Archive of entries posted by Ray
Counsel to the Hot-Headed
In general, the church in America today is in great need of renewal. There is plenty to lament, and there is much work or reformation to be done. However, one major hindrance to such renewal work is well-meaning but hot-headed laborers who too easily think that offending church members is the primary mark of faithfulness. …
Luther, Believers Sing
“God has made our heart and spirit happy through his dear Son, whom he gave for our salvation from sin, death and the devil. Whoever honestly believes this, cannot leave it alone, but he must sing cheerfully and with joy and speak about it in order that others might listen and draw near. If, however, …
Bro. Ray Newcomb, a Tribute
This afternoon I got the word from my dad. Bro. Ray had entered into his heavenly rest, had gone to be with the Jesus to whom he had introduced so many. My dad had had the privilege of sitting with him during part of his stay in the hospital, and my dad was glad to …
Resources for Luther Sites in Germany
Those with whom I am connected on Facebook saw my photos and updates from my recent Luther and Bach Germany tour with the Union University Singers. It was great to visit these key places about which I have read and thought so much. I was surprised that so many places were not yet completely ready …
“Arise, My Soul, Arise”
Some of the best summaries of Reformation teaching are Wesley hymns. My poem of the week this week is Charles Wesley’s “Arise, My Soul, Arise.” We sang this grand hymn this past Sunday in church and I was reminded of what a wonderful summary of gospel truth it is. Arise, My Soul, Arise Arise, my …
A Marriage Poem by Edgar Guest
I’ve drawn my poem of the week this week from Edgar Guest, one of my favorite poets. Since this week marks my 25th wedding anniversary, I have chosen Guest’s marriage poem, “Chums.” Although I would not suggest changing the language of the “marriage rite” as he alludes, his sentiment is exactly right. (And, Guest says …
On this date 453 years ago (Feb 6, 1564), John Calvin preached his last sermon, after being carried to the church because he was too ill to get there any other way. Perhaps it is fitting then that today hard copies of the new edition of Calvin’s sermons on 1 Timothy (updated language and spelling) became …
REF500 on Dialogue with Steve Bowers
I recently had the opportunity to talk about the Reformation and our festival celebrating it’s 500th anniversary on a local television show. Steve Bowers kindly invited me on his show Dialogue which airs on JEA’s EPlus TV 6 here in Jackson. The 30 minute segment will be shown several times over the next month or …
Latest REF500 Video
We have just updated the video at our REF500 homepage. Scott Lancaster has worked his magic once again to produce this video detailing the various aspects of our festival coming up in March. I am excited about the breadth and depth of the various events associated with our festival. Come and participate in the Scripture …