Category Archives: Christian Articles

Tony Funderburk writes and sings about the rhyme and reason for life so believers and searchers can see some of the millions of reasons to trust Jesus.

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This Present Evil Age Won’t Last Forever

Around 2000 years ago a very intelligent man wrote about grace. One of the things he said was “Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.” He wrote that, in a letter, directly TO the people of Galatia. That’s an area in the country we now call Turkey. But he also wrote it FOR you. And me…and anyone who wasn’t or isn’t a Jew but still wants to have eternal life. Do you think all that evil he was talking about has faded away in the past 2000 years?

Just read the news. Or tune in to it on the radio, TV, or podcasts. Not a day goes by without another murder story. Worse yet, multiple murder stories. And murder, while it’s the worst crime, isn’t the only evil going on in the world on a daily basis. Daily? I should say minute by minute. In fact, each second you’re reading this some human being is doing something horrible to another human being. Every second, every minute, every hour, every day. It can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to believe it might never end. But it will. Wanna know how?

We just finished celebrating Christmas, also known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus, a little over two weeks ago…as I write this. He came to earth and became a human being in order to make a way out of this present evil age. He was born as a human baby to human parents, and He grew up to be a man…just like all baby boys do. Unfortunately, as He began to fulfill His mission here on earth, He offended the wrong people, and they decided they needed to shut Him up. So, they had Him crucified. And they believed they had solved their problem. The didn’t.

The giver of Grace rose from the dead.

And here’s the kicker. Jesus still gave His people another chance. And they still rejected His gift of grace. So, He made another plan. He called on (and that’s putting it mildly) a man named Saul to take a special message to all the other people of the earth…not the ones Jesus had been working with for a long time. That’s good news for you and me because it meant anyone…anyone at all, who would put his faith and trust in Jesus could be saved and live forever.

Saul’s name was changed to Paul, and he began writing letters to the Gentiles who began putting their faith in Jesus. And we have those letters available to us in the Bible. Pick one up sometime and read the many places where Paul talks about Jesus coming back one day to end this present evil age. He’s gonna take you to Heaven with Him, if you wanna go. Then, He’s gonna put a stop to all this madness.

But Grace is a limited time offer.

So don’t miss out. Don’t just trust in feelings. They can change. But your Creator won’t change. He will always be the one true, living, loving God who made you. He will always be the One you can depend on…the only One who can give you eternal life. But you have to choose Him. He won’t force you to love Him. When you choose to put your faith and trust in Him, His grace will sustain you forever. And you only get to choose while you’re alive on planet earth. Will you pass up this limited time offer? Did I mention it’s a free gift? Why would you pass up grace and eternal life?

Stay tuned,

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Have you ever heard there’s only one gospel?

And does it matter to you? I hope it matters to you because…it matters. Your life matters. It matters to God, to your loved ones, and even to me. That’s why I spend time sharing THE Truth found in Bible. Yeah, I said “the” in capital letters, and I said it that way with good reason. Because there’s only one gospel. Let me explain…

Only One Gospel - and the right one is enough

Not every worldview or perspective or even so-called “gospel” can be true. The word “gospel” comes from an old English word, “godspell” which simply means good news or glad tidings. And that word comes from a Greek word that means “good message”. When the apostle Paul wrote about there being only one gospel, he was referring to the “gospel of Christ“. There can only be one “good news” of Christ. That good news is simply this…that Jesus came to die for his people, the Jews…they rejected Him, and so He took His message of eternal life to the Gentiles through His Apostle Paul.

Now…if that isn’t true, I’ve spent a lot of my life believing a lie, and that would make me a pretty big fool. However, there’s an overwhelming body of evidence for the authenticity and truth of this “good news” I’m talking about. You can read my rhymes and reasons about it all over this website.

But never take my word for it.

Read the Bible itself. You can find one in almost anyplace…even motel rooms all across America. After all, it’s the bestselling book of all time…for good reasons. It’s the Truth. It can be trusted. And the historical stories are tremendous. If I’m wrong about how only one gospel can be true, then maybe someday you can laugh at me in a galaxy far, far away. But if I’m right, and you’re wrong, I won’t be laughing on judgment day…and neither will you.

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to go back over the information. It’s not too late to turn around and head toward eternal life. But one day it will be too late…or just the right time. The choice is yours. Therefore choose life. Why not?

Stay tuned,

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No matter what – prayer is powerful

When you pray to the one true, living, loving Creator of all the heavens and the earth, you’re talking to the only one in existence who can make something from nothing. You’re communicating directly with the source of life…God. His power becomes your hope. His strength becomes your support. His love and sacrifice become your redemption. And that’s why prayer is powerful.

Many people think (or feel) when they don’t get the answer to their prayer they want, God must not be listening…or certainly not answering. But praying is about asking God for things and getting them. It’s about having a real, ongoing relationship with your Creator. Jesus (who IS God, by the way) calls you His friend…if you trust in Him. And like any good friend, He loves to hear from you. That’s why prayer is powerful. It gives you an open line to the only One in existence who can give you eternal life. How cool is that?!

Hearing your own prayer builds a better you.

The Bible says ” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word.” So when you pray, think of something you can remember from the Bible and add that to your prayer. Your faith will be strengthened as you say it because that’s how God’s Word works. If you’re not a Christian, you might think I’m bonkers to go on like this. And you’d be right…if it weren’t true. But it IS.

It’s vitally important to me that you understand there IS truth, and it exists because God exists. And because God exists, and because He came to earth as a man to suffer and die for your sake and mine…you can now talk directly to Him without some high priest or other go-between.

Prayer is a conversation with the one true, living, loving God who created everything from nothing. Start talking to Him today. I promise…He listens. And even though His answer isn’t always what you’d want or when you want it, prayer is powerful. What would you like to say to God or ask Him today?

Stay tuned,

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What if it was very late, and you were very tired,
and there was no room at the inn for you?

What would you do if this happened to you. You make a long trip with a pregnant wife. And you reach your destination. But you discover that no matter where you go, there’s no room at the inn for you. Can you imagine yourself in that predicament? But let’s make matters worse. What if you didn’t have a car to sleep in, no mobile phone or any other device, and no all night cafés?

Well, a couple thousand years ago that’s exactly the situation a couple ended up in. The man’s plan was to protect his family and obey the law and trust God. Yet each time he tried to get his family a place to stay, he got the same answer. There was no room at the inn. Knowing they’d have to rest somewhere, he took refuge in a stall with live animals all around.

And wouldn’t you know it, his wife gave birth…right there in that smelly place.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

It all happened for YOU.

Maybe you’ve heard the story before. And maybe someone told you about Jesus. But have you turned Him away? Have you kept your eyes and ears closed and your heart shut? Are you like those others who had no room at the inn for the Creator of the universe? If so, I hope you’ll change your mind this Christmas and give yourself the best gift imaginable. The gift of trusting in the only one who can give you eternal life. I promise…you won’t regret it.

Merry Christmas!

Stay tuned,

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Grace and truth – great ingredients

If you own or run a business or service, there are a couple of things you need that you won’t find at the office or home improvements stores. Grace and truth. Yep, they’re more important than that five handle, lumbar supporting desk chair. More important than the latest tools, treasures, and trinkets you might be eyeballing. And even more important than your iPhone or Android device. (gasp!) Without grace and truth, all the rest of those things are just rust and dust. Do I have your attention? Read on…

Yes, I’m a Christian…in fact, if you look real close at the picture above, you’ll see a Bible reference in the lower right hand corner of the blue square. But, if you’re not a Christian, this all still applies. That’s because it’s true. And truth always applies…regardless of how anyone feels about it. So, why do I say you need grace and truth for success?

First, I’ll talk about grace…

I’m not talking about ballerina grace. Or the graceful flight of an eagle. Those are nice, but the kind of grace you need, to be successful, is what I call “allowance grace”. In other words, you allow others their faults or shortcomings. And you even allow them to show you things you didn’t already know. Even if you don’t always agree. That kind of grace takes stress off you. It allows you to focus on what you’re good at and quit trying to fix everything and everybody. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes other people need fixing, and they might even need your help. But having a deep and abiding grace means you won’t be butting your nose in where it isn’t wanted or needed.

Now…what about truth?

I’m sure you’ve heard someone say something like, “Well, if it’s true for you, then it’s true.” Or maybe you’ve even heard someone say, “There is no absolute truth.” When they say that, ask them if it’s absolutely true? The main point to remember about truth is that it DOES exist. There are some things that simply ARE true. Knowing truth exists…I mean knowing without a single doubt in your mind…is powerful. It gives you a firm foundation for life. Even if you’re not a Christian, I know you’ve heard this phrase: “the truth will make (or set) you free“. Nothing could be truer.

Knowing there are truths you can depend on gives you an advantage over a moral relativist. It makes you someone others can depend on. They’ll know your word is your bond. You won’t be some fly-by-night shyster who says whatever needs to be said to separate “a fool from his money”.

Here’s where the “magic” happens.

Combine grace and truth, and you’ve got the one-two punch over your competitors. The embodiment of grace and truth is Jesus. Again…you don’t have to agree with my worldview or theology, but you won’t find anyone else in history who so perfectly portrayed grace and truth. And He said if you trust in Him, you’ll live forever. If you don’t, you’ll merely exist forever…in a place you’ll always regret. That’s when, like I said before, all your things are just rust and dust.

So which one will you get to work on first? Grace? Or truth? My guess is, when you begin to work on one, the other will seamlessly fall into place. I’m pulling and praying for you.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

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Easy Powerpoint Setup for your Church

Many, maybe even most, churches are on board with PowerPoint. If you’re one of those churches not using it, or if you’re the person in charge of your church’s sound and media, I’m gonna show you how to make powerful points with an easy PowerPoint setup. The good news is…it doesn’t require a degree in technology. And once you set up the computer and projector you just type, click, cut, and paste…and you’re good to go.

PowerPoint Setup for Churches

First: A Short Note on PowerPoint Setup For Newbies

PowerPoint is linear. That simply means you go from one step to the next, in sequence, to present your message. You can use words only, images only, words and images, or even words, images, sounds, and video. The point is…it’s easy once you learn how.

PowerPoint is an excellent tool for emphasizing the pastor’s message with some key photos or diagrams or scripture. And of course it’s the method of choice for displaying the words to the songs during Praise and Worship…much better than the bulky and

distracting overhead projectors with the loose transparencies. Setup is easy and files are digital. What more could a church media person ask for?

Get Ready To Make Your Point

When you’re ready to present the songs or sermon messages in a PowerPoint presentation, you certainly don’t want to distract the congregation by letting them see the mouse cursor all around the projector screen. In other words, you don’t want everybody seeing your windows (or Mac) desktop.

There’s a couple of ways to keep this from happening. First, if your computer is equipped with a dual video card, you simply connect one output to the computer monitor and the other to the projector. If you have a dual video card and you aren’t seeing this, you’ll just need to re-configure it by following the tutorial “Extend Desktop Mode”.

I’m pleased to say most newer computers are equipped with the dual video card, and you probably won’t have to purchase anything to get set up for dual monitoring.

If you do have to purchase a new video card, though, I recommend a dual card…one with two outputs. Installing a second “mono”card could cause serious compatibility problems, and I don’t recommend it unless you’re a total computer tech.

Check Your PowerPoint Setup

You may be asking what components and/or software you’ll need to make a great PowerPoint presentation. More good news. It doesn’t require the top-of-the-line computer, and if you have a Windows based system, you may even have the software already installed. Many computers come with at least an entry level version of PowerPoint.

All you’ll really need is the computer with dual video card, PowerPoint, a projector, a projector screen, and someone to run the gear from an out-of-the-way spot. Then…

…it’s just a matter of learning how to make the PowerPoint slides to create your presentation. And your software will probably already have templates, themes, and even graphics. With one click of the mouse you’ll be able to setup a look and feel to creatively brand your church and professionally present your message.

Newer versions of PowerPoint are designed to make it as easy to create presentations as it is to create a Word document. You’ll be able to choose formatting options and even preview the results before you save the file. It really is easy. Imagine your church’s logo in each of the Praise and Worship songs and any sermon slides. Visitors will view the message and your church will be etched in their minds.

If you already have lyrics to your Praise and Worship songs, you can simply copy and paste them into PowerPoint slides and easily create your presentation. And if you have recorded messages or songs, you can even get the words transcribed and do the same thing. Like I keep saying…it’s really easy, and your church will love the results.

OK…Now Project Your Best Points

Let’s say, for example, you’ve already created your excellent presentations for songs or sermons. Next, you’ll need to project the images somewhere everyone can see. For this you’ll need a compatible projector and screen. But what kind of projector is best for the job? How do you know which type is right for your church?

Digital projectors can range in price from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars, so you need to consider a few details before you purchase.

  • Size of your room, chapel, auditorium, or building
  • Number of people in congregation and seating arrangements
  • Space for setting up digital gear
  • Access to service and parts
  • Ease of use and durability (or reputation of manufacturer)

I mentioned access to service and parts and durability because those factors are often overlooked. It’s easy to get caught up in the “bright shiny object”syndrome and forget about how difficult it might be to get anyone to send a part or work on your projector.

More often than not your main concern will be the lamp. Replacing these can be expensive, so look for the projector that has a longer “lamp life”expectancy. A little online

research can give you some valuable insight. And lamps come in different levels of

lumens. This is the term for measuring how bright it is. More is better and costs more.

Of course you’ll need a screen for your projector, and these range in price from under $200 to several hundred dollars. Just look for one to fit the space you’ll be using, and make sure it’s a reputable company with a good service record. Most name brands fit that description.

You’re Good To Go

Think about this…one survey found almost 91% of churches using digital technology. And about 56% of those use PowerPoint. There’s no good reason you can’t do the same thing.

Don’t think of it as a difficult transition. An easy PowerPoint setup makes for better presentations. You can share the words to songs with your congregation (you won’t have to keep bulky hymnals around anymore) and share your church’s message with the world.

Stay tuned,

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P.S.  Your support for my Rhyme and Reason means the world to me. Please share by telling everyone you know to”

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
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Giving thanks – Why it matters

Here in America, we just celebrated our annual holiday known as Thanksgiving this past Thursday. It’s a day where families and friends gather together to eat too much, watch televised sports, and…oh yeah…be thankful. Yeah, unfortunately, the giving thanks part has sort of taken a back seat in too many households. That part seems to have shrunk to even less than the one day President Lincoln proclaimed to be a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens“.

Giving Thanks - it shouldn't be only one day of the year

It was great that Lincoln proclaimed a day to be set aside in America for giving thanks. And I’d like to suggest setting aside at least a little time every single day for giving thanks. I don’t mean looking up at the sky and telling “the universe” how grateful you are that good things happened to you today. I’m talking about acknowledging, to your Creator, how thankful you are for even being here…regardless of your current circumstances. It matters. Do you know why?

You’re not here by accident.

You are a created human being…created by that “beneficent Father” Lincoln talked about in his Thanksgiving Day proclamation. I don’t understand why so many people would rather believe we’re all just products of a big bang and evolutionary processes. Those things don’t inspire hope or purpose. Knowing you’re “fearfully and wonderfully made” is so much more reassuring. Wouldn’t you rather know you were made on purpose by the living, loving God of all creation? And wouldn’t it be much more reassuring to know there’s a reason why you exist? There is. Because God loves you. He wants you to have life. He wants you to live forever…and ever.

That’s why I know how important it is to be giving thanks and make every day Thanksgiving Day. After all, each day is another opportunity to be a beacon of light in this dark world. And wherever there is light, darkness flees. Will you flip on your switch today?

Stay tuned,

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P.S.  Your support for my Rhyme and Reason means the world to me. Please share by telling everyone you know to”

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
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Follow me on Twitter
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Find me on Facebook
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