Continue reading →: Biblical evidence on divorce challenges notions of power, not convenience
One of the most controversial issues in church and culture is that of divorce. Even in an age that focuses on non-traditional relationships, divorce abounds and marriages are still as fragile as ever. This year, the Supreme Court will look at the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. I…
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Continue reading →: Baptists Celebrate Women in Ministry in February
Every February, Baptist Women in Ministry (www.bwim.info) encourages churches to celebrate women ministers and invite women clergy to preach. It is a time to recognize that women and men alike, equal in partnership, are critical in spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m not sure when my own enthusiasm for…
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Continue reading →: Church in the Middle: A “State of the Church” address
This sermon was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church, Conyers, on February 17, 2013, as the State of the Church address. Texts: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 I. In 1976, Argentina fell under a military dictatorship and hundreds of political prisoners were executed or imprisoned. Three prisoners, all women, requested that a…
Engaging Heart, Mind, and Soul
Rev. Dr. Joe LaGuardia
Rev. Dr. Joe LaGuardia is a pastor, writer, and chaplain residing in Florida. He is author of three books and regular contributor to Smyth & Helwys’ Formations Series. His articles have appeared in USA Today, Baptist News Global, Christian Ethics Today, TCPalm, and Rockdale Citizen.
Baptist Spirituality explores the intersection of faith and culture incorporating biblical scholarship, culture and the arts, politics, science, and theology.
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