Friends – Southern Reformed Smoker

Men, Whiskey, Cigars, Books, and Minstry

Now that I have had a score of years experience in hospitality and teaching men I should like to make a few observations and suggestions oh how Christians should approach men and ministry among them. Never Underestimate Laziness I’ll be the first to admit that giving a lecture or a sermon is where I live.Continue reading “Men, Whiskey, Cigars, Books, and Minstry”

Tying up some Loose Ends

As an addendum to what I have previously written here are two more things to consider when rendering judgement on the scenario around Matt Chandler and his leave of absence. First for those who are holding their breath for fresh revelations and new recriminations a word in season from my teacher to consider. Presented withoutContinue reading “Tying up some Loose Ends”

Flawless Church Discipline?

Introduction Hot takes are not our thing here so with a few weeks having gone by with no new revelations I think it is acceptable to sit down and watch some game film and admit to ourselves that Matt Chandler was just railroaded and the perp got away with it. A Three Ring Circus AtContinue reading “Flawless Church Discipline?”

Your World as I See It: Never Had a Friend

As Solomon says everything comes around again, and like clockwork comes a thread a Twitter thread that makes its way before my eyes via Not the Bee. The topic is one of my old hobby horses to flog, that men and women can not and should not be friends. Had I a beleaguered manservant IContinue reading “Your World as I See It: Never Had a Friend”

Not Your Best Friend

Editors Note: Having returned from my travels and recovered from the Rona, I now am pleased to post this first article of the year. Thanks to any regular readers for your patience. Because I am not that smart or just bursting with new ideas I am going to return to a few of my hobbyContinue reading “Not Your Best Friend”

Edified by Wasted Time

I had an interesting dinner the other night. My guest was a ruling elder at one of the largest (if not the largest) Presbyterian churches in our fair city. Over our second scotch and after a lengthy discussion of the original series Star Trek movies, he suddenly shifted the topic. He brought up everything weContinue reading “Edified by Wasted Time”

Gratitude for Third Places

I would recommend reading the following two articles before continuing https://letterandliturgy.wordpress.com/2021/03/15/on-male-friendship-and-the-local-church/ Having spent a good portion of my last fifteen years studying the Biblical Manhood movement it is rare that I find writing on the subject that moves beyond the usual pablum. They articulate very well not only a part of the problem but alsoContinue reading “Gratitude for Third Places”

Overlooking for Joy

There are complicated passages of Scripture and there are easy ones. I would like to take one of each sort show how they are connected and then apply them across a few scenarios in the hope that all five of you who read this will be edified. “Good sense makes one slow to anger, andContinue reading “Overlooking for Joy”

From the Ground Up

Irish comedian Dylan Moran has a bit where he challenges the construction of the human body. Indeed this is something of a trope among atheistic comedians, that they find humans to be poorly formed. And indeed there are foibles in life, age and infirmity, increase these. But the simple answer to these disparagement is theContinue reading “From the Ground Up”

Hospitality for the Long Haul

Hospitality is a long term commitment. Anything that is a command of God is a long term commitment. Sanctification slowly changes and improves us, forming us into the image of Christ. All of God’s commands are given for His glory and our good. Hospitality comes with numerous blessings from God to us, and is alsoContinue reading “Hospitality for the Long Haul”