Chief Shepherd

Domino’s Pizza has been creating quite a buzz by running television commercials that trash their product. The spots confess that many consumers thought their crust tasted like “cardboard” and the sauce like “ketchup”. The company had encouraged feedback from the public and they were stung by their honesty and/or meanness. Their reaction was to get defensive and [...]

There are basically two kinds of music that we use today: Songs that are in the public domain and those which are copyrighted. Most of the old hymns are in the public domain and can be used, produced, performed, recorded, distributed or even sold without recourse. But most of the current “worship music” that is used in [...]

(UPDATED: Oct 28, 2009, originally published Jul 4, 2008) There is a tremendous disparity in our understanding of the doctrine of holiness and/or sanctification. The definition of those terms is a matter of debate among many teachers and preachers. It is also one of the primary differences between some major denominations. Many people today believe that no [...]

What is the difference between preaching and teaching? I have had a lot of discussion in church about whether a particular person was preaching or “just teaching.” What is the difference? For some of the more “spiritual” churches, the concept appears to be that you are not preaching until you get into “high gear.” (Compare to a [...]

The New Testament Scriptures define the Source of authority. Romans 13:1 (KJV) speaks of “power” and “higher powers” and the fact that “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” The NIV translates the original Greek word here as “authority” rather than “power.” In the NIV the Scripture reads, “Everyone [...]

Can a pastor (or other person) be TOO “spiritual”? Robert Moore, Jr posted an article on his blog recently in which he spoke about leaders who are insulated from the realities of the people that they should be leading. (Read his article here.) This concept is similar to the quote that is commonly attributed to Marie [...]

In my experience, it has been rare that anyone would even take a picture at a funeral. But technology has made great strides into our traditional ways. As far back as the funeral of John F. Kennedy, television cameras made the event “available” to the common person. It is practically expected in the case of [...]

(Last update: Oct 4, 2009:  This is one of my all-time favorite articles/sermons. I just felt that it needed some “front-page” attention again so I have re-published it. I believe it will be a blessing. – Ray) I am embarrassed that in 40 years of dedicated Bible reading and study, I have often overlooked some of [...]

There is a VERY LIVELY discussion of this question that is going on on the Chief Shepherd FaceBook Page: http://facebook.com/chiefshep/ Check it out. Here are some of the highlights: Michael Johnson:  The Bible states the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, about their destruction for being wicked filled. But the Bible stresses and talks more about same sex [...]

Did he exceed his authority? What is authority? The word “authority” has many meanings in today’s language. Here are some of the definitions that I found on the web: the power or right to give orders or make decisions; “he has the authority to issue warrants”; “deputies are given authorization to make arrests … (usually plural) persons who exercise [...]