Texts:       James 1: 17-27    Mark 7: 1-8 By:            Jerry Hurst, D.Min.         As someone who has followed American literature, and who has read the writings of authors throughout the history of our country, I have come across and saved certain quotes which I liked – never really sure when they might come ... Continue

Texts:       Psalm 51: 4-8     John 13: 20-30 By:            Jerry Hurst, D.Min.         There is a story told about a couple well into their 80s who were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  Their church had thrown this lavish party for them, and had them sitting at a head table in the fellowship hall.  ... Continue

Texts:          Hebrews 11: 1-3  Psalm 50: 1-8; 22-23 By:               Rev. Jerry Hurst, D.Min. A few years ago one of the rages was hidden 3-D images. These are pictures that, on one level, are one thing, but at another level are something quite different. The instructions are generally to position the image at ... Continue

Texts:       Psalm 146          Mark 7: 24-37 By:            Jerry Hurst, D.Min.      “What is it about ‘NO’ that you do not understand?”  I was sitting in a barbershop waiting to get my half-a-haircut (as my son would say) when I saw that phrase by the barbershop door.  I am sure that slogan has ... Continue

Texts:           Luke 11: 1-13                   Colossians 2: 6-15 Date:           July 25, 2010 By:               Jerry Hurst A few years ago, Pam and I linked up with my friend Rick Young, was then the pastor at the Conroe Presbyterian Church, to a group from our respective churches to the Middle East, Jordan and Israel to ... Continue

Texts:           Mark 6: 1-13           II Corinthians 12: 2-10 Date:           July 18, 2010 By:               Jerry Hurst, D.Min.            When I was growing up in a little village about 12 miles northeast of Charlotte, N.C., our church always held a homecoming event on the last Sunday in July. There would be tables and folding ... Continue

Texts:          Amos 7: 7-17                    Luke 10: 25-37 By:               Jerry Hurst, D.Min. When I was working with the Drama Department at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and I was cast in an ensemble role, the director of the play would generally ask several of us to be understudies for another part in the play.  ... Continue

Texts:       Galatians 5: 1, 13-15          Psalm 146 Date:         July 4, 2010  By:             Jerry Hurst, D.Min.  When Frances Scott Key wrote his poem, The Defense of Fort McHenry, he put it in the context of some serious fireworks: The rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air; gave proof through the night that our flag ... Continue

Texts:           Psalm 77: 1,2; 11-15                   Luke 9: 51-62 Date:             June 26, 2010 By:                 Jerry Hurst, D.Min.  Someone once said that life is like juggling crystal balls and tennis balls. A good and healthy life depends upon knowing which ones not to drop. Your crystal balls are first and foremost, your faith in Jesus Christ, ... Continue

Texts:             Ephesians 2: 1-10       John 3: 1-17  Date:              June 20, 2010 By:                   Jerry Hurst, D.Min. Grace is the dearest piece of good news the church has for the world. Grace is also, however, fiercely difficult to grasp. In the Bible, as throughout church history, grace has been a source of joy and celebration but ... Continue