Cows in the Pews

I wrote a book.  I self-published the book. And now I intend to build my “platform”. Basically, the exact opposite of what seems to be the norm. You’re supposed to get a blog going, establish your social media presence, and then write and publish your book; all to get yourself out there so you have people who might … Continue reading Opening Thoughts →

So far, about fifteen people have read Cows in the Pews and the Atheists Too, thankfully giving me some much needed feedback.  Some friends, some family, my editor, me, again, and again, and again.  Not all have commented much past telling me they found it interesting and well written ( as subjective as that can be).  … Continue reading “What’s up with the title and the cover imagery, George?” →

Now to the imagery. The man on the path is walking through life faced with two overarching choices represented by the image on his right and on his left. And in front of him the path leads to light. In the broadest sense, the choices available to us when it comes to the deeper meaning … Continue reading “What’s up with the title and the cover imagery, George?” Part II →

I do? Says who? Says the self-publishing industry driven by the practices and protocols set forth by those with the knowledge, experience, and measurable success as self-published authors to guide those of us just getting started. Well, here’s another example of me doing things a bit out of the norm by publishing Cows in the Pews … Continue reading “You have to have a platform George…” →

Before we get too far along with the construction of the platform I aim to build here, I need to bring a little more context to who I am, what I offer, and what you can expect if you continue visiting cowsinthepews.com.  As I’ve said before, I’m a Christian. That’s the only label we should … Continue reading The First piece of the platform… Reconciliation →

Before you start building, you gotta have a plan.  Which means you gotta give some thought to the end you have in mind or whatever it is you hope to achieve.  Common sense to most I’m sure but, just stating the obvious to be  clear on where I’m starting and why.  So, in the broadest sense, … Continue reading Framing The Platform →

In today’s PC culture, one of the underlying “philosophies” I’ll call it, is the idea that we are not supposed to judge anyone. I’d like to explore this notion in context of the word of god and its application in our day-to-day interactions and relationships with other members of the body of Christ as well … Continue reading The PC Culture and No Judgment →

It’s funny how people pick and choose what part’s of the bible they will and won’t believe. Take  praying for example and I’m not talking about when to pray, how to pray, what to pray, etc. I’m talking about where.  Now, I’m sure your average run-of-the-mill churchgoing Christian knows plenty about prayer.  After all, it’s certainly an intricate … Continue reading Funny How People Pick and Choose Scripture They Will and Won’t Abide By →

I’ve gone on and on about the platform I’m building from the beginning of the year  through five posts. I figure it’s time for me to tie things together in case you think I’m meandering along without any real point. I started with the reason for and the need for a platform. I referenced I Corinthians 3: … Continue reading Are You Seeing The Frame of The Platform? →

In my last post, I spoke of the responsibility we all have to “face God” and take on the role of a judge in order to make an informed decision regarding the veracity of His testimony, the written word of God. I also acknowledged that facing God is a scary thing (well, not if you … Continue reading Facing Yourself is Even Scarier… I get that Too… →

    Ephesians 3:1-9 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when … Continue reading The Dispensation of the Grace of God →

II Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.   In a word, no.  I would say it certainly needs … Continue reading Does the Bible Need “Interpretation”? →

For starters, I’m a believer, you’re not.  I am forgiven, you are not.  I am spiritual, you are carnal.  Which is to say, we are as different as different can be. At the extremes, we both look out at the world from such different perspectives, it’s no wonder there’s such division in the world. To … Continue reading The Difference Between me and “You” →

    Picking up from where I left off in Part I: “It is my firm belief that there are many, many “Christian” organizations, unbeknownst to their congregants, interpreting or mishandling the bible and is the reason why it’s so important for people to read and study the bible for themselves.” Continuing along the vein … Continue reading Does the Bible Need “Interpretation”? Part II →

    This is gonna be another mirror thing; another “Who’s in the mirror?” when you look at yourself. Some direct, in your own face, introspection. This will be a scary journey for many because many seem to not have the wherewithal to look themselves directly in the eyes and ponder these things. So, find … Continue reading The Presumption of “Knowing” →

    Cows In The Pews and The Atheists Too became even more relevant this week. An article posted Tuesday, 05 June 2018 by Alex Newman at www.thenewamerican.com entitled Liberals May Win Control of Largest U.S. Protestant Denomination opens with these paragraphs: The Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest protestant denomination and a historically conservative wing … Continue reading The Spiritual Battle Rages On →

From the man in the mirror, your carnal self, the old you. In each and every circumstance each and every day, we make choices to live as either the carnal, unsaved, old man version (the man in the mirror) or as the spiritual, saved, new man version; the new creature comprised of soul and spirit … Continue reading Saved?… From what? Or, from whom? →

  One aspect of Christianity at large that I’ve considered throughout my life are all the “Church” buildings. Why are there so many? Why do they all have different names somehow distinguishing them from all others? What purpose do they really serve beneath the appearance of being a “Christian” church? Why are the more ostentatious … Continue reading Why Do You Sit in the Pews? →

    People that know I’m a Christian, also know that I’m not perfect. My wife of 38 years knows it first hand, as do my two grown boys, my brother and sister, my parents (God rest their souls), extended family, etc. The people I work with day in and day out know I’m a … Continue reading I’m Not Perfect, but I am Perfected →

  As I state in my Bio, I consider myself a minister without portfolio.  I haven’t attended any seminaries, Christian colleges, etc. to acquire supposed/expected credentials required to hold any type of pastoral office.  However, I have been a student of the bible for about 36 years and I obviously think I have an understanding … Continue reading Absence Of Correction →

  Interesting question, don’t you think?  The reason I find myself wondering this is as a continuation of my last post titled, “Absence of Correction”.  Think about how Jesus as a person is characterized by man’s religion.  Things like “Jesus is love”, “Jesus loves me”, “Jesus loves the little children”, “Jesus is kind”, “Jesus take … Continue reading Was Jesus a “Nice Guy”? →

  It occurred to me recently that I haven’t offered many details about the moment in my life when I chose salvation. I’ve written and self-published Cows In The Pews and the Atheists Too and I’ve published several posts on my website cowsinthepews.com writing thousands of words. My sole intent has been and will continue … Continue reading When and How I Became Convinced (What Convicted Me) →

  Psalms 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.   Psalms 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.   Philemon 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my … Continue reading Absence of Fear →

  II Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?   Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life … Continue reading Absence of Faith →

In my last post titled “Absence of Faith” I discussed faith from the standpoint of a simple definition, passages that offer a deeper meaning, and how we go about obtaining it.  Much of it was pretty rudimentary for many people.  In this post, I would like to consider Faith from the standpoint of quantity, if … Continue reading Abundance of Faith →

The biblical clock ticks…  As a continuation of my last post, let’s explore the many references to time found throughout the scriptures that I’ve been shown again and again are the key to understanding the bible. It’s pretty straight forward and makes perfect sense that time is a crucial factor when purposing to understand God … Continue reading Abundance of Faith, Part II →

              A very interesting exchange happened between Paul and Peter as described in Galatians Chapter 2.  The scene, if you will, is Paul’s return to Jerusalem fourteen years after his last visit when he had met only with Peter and the Lord’s brother, James. It tells of a situation that occurred when Paul, by … Continue reading Peter… Was To Be Blamed →

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   It’s a troubling time. All around us, the world is on course into depths of depravity few would ever have imagined. Humans are generally “good” they say. Yet, you look at the moralistic issues of our time and you … Continue reading I Listened… And believed →

I’m compelled to write about this subject because the lies being told by the liars who have managed to lie themselves into the most powerful offices of the U.S. government deserves our attention. It’s not that lying is a new thing; liars have been lying as far back as you want to look. It’s just … Continue reading Why Liars Lie →

A friend described a recent discussion he had with a co-worker who he often speaks with about faith, religion, the bible, etc.  In this particular conversation, he said they were talking about a couple of different passages from the gospels. Which passages does not really matter for the purposes of this post. What the passages … Continue reading Just Beyond Reach →