Sunset times are usually important for your outdoor and beach weddings, especially when it comes to photography. There are two things to remember when planning a sunset wedding… 1) The rate at which the sun will drop: During the Spring and Fall months, like April and October, the sun will actually appear to drop quicker than during the summer months. … Continue reading →
I am sometimes asked “Where at the beach is the best place to have the wedding?” The answer to that depends on if you are staying at a condo or other lodging along the beach and if you’re asking about the Alabama, Mississippi, or NW Florida beach. Usually, the best spot is right where you are lodging because it is easiest … Continue reading →
The Word of God is the foundation upon which the church operates and is the basis for which the church is governed, and here is a listing of what the Bible is… Breathed out by God – 2 Timothy 3:16 Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:16; Hebrews 3:7; 2 Peter 1:21 Christ sanctioned – Matthew … Continue reading →
I want to share with you three verses on the topic of facing trials, along with some brief pastoral commentary… 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also … Continue reading →
I don’t want to call this a rant, though in some ways that is how it is swelling up within me. In recent months and years I have found it disheartening to see so many young pastors advertising their know-how as a commodity to sell to other pastors in order to be like them in their wisdom, experience, and success. … Continue reading →
The Covenant Marriage Ceremony is a lot like a Vow Renewal ceremony in that it is all “in the eyes of God” rather than in the eyes of the state. With recent changes in state marriage laws I am now happy to offer a Covenant Marriage Ceremony for Christian brides and grooms who meet the requirements as listed below. The … Continue reading →
The marque sign outside of the United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama read: The End is Near!! Just Kidding We Don’t Know. That signed humored me because in my understanding of Christianity, the only way a church would not know that the end is near is if it does not open, read, or teach the Bible. The theme of the … Continue reading →
Here are some things to consider on unclean foods… The Christian life is one of living by faith, and sometimes being obedient by faith is harder than being obedient by works (or law) because we feel accomplished by a behavior but uneasy by faith because it “is the substance of things unseen” (Hebrews 11:1). In Romans 14:2-3 we are counseled to refrain from … Continue reading →
When I was baptized in 1981 as a new Protestant follower of Jesus Christ, the pastor who baptized me suggested that I pick a “life verse” and he would read it to the church as we stood in the baptistery. He explained that a life verse would serve my go-to Bible promise through different trials and circumstances as I journeyed … Continue reading →
Americans tend to think of themselves as independent, being free thinkers who choose to exercise their own political decisions. When we side with one political view over the other we generally find ourselves accused of not being independent and not thinking for ourselves. It’s an argument that is not easily confronted because political views are often emotionally held. Unless, one … Continue reading →
Are the Sons of God spoken of in Genesis 6:1-4 really fallen angels who had sexual relations with human beings? The passage in question says, “when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them … Continue reading →
Let’s look at the verse in question, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:4). The word used here for “hell” is “tartaroo” which is a unique word and the only times it’s used in the Bible. I know that some … Continue reading →
You will need a marriage license from the state in which you plan to get married in, before I can officiate your wedding. The marriage license gives me the legal authority to officiate and make your union legal. NEW IN 2018: Some states like Texas, and some counties in Tennessee and Arkansas have begun issuing marriage licenses to their citizens … Continue reading →
In Romans 11:26, Paul says “And so all Israel shall be saved” but doesn’t he mean spiritual Israel and not literal Israel? This is a key verse for those who believe all Jews will be saved by virtue of their being born into a Jewish family or literal Israel, because they also further believe that the Jews will be saved … Continue reading →
In 2006 I was working at a local hospital as a chaplain and taken back by a high number of patients who could express and articulate their personal belief in Jesus Christ and convictions in biblical doctrines, yet who also had no involvement and fellowship in any church congregation. Many of these same individuals also shared stories with me of … Continue reading →
Over the years I have officiated weddings along side a family member of friend whom the couple wanted involved in the ceremony, but who couldn’t officiate because of not being church ordained. Most of these individuals have been a godly family member or a friend who was active in their Christian church or was in the process of going to … Continue reading →
Getting married in the state of Alabama is now a little different than it use to be. The traditional marriage license has been replaced in Alabama by an affidavit document system, which means a couple will need to receive paperwork from any Alabama county courthouse, then get a Notary of Public to verify signatures, and then return that paperwork to … Continue reading →
Here are a few videos available on my YouTube channel. If you visit there you’ll find a few more, including several that our more current. If you click the “More Information” link on the top right hand corner of the video it will give you an overview of the clip.
Continue reading →The question is about Luke 23:43 and the thief going to Heaven that day, but we know that Jesus didn’t ascend into Heaven until 40 days later, so how do we understand this contradiction? Well, let’s begin with the actual verse of Luke 23:43 says, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with … Continue reading →
This morning at CrossHope Chapel as we looked at Genesis 3, I had mentioned that I didn’t cover something that I had noted to bring out in our study discussion, and that was 10 effects of sin on humanity specifically mentioned in this chapter. So, here are 10 Effects of Sin in Genesis 3: Sin caused separation between Christ and … Continue reading →
On this page, I’ve posted a portion from my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” on 3 ways to do your vows. You can use these to adapt, customize, or to get you thinking about creating your own. Also, as you scroll down you’ll find a list of verbs you can use to help you in your vow writing exercise. If … Continue reading →
My Dad, Louis S. Durkac, died this morning, September 4, 2019. He was 91 years old and the adopted father of 5 adopted children, and he himself was adopted. He died just 2 days shy of his 67th wedding anniversary with my Mom, Irene, whom he leaves behind in a fight against dementia. I am the middle child of the … Continue reading →
As far as the general order of the ceremony, there are 6 parts: Presentation of the Bride, Introduction to the Ceremony, Exchange of Marriage Vows, Exchange of Wedding Rings, Special Feature (sand ceremony, unity candle, etc.), Pronouncement of Married Couple. You can read more about these in detail in my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” or just ask me! … Continue reading →
If you are blending families with your new marriage, it can be important to include some type of blended family ceremony – if it is appropriate and will not cause any backlash with an ex-spouse and your future relationships. Over the years I have seen some good ways to include step-children and some not so good ways to include step-children into your … Continue reading →