A Place Of Grace: Recent Episodes
A Place Of Grace
God’s hand may be unseen, but His work is unmistakable… Judges 4-5 is a good reminder for us when we face circumstances, trials, or situations that God is present, God is working, and God is in control… even when we ask: Where is God? In Judges 4 the people of Israel are asking this… But God is not absent…
Have you ever forgotten something that changed everything? Maybe you forgot your wedding anniversary... Maybe you forgot your wallet... Maybe you forgot your medicine... Maybe you forgot a promise you made… Forgetting can have serious consequences. But there is another kind of forgetting that is far…
Have you ever wondered how a people who had seen God part the Red Sea... watched the walls of Jericho fall... witnessed miracle after miracle... could, in only one generation, completely forget Him? That's the question the book of Judges answers. Church, if it happened to them … we would be foolish to…
It was the first Sunday of this year when we first opened this powerful letter that God, through the apostle Paul, sent to the church at Ephesus. And now here we sit— twenty-five messages later—coming to the close of this incredible letter. For many of you, this letter has become familiar ground. Week…
The American Revolution gave rise to dozens of rallying cries— In March 1775 in an address by Patrick Henry, written was an immortal line calling his fellow man to stand, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! ” Henry’s speech convinced the Second Virginia…
I had to chuckle as I read Paul’s opening words to the next portion of this letter… “ A Final Word: ”… It’s like a pastor’s last point in his sermon, you know we are not done yet, but we are getting close. There is still yet a crucial point to be made and these words draw the listeners ears to attention.…
Paul, in Ephesians 5:22-6:9 presents a vision for family life that is deeply rooted in the gospel. He calls for a radical transformation of household relationships, framing them as opportunities for demonstrating submission and mutual respect, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.…
Who we are before God is what matters most ... this is true in all of our relationships and situations of life… and our workplace is no exception! Today we have a passage that still remains in the household text. It concerns slaves and masters. While we have a particular view of slavery in America, and…
It’s a special day as we look at celebrating our young people stepping from childhood to adulthood. That transition sometimes in our minds and hearts creates a dynamic in the home that tends to become less clear. They remain our children yet they have now grown into adulthood. What does this dynamic…
Let me begin AGAIN where Paul began in verse 21 with a command that applies to every believer : “ Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. ” That means the tone of this entire passage ( from husbands and wives, parents and children, slaves and masters ) is not domination. It is humility.…
Today we’re stepping into a passage that, if I am honest, carries a lot of weight. For some, it raises questions. For others, it brings tension. And for some, it may even carry pain. We’re going to be in Ephesians 5:21–33 —a passage that talks about marriage, about submission, and about love. And before…
In our passage today we are shifting form looking at and dealing with specifics in our lives and hearts to more GENERAL areas for us to consider. There is a strong emphasis of some BASICs here of living and walking this Christian life! As we make this shift our passage begins with “SO” or “THEREFORE”…
When I originally started my sermon last week it was going to be one message… due to time constraints and a desire for us to get a fuller picture I broke this into two Sundays. Verses 1-7 developed a picture for us concerning the DARKNESS of this world and even that we can find ourselves struggling with…
My wife and I could not understand why our two year old son was hitting his face with his toy phone. As new parents we felt this was not normal. It was a few days later that my wife determined it was my fault that our son was hitting his face. As Lisa observed me speaking on the phone she noticed how…
Someone once stated: “ If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down .” This statement is true of our Christian walk as well. Fortunate for us, we are not left wondering what is is that we need to “ give up ”. As we continue in this letter of Ephesians Paul clearly lays out for you and…
Friday we saw Death Had No Power At the Cemetery we celebrated Death Has No Grip NOW… consider with me how Death Has No Victory! The resurrection firmly establish Jesus Christ’s VICTORY over Sin & Death… HE HAS RISEN! Why do we answer “Indeed”??? INDEED= without question, undeniable, it is reality or…
Some may look at the title I have for tonight as we just finished remembering Christ Death ( communion )… no doubt each of us in this room have been impacted by death… and all of us face death one day. In Romans 5:12 we read… When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death…
There is a popular Naval Incident shared: A captain's order in a crisis carries authority because of their rank . A famous story tells of a battleship Captain encountering a light while at sea. He sends a message, "Change your course 10 degrees south." The reply comes: "Change your course 10 degrees…
CHI Health Article … Some 30 trillion cells make up the human body. Miniscule but efficient, cells do the work that makes the body function… (Each cell has a function and a lifespan. A healthy cell in a healthy body will do its function effectively during it’s lifespan) When the body gets cancer, normal…
For our passage today I will be taking two weeks to cover this in its entirety. There is a wealth of vital information and some pertinent directives in this passage that I feel deserve our time and our focus. I do not want to rush our study through this wonderful letter to the Ephesians and I am sure…
We have reached the literary HINGE POINT of this book of Ephesians. There is a distinct shift… We read in Ephesians 4:1 the opening word “ THEREFORE ”... This is a very common and effective way that Paul communicates his points in his letters, a shift occurs that drives home the emphasis:. There is an…
There’s a cherished moment in history when King Louis 14th of France was attending a sumptuous banquet. The hall was filled with nobility, all more than a little intimidated by the king's stature. Suddenly, a small figure dashed in — the king's son! Ignoring the opulence around him, the boy climbed into…
I think some of you had a difficult week. Some of you may have more questions than answers as this week closes… I read an interesting quote this week that has stuck with me as I prepared for my message this week… When Charles Swindoll was asked by a student what is the most impacting thing God had taught…
Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church around 61AD … It would have been roughly 30 years earlier that Jesus would have His disciples around Him, standing at what some called the gates to the underworld… a center for worship to Satan and many other false gods. It is here that we have the words…
When we think of walls coming down or great barriers coming down for many of us the thought of the Berlin wall that separated East and West Europe comes to mind. The great Iron Curtain. This wall was very physical (Baltic Sea to Adriatic Sea), but it was also political (communist on one side and capitalist…
Today we are looking at GOD’S WORKMANSHIP and discovering the MASTERPEICE WORK OF GRACE ... In Genesis 1 we see God’s workmanship… after six days of creation with mankind being the pinacol of this creation God says “ It is VERY GOOD! ”… The Greek word for workmanship or masterpiece is Poema (poiema)……
I love the hymn sweet hour of prayer… There have been men of God who spent 3hours in prayer because a day was going to be harder and many of us if we pray for 3 minutes feel as though it was an hour!!!! Prayer is HARD WORK ! It is a POWERFUL privilege God has given the believer! Today we are looking…
Last week I spoke in error at one point in my message to you… As I shared with you that our BELIEFS CREATE BEHAVIOR I pointed to the scriptures and said, “ at least they should. ” The truth is that OUR BEHAVIOR will reveal and reflect what we truly believe… not what we merely give lip service to. Last…
I expect and hope that this week you read Ephesians through at least once. Reading through once a week as we study through this letter in Scripture will solidify the theme of BELIEF CREATES BEHAVIOR … In your reading of this letter you are fully aware that this morning we are looking at some very powerful…
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a letter… There is an author or writer of the letter There is an audience or those receiving the letter…
LIGHT… it is just fitting around this time of year. In the winter months we seem to miss the light more than ever. In our home we have a tradition where we load up in the car, sometimes we pack hot chocolate, we turn on Christmas music and we go driving around looking for Christmas lights. Something…
Love … a word that has such a vast range of meaning whether in the scriptures or in our culture today. I love a good cup of coffee early in the morning as the sun is coming up or as the snow falls to the ground I love a tender steak grilled just right with a side of mashed potatoes and grilled corn with…
We come to the Advent or Coming of JOY… HOW DO DEFINE JOY??? That which brings gladness It is something found in the heart of a person The heart’s state of BEING It is a condition of the heart (it is an emotion, something felt) It stems from a CAUSE or SOURCE!!! Here is a question to begin with today...…
On this Sunday looking at the Advent of Peace… I have posed a question. Is PEACE Attainable?… I ask this question on your behalf because of my childhood. My understanding of things warped how I viewed the scripture and things God stated in His Word. When I think of Peace… (or love and joy) the song,…
Growing up, moving all over traditions seemed to be few. One tradition I have discovered that many celebrated in thier church growing up was Advent. Since I never have I thought it might be interesting to approach this season in my preaching looking at Advent. During this Season we will look at: Hope,…
When we take time to look at the world we live in, even just in the recent past year you see: Unrest in the middle east and around the world There are school shootings, mass shootings, assassinations Christians are slaughtered around the world for thier faith We continue to see the mass murders of unborn…
We live in a day when self help books flood the shelves of book stores, podcast stream the poison of self help, YouTube and other social media boats large volumes of those directing people back to themselves… Pull yourself together If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself Just believe…
Invite the kids to come up before being dismissed... How BIG is your God? What can your God do? Is there ANYTHING too hard for God? While visiting Mali Africa a local pastor told me a story about a massive Radio Tower in his small little town of Kati just outside Bamako, the capital of Mali Africa. The…
What would it look like to be in a dead church??? Their pastor graduated from a theological cemetery. They sing “Amazing Grave, How Sweet the Ground.” You might describe their worship as stiff. At the Rapture, they’ll be the first churches taken up because the Bible says, “The dead in Christ shall rise…
JEZEBEL... This name has never been on the popular list of baby girl names, and for good reason! The name Jezebel carries with it the stigma and personification of evil, wickedness, and immorality. We’re introduced to Jezebel in the Old Testament in 1 Kings 16:29-33 This Queen Jezebel... Was a murderer……
Many of you knew Zach and Mackenzie Richardson when they lived here and fellowshipped with us. Lisa and I had the privilege of visiting them on our way home from the IFCA National Convention this summer. They showed us around the family farm and they brought us to the barn where they had all of their…
What if… you could know what tomorrow held for you? Would you want to know? Would it offer you HOPE ? An old legend tells of a merchant in Baghdad who one day sent his servant to the market. Before very long the servant came back, white and trembling, and in great agitation said to his master: “Down…
My wife and I had a prolonged engagement of 13 months. In that time I would sit down and write her a “love note” each day and drop it in the mail. Many were lovey dovey, mushy and gushy. I expressed my heart, I shared my desires with her, and even from time to time would encourage her in some way to…
Ted Williams, at age 42 slammed a home run in his last official time at bat. Mickey Mantle, age 20, hit twenty-three home runs his first full year in the major leagues. Golda Meir was 71 when she became prime minister of Israel. William Pitt II was 24 when he became prime minister of Great Britain. George…
Some time had passed since John wrote his gospel introducing the world to “The Word becoming Flesh”. At the first coming of Jesus Christ, we read that Christ Himself declared , “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. “He who believes…
All the neighborhood stood still and quiet, my wife froze where she was at, I stood looking at my son… my heart beating powerfully in my chest with some of the deepest fear mixed with concern and panic that it had ever felt. Just seconds before… I watched as my young son rode his bike between our cars…
Walking… I appreciate the fact that I could walk up here this morning. I think walking is something many of us take for granted. DID YOU KNOW? The average person will walk 65,000 miles in their lifetime ( 3 times around earth) Most people walk at a speed of 3 miles per hour Your average tennis shoe will…
For one to define LOVE it is best understood by going to 1 Cor 13: 4-8 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness,…
False teaching or false teachers are those who (often very subtle and quietly) either take away from or try to add to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. When we add or take away we find that there is an opening in our lives for either subtle or blatant sin to be excused and unaddressed Peter has stressed…
It was before the Israelites entered the land that Joshua would stand before them and warn them… Joshua 24:15 “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord , choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of…
Jesus would look at His young ambitious disciple, full of passion and zeal… not that long ago this disciple would declare in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked… “ who do you say I am? ” … it would be this disciple that declared boldly without hesitation!!! … “ You are the Christ (Messiah). the Son of the Living…
BETTER… a more excellent or effective type or quality. Better is an adjective that describes something as being superior Better as an adverb that means something is done to a higher degree or more completely. As a verb, better means to improve Today we will be looking at the SUPERIORITY of Jesus Christ.…
Father’s Day… a day to honor fathers. I am grateful for the many fathers out there who have invested in their children, who have set an example to follow. I am extremely thankful for the fathers and men who have put forth the effort to lead their families according to the scriptures… those who have lived…
There are times… we come to God’s Word, hoping for it to say something or speak to some situation how we want it to. Passages like: Ephesians 6:5 or Colossians 3:22 or Portions of the Old Testament Or a book like Philemon… We find uncomfortable topics like slavery and despite searching the scriptures…
People, Places, and Time… When Lisa and I were missionaries, this church took us on as their missionaries… we were so blessed to have this church family supporting us, praying for us, and encouraging us… I distinctly remember my wife as we were driving back to the mountains to the camp we served at saying,…
While visiting Germany, I had the opportunity to tour this massive Cathedral in Cologne. The guide described how it took hundreds of years to build. She spoke of the great detail and care each generation would give to build something they would never see completed nor the magnitude of what it would be!…
Many of you this week wished me happy birthday. Thank you. I recieved a gift that I felt was very fitting as I introduce our scripture today… Nathan & Krista got me a mug that says, “ Behind every great pastor, is an AWESOME CONGREGATION! ” So very true!!! It is such a joy and blessing to shepherd this…
As we approach a day like Mother’s Day some question whether the church should recognize secular holidays in their sermons and times of worship as our focus should be upon God and His Word. I agree with this, however when it comes to a day where we honor the role of mother or father… this is far from…
Our own struggles and persecutions... Remembering in communion we always close with… until He comes… we are looking to the day in which He returns! As things on this earth get more difficult, as chaos and evil increase we long for and look for that day all the more Many have approached me over the years…
Perspective… WE ALL APPROACH SITUATIONS from unique perspectives. ( Football Example ) Sometimes it is helpful to be instructed on what is the best perspective Our view of things can be obstructed with certain perspectives OFTEN… looking back gives us one of the clearest perspectives 20/20 Sometimes…
Prayer… often thought of by the believer as the “last resort” or the “christian thing to do at certain times”. Something done when there is a need, desire, or wish We treat prayer often like a tool to get what we want from some cosmic genie Then we wonder when the pastor speaks of the POWER of PRAYER!!!…
There is a song that dates back to my earliest childhood I thought about the song again this week as I studied… That song needs Philippians! I mean a song that says to have joy only on Tuesday???? WEIRD I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy Down in my heart (where?) Down in my heart (where?) Down in my heart…
There’s a story of a family who was immigrating from Europe to the US,graciously they were given tickets on a cruise ship to come to the US.They were very poor and saved their money and brought cheese and crackers and things they knew could sustain them on the cruise. Every night they would hear people…
This Easter season we have been looking closer at our King… The King of Peace coming riding on a donkey Friday we looked at the King of Justice as Christ died for sin Death had occured The capital offense paid & atoned for Satan the serpent of old had stricken the heal… BUT… the head of this serpent…
Remembrance As we gather this evening it is for the purpose to remember what Jesus Christ did… As we gather together we remember Him as we come to the Lord’s table, an sacrament instituted by the Lord Himself… The night that He would be betrayed… Jesus did something unique with His followers The Bread……
Jesus, overlooking Jerusalem, the crowds cheering, the Pharisees mocking… I cannot fathom all that went through His heart and mind as he watched, listened, and thought. THERE ON A THAT DAY SITTING ON A DONKEY (a symbol of peace) SAT THE KING… THE KING OF PEACE!!! When it comes to peace… or the King of…
One of the saddest scenes I have seen was while kayaking down the river seeing multiple eagles soaring in the sky swooping down to the river getting their fish all the while one eagle walked along the river, not flying, not swooping… looking hungry while still walking never once spreading its wings to…
David as he pens the 19th Psalm he proclaims… Psalm 19:1 “ The heavens are telling of the GLORY of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. ” He again would so richly express in Psalm 63:1–2 “ O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns…
Through the preaching of George Whitefield in the eighteenth-century Robert Robinson was saved out of a background that was gross and godless. Robinson was in his young twenties. In fact, at the age of twenty-three, in 1758, he was led of God to put into print his testimony which we know today as the…
A Letter… we get bills, taxes, political junk, and even those advertising to us… yet when we get a LETTER especially addressed to us, personal, maybe even from someone we know… it sparks interest, all other things are tossed and we open it up, sit down maybe and read the letter… The letter we will look…
I was told that Kevin and Kim’s grandson came running into the kitchen at his home excited about the song playing on the radio. The song was “He is exalted”. All excited he said “Hey mom… it said exalted just like you are!” His mother Alex replied, “the radio said exalted, NOT EXHAUSTED!” I am glad as…
Why Another Gospel? In Matthew we see a gospel focused to Jews describing the powerful prophecy being fulfilled ( ANOINTED ONE ) In Mark we see a gospel with urgency to make it know to mankind ( SERVANT / SAVIOR ) In Luke we see a detailed account of Jesus’ life in consecutive order expressed for Jew…
“Charles Templeton” Around 1949 a well known evangelist was just beginning his ministry that would catapult him onto a world wide platform… his name was Billy Graham . However around this time was an even more gifted speaker, one who was winning souls to Christ on an even more impressive rate and level……
The gospels are NOT biographies. They do tell about the life of Jesus Christ, but they are written each with a specific purpose, to an intended audience, and deliver similar but particular specific subject matter. The gospel of Mark is no different regarding this. To help us better understand Mark’s…
It had been almost 2000 years since God blessed Abraham ( Genesis 12 ) … “ I will bless you and make you a great nation… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed .” It has been almost 1500 years since God promised David ( 2 Samuel 7:16 ) … “ I will establish your throne forever ” It has…
We come to our final book of the Old Testament and final book of the Prophets… It marks the end of God’s speaking to His people through prophets The next prophet to speak would be John the Baptist 400 years later His message would prepare the way for the Promised Messiah It sets the tone for the coming…
We looked last week at Haggai. He was a seasoned man of God. His age, maturity, and message from God was used to bring “ ENTHUSIASM ” back to the people of Israel as they were now starting over back in their land. Alongside of this man of God was a younger counterpart, filled also with this enthusiasm…
Webster defines TIME this way: a non-spatial continuum that is measured in terms of events ( priorities ) which succeed one another from past through present to future “I don’t have enough time” “I will get to it when I find time” “I wish I had more time” Quotes on time Time is free, but it’s priceless.…
You and I are INVITED … as we look at this divine invitation, we started by looking at THE TIME… realizing Christ came at the right time! A MERRY CHRISTMAS was defined: It is a pleasure to declare the Messiah has been sent! Which indicates the next part of the invitation to consider… THE PLACE… Among…
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! This is a phrase used greatly around this time of year. Being a geek about words and their meanings I was slightly surprised this week when I realized I had not taken time to look into the root meanings of this simple yet powerful phrase so many state. Christ - mas: CHRIST: comes from…
It was February of this year that we began this journey through the scriptures. We have been looking at the consistency and flow of the scriptures book by book in OVERVIEW. As we look over the Word of God we are seeking to discover several key things: who God is ( revelation ) what God wants from us…
This morning I would like you to open your bibles to the Minor Prophet book of Habakkuk… ugh more prophet books… they can be such a downer… Do We Need This? Do we need another prophetic book? Do we need to hear again how God is upset with sin? Do we need to hear about more grace? Do we need to hear God…
CONFIDENCE … where or what or who is your confidence put in: ??? Is it your wealth (bank account)… We see Job lost all of his in one day Is it your power or status (or one who is in power)… we see in a moment God took that away from Nebuchadnezzar Is it your strength, (what makes you feel strong, fearless,…
We look around our world today… we cry out, injustice, injustice, longing for justice to be served… ENTER INTO A COURTROOM WITH ME: You enter into the courtroom… As you enter you notice several things: The place is packed wall to wall You take your seat among the spectators You notice the prosecutor……
Our book today diverts from the classic norm of prophetic books. It is not done in poetry, a letter, nor instruction, or even informative. It is approached more as a narrative (A Story)... Jesus often used narrative)… There are key characters / Lessons taught through example or contrast Narrative is…
Proverbs 6:16-19 is a truth given to us by God Himself to mankind… this truth spans time, culture, and is very practical for the church today… The six … seven pattern used in this passage here and other places in the Hebrew poetry is for EMPHASIS!… the purpose of this kind of numerical pattern (x and…
JUSTICE or JUST: Divinely righteous action, whether taken by humanity or God… Used in relation to uplifting the righteous and oppressed and debasing the unrighteous and oppressors. The quality or principle of fairness, righteousness, and impartiality in dealing with individuals and society. In the biblical…
Life altering events, devastation, tragedies, have the ability to change or at least alter and consider how we think. These major events in our lives can turn our thinking from temporal things to more eternal or spiritual things as well. The setting of this brief book (3 chapters) comes after a massive…
Minor Prophets... The minor prophets begin with our look at Hosea this morning. The 5 Major Prophets are through, we proceed on to the 12 Minor Prophets. Much shorter in length, no less powerful and important for us to understand. Minor prophets total are 67 chapters, Isaiah is 66 The Minor prophets…
The Psalmist declares in Psalm 135:5-6 : For I know that the Lord is great And that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. This morning… do you KNOW the Lord is great?… Is He truly greater than all other gods?… Are you comfortable…
As we begin our look at Ezekiel today I felt it was needed to PAUSE and TEACH some things and help CATCH US UP to where we are in things, in history, and the overall layout of the scripture narrative: … besides over one third of the book deals with our sin and how awful it is and God’s view of it . ……
Jeremiah had warned the people… Moses had declared almost 900 years earlier in Deuteronomy 28 all the things we see in this book. The curses from God, His righteous indignation, the peoples low and pathetic situation in misery and anguish. The time had come for God’s discipline… Ecclesiastes 3:2-4 speaks…
In Jeremiah 7:26- 27 it reads… “Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers. “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you. My prayer as we look…
We have concluded the wisdom and poetry books , spanning all time and all generations… We now enter into a series of writings called the PROPHETS : These will take us back into the timeline of the historical books and transport us into things to come … These 17 prophetic books comprise almost 1/4 of…
I would like to begin today by reading from: Genesis 2:18-25 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he…
The book of Ecclesiastes ( Meaning: one who speaks before an assembly “preacher or teacher” ) is probably the most philosophical book in the scriptures. PROVERBS addresses the general principles and truths of life and wisdom… whereas this book ponders the many exceptions & problematic portions of life……
A scientist was using the inductive method to observe the characteristics of a flea. Plucking a leg off the flea, he ordered, “Jump!” The flea promptly jumped. Taking another leg off, the scientist again commanded, “Jump!” The flea jumped again. The scientist continued this process until he came to the…
Music, Melody, plays a huge part in people’s lives. Many wake up to it Many engage with it when they shower We carry headphones at the ready The radio plays it as soon as we start our vehicles We engage in a variety of instruments We have developed TV shows around it There is a 26.2 BILLION DOLLAR industry…
We have grappled with and discovered the 14 books of the old testament designated as the historical books including the Pentateuch. A time frame spanning approximately 4000 years. We will soon be looking at the prophetic books that will deal with messages to people during those periods but also look…
Psalm 135:5-6 says this: For I know that the Lord is great And that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. The difficult thing is when you and I do not see what the Lord is doing… we know He is working… but is He??? Purim…
J. Oswald Sanders It is possible to move men through God by prayer alone. John Bunyan You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed. Charles Swindoll Vision is essential for survival. It is spawned by faith, sustained by hope, sparked by imagination,…
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. Billy Graham Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Abraham Lincoln The Man we are looking at today for our…
The governing leaders of this nation bring an individual pause and concern. It seems each day the news is filled with more corruption, lies, and reports that just make one shake their head in disgust. It would be a grave danger however to allow these news reports, and public opinion to shape one’s theology…
Chronicles is a book that draws the reader to look back… the writer does this in order to challenge the reader to both look and move forward, but unlike the past move forward with a right focus and intent. Today’s study of Chronicles will have us: Remember - from God’s perspective Reflect - how this…
Joshua had strongly and forthrightly declared to the nation of Israel… Joshua 24:14-15 “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord…
As the book of Samuel begins… the cycle of sin is still occuring in Israel from Judges. We find Eli judging Israel along with his sons and God is not pleased. The final verse in Judges 21:25 describes things accurately… In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own…
There are mixed opinions on whether or not a pastor should break in a sermon series to speak on a topic on certain holidays. While I don’t do this for all holidays and celebrations, there are some that I feel are important enough for us to pause, reflect, and see what God’s Word has to say to the topic.…
I think some here today or listening have had a hard week… maybe “hard” does not do it justice. Most likely some are dealing with things, circumstances, hurts, failures of the past… maybe "words” don’t describe it. We have looked at: Genesis : God is powerful creator and sovereign Exodus : He is salvation…
Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Billy Graham, Richard Wurmbrand… and the list could contain many other names. These men came from a time and generation that was given the designation “The Greatest Generation” . This designation was given to them…
The book of Joshua!!!… deriving it’s title from the man who would now lead Israel into the promise land! Joshua= YAHWEH is Salvation! Through this book we see God in a powerful way as He delivers His salvation to Israel, fulfills His Promises, and through it’s pages we see Victorious Living displayed…
David as he writes in the Psalms declares… Psalm 40:8 ; 119:97 ; 119:165 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. As David writes these words……
EMPTY… This word implies so much! Maybe you are running on EMPTY as you struggle to keep up with life’s crazy schedule Maybe EMPTY describes your gas tank or your bank account Maybe EMPTY describes your future or what tomorrow holds EMPTY… there leaves a void, it’s nothingness, it lacks SOMETHING or…
It was Friday afternoon… and the centurion at the cross makes an interesting statement: Matthew 27:54 records it this way… and Mark 15:39 states… while Luke declares that the centurion declares “ Certainly this man was innocent. ” Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus,…
It Must Have Been Quite A Scene The same crowds that heard Jesus declare Himself as the living water at the Feast of Tabernacles are now back for the Passover Feast… Celebrating and cheering this Jesus who they believe to be the promised Messiah! The disciples are elated and full of anticipation for…
The book we are looking at today is titled “ Numbers ”. Accurately so, as when you look over it’s pages there is a great deal of information, counting, statistics, and figures in this book. The original name of the book in Hebrew however derives it’s name from the first sentence in the book meaning……
It was a nice fall evening in October… I was driving through the canyon with my wife, kids, and mother in law. The beauty and serenity of the drive were abruptly ruined as I looked in my rear view mirror and saw those dreaded flashing lights flying up on me. When the state trooper did not pass me I realized…
Exodus stands at the heart of the Old Testament scriptures as the greatest example of God’s saving grace (redemption) and power exemplified until the coming of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary!!! I want us to begin our study today by reflecting on something God told Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14…
Our scriptures begin with the book of Genesis, this book opens with a statement… BEFORE TIME “ In the beginning GOD... ” (outside of time) John 1:1-3 declares some things about this God who is communicating with us! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was…
It was a few weeks ago I was handed the notes from one of the children in our church. I don’t know who took the notes, but they are very good. Under words not understood was written “ GENUINE ”. I appreciate that our kids in our services are engaging in God’s Word, listening and learning. To help clarify:…
December of 2000, Christmas Eve. This was a night I had been looking forward to! Before we went to church that evening I gave Lisa Thompson a GIFT … The gift extended an offer, an invitation to be my bride… “Will You Marry Me Dec 24, 2000” I dropped to one knee and presented her with a ring… She said…
This letter has been such a blessing. We started reading and studying through this letter in October. What an encouraging way to end the year and begin a new year, looking at a letter that focuses on the Child of God’s joy and peace! What a fitting message for us today as we live in a world full of sorrows,…
This morning we will be considering an area some take as uncomfortable, awkward, or even offensive! I however see it as an area of a GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY to reflect on the very character of our Great God! The area I speak to is: GIVING … specifically giving of ones finances or resources! I’m asked sometimes……
FEAR … an unpleasant ( often strong ) emotional caused by the belief, anticipation, or awareness ( a thinking ) that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. The Emotion of Fear can cause: Anxiety / worry Philippians 4:6-7 best dealt with through prayer! Don’t worry about…
Anxiety Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and…
Today starts the new year 2023… fresh??? exciting??? new adventures??? unknowns??? fear??? Regardless of what 2023 looks like right now… TODAY IS DAY 1 POWER!!! You and I serve a powerful God! If you and I forget this fact… nothing else we look at today will really make sense. Paul speaks to our MAGNIFICENT…
MERRY CHRISTMAS! What a joy to be family on this glorious day as we celebrate the coming and birth of our Savior! So far as we have focused on the Baby Christ Child… we have looked at and considered: Our Great God & Savior as the Good Shepherd We looked at the Dark, Dirty, and Distant sheep that our…
Verse 6 “ All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way ;” Israel had strayed far from God, a dark place spiritually although probably one of their most “religious” times Gentiles were strays… far from this God who was their creator. Wondering aimlessly in this dark world…
SHEPHERDS THAT NIGHT… it was shepherds that God chose to announce His Son’s birth to! TODAY: is the first in a three part series I have titled, “A Christmas Focus… shepherds, sheep, & THE LAMB! We will consider several things as we embark on this study... We will look at God as our Shepherd We will consider…
Come walking up with baggage… picking up some baggage along the way up. Encourage audience to take a load off and sit down. Dismiss children’s church MANY OF YOU… feel like I look! You come this morning with all sorts of baggage Preston comes up with game bag Nathan comes up with guitar case Lisa comes…
Today’s passage is addressing a crucial area that as believer's need to have a firm understanding and comprehension of. It is centered around our salvation and the Joy we find in it. Paul’s words in these verses are given as “ safeguards ” to you and I… Today’s message is titled RUBBISH… JOY STEALERS…
Thanksgiving : A time where we tend to express our gratitude outwardly a little more. Paul is expressing in our passage today how grateful he is for two specific men and his church family. It would be easy to dismiss these verses as Paul’s personal expressions of fondness and move right past them onto…
In the beginning with mankind we see God make a statement Genesis 1:27-2:3 , 15 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the…
Let’s consider for a moment how our world measures GREATNESS: Often it is equated with worth or fortune Ones popularity or fame The accomplishments people see that you achieve Power is often linked with greatness, authority Sometimes it just comes down to peoples opinion… Our passage looks at GREATNESS…
Please join me today as we begin by looking at our passage in Philippians 1:27-30 this is a passage I believe will challenge our hearts and convict our spirits along with bolstering our fervor for the gospel and forging us more into the Family of God as we look at these three to the point verses… Only…
There are 3 Questions that man continues to peruse generation after generation… those who have a Biblical Worldview are able to answer these questions with ease and comfort: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? The answers to these questions will impact ALL of your life’s situations…
I find myself wearing these glasses more and more… not because my vision is going. I have 20/20 vision, but rather because they help me see things correctly. I have dyslexia and with out these on words shift and are not in the correct place neither are numbers especially. I view things through these…
The passage we are looking at today has really given me a new and fresh love and compassion for you my church family. I have been encouraged by this passage I have been challenged by this passage to be a better pastor to be a better husband and father to be a better brother in Christ I have been blessed…
Communion especially causes us to REMEMBER and REFOCUS ! We are beginning a new series in the book of Philippians! A series I believe will cause a REFOCUS in our daily lives that should impact every area! As we read through this letter it is one that oozes with REJOICING , PEACE , GRACE , and THANKSGIVING…
John Parke’s Warning… In the late 1800s a bunch of wealthy industrial barons … purchased a dam and lake that had been built in the early 1800s as a reservoir on the Conemaugh River near Johnstown Pennsylvania and created the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. They called their lake “Lake Conemaugh”…
John Parke’s Warning… In the late 1800s a bunch of wealthy industrial barons … purchased a dam and lake that had been built in the early 1800s as a reservoir on the Conemaugh River near Johnstown Pennsylvania and created the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. They called their lake “Lake Conemaugh”…
The Rapture is the next big event in God’s revealed Plan... Peter takes some time at the end of his letter to REMIND them of some things they know, and to tell them why this is important… 2 Peter 3:9-16 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing…
It would be easy to come to today’s passage and consider dates, events, and timing of the things stated in this passage. We could allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the foolishness of man and the foolish things stated by mankind generation to generation. Today however, I want us to Consider God, Especially…
On trips to Africa I have visited villages with trash and filth that overwhelm ones sense of sight & smell On medical calls as a firefighter medic I have responded to residences in filth that required one to shower and dispose of clothing afterwards I have also walked down streets in places like Las…
GOD… a wrong concept of Him, who He is, how He deals with sin… it can impact this life and all eternity to come. A right concept impact and change our behavior as we will see today. A wrong concept can have dire consequences.... WHAT IS YOUR CONCEPT OF GOD? What is your concept of God? Is He a sweet…
Last week we looked at the power this book, the holy scriptures, the God breathed inspired words. Peter, as we enter chapter 2, continues his argument for holding onto the truth. He is challenging his readers to spiritual maturity, knowing it is what will allow them to stand up to false teachers and…
Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself. - C.H. Spurgeon- We live in a day and age where the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of God, is under attack. The greater authority of our day is now man’s opinion or the culture wave Rather than scripture man uses terms…
Lives suffocated by the looming feeling of being useless… bearing not fruit or purpose. We see them all around us... Elderly once full of energy, sought after for advice, now seemingly forgotten and battling the question daily of what is the use The once healthy, active, strong individual, who now suffers…
As we see Peter writing this letter he has come a long way from the disciple who denied Christ and the conversation on the seashore... Peter… older, focused and passionate He has been tempered by time, life and ministry… BUT NOT SLOWED!!! He has become a key leader and has become unwavering for the Gospel…
Grace and Peace to the Fullest… ( 1 Peter 1:2 ) This is what Peter wanted to offer in this letter. So far the letter Peter has written has informed us or increased our knowledge of: That it is Jesus who is building His church Peter shared the power of Salvation in the believer’s life This salvation is…
Peter stands before Jesus… just the two of them and Jesus states to Peter John 21: 15-17 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said…
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” William Shakespeare uses this line in his play Romeo and Juliet to convey that a name is nothing but a name… OR IS THERE??? Is there something more to this name “Christian”???… follow along as we read from 1 Peter…
Last week Peter declared to the church… we have seen the extent our God went through for us, now get ready, move forward, let people watch, but expect resistance keeping the goal in your sights regardless! Peter challenged the followers of Christ to PRACTICE PERSEVERANCE !!! This week as Peter continues…
It was the day I set a State Record in swimming… I will never forget it! I had trained, learned the stroke, and now my coach came and told me it was time I would be competing in the 200 meter butterfly!!! Just do what you practiced, swim like I taught you he said I lunged into the stroke as the race…
As we celebrate Mother’s Day today, I want us to consider a passage of scripture well known to us. A passage many of us had to memorize as children possibly, and for good reason! Yet, I believe it is a passage forgotten, or that holds less importance as we grow older in the church. The concept I want…
Peter has been discussion how we are to respond to suffering. He continues this thought as he moves into verse 18 describing the example of Christ! You know it is going to be a thrilling week of study as you look at the passage deeper and every theologian is saying that these verses are the MOST DIFFICULT…
Peter minces no words as he has challenged his readers concerning their Actions and Attitudes as they live for Christ since 1 Peter 2:11-12 . Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so…
We left Peter Friday night distant from Jesus. He was an observer of the cross, the burial, the words Jesus spoke, the things Jesus did… but Peter found himself distant… filled with regret, confusion and fear. Peter spent Saturday... Grieved over Jesus’ death Broken over the regrets But the TOMB… it…
Imagine with me… Peter from a distance, watching Jesus as He hung on the cross that day for six hours… As he sits watching he begins to reflect back on things Jesus said, events that had occured His memories and reflections are broken up with moments of weeping Over the last three years Peter had seen…
Last week we focused on wives… submitting to their own husbands SO THAT: and we looked at their testimony and how God focuses on the heart Husbands do play a role in this, but ultimately you look to God and obey Him without fear this week we will focus on us husbands, and a Godly husband will make this…
A little girl was so excited when she learned of the story of snow white. She told the whole thing to her mom. As she came to the ending she told her mom of how Prince Charming kissed Snow White and how they fell in love. In excitement she asked her mom if she knew what happened next??? The Mother: “They…
The not so easy... of something easy to understand: Through our study of 1 Peter so far we have looked at FOUNDATIONAL ASPECTS that are now going to be PRACTICALLY APPLIED to the Life we live… We have looked at: The Power of our salvation The Plan and Purpose of this salvation we have Peter has challenged…
As Peter penned this letter challenging the church to live in unity in verses 1-3 of chapter 2 , I wonder if he paused and reflected back to that day he stood with Jesus in Caesarea Philipi at the very heart of pagan worship… a place were it was believed that a cave there was the gates of Hell… as he…
The night Jesus would be betrayed Jesus shared words of challenge and truth to His disciples… some of these truths are recorded for us in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that…
Peter has so beautifully and passionately as he opens his letter to a hurting church abroad shown the church in the opening verses the Power of our Salvation as he reminds his readers of God’s Plan of our Salvation from the very beginning. With these two powerful points made he begins his next emphasis…
This morning we are going to consider three verses in light of last week’s message on the powerful salvation you and I can receive! SALVATION has always been God’s Plan “A” from the beginning… as we read through the pages of scripture we see God revealing over time “the grace that would come”. Peter…
Growing up I was deaf for the first six years of life. Reading was difficult, and on top of that I was dyslexic but that would not be discovered until I was in my thirties. Great effort was given to language arts and over time I began to appreciate the structure and form of communicating through words.…
It was a beautiful card. The font was very elegant. As my wife and I read it we were informed of the couples love for one another, it showed where they would be married and even stated when, had a sweet picture of their hands, it gave us where they were registered… yet only a hint of WHO was sending…
Peter stands before Christ as Jesus ask him a very direct question… his answer resonates with the same powerful truth as it did that day and the revelation Jesus declares impacts you and I even to this day!!! ( Matthew 16:15-18 ) He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered,…
The book of Genesis opens with the words… “ In the beginning God ” and we see the closing verses read Genesis 50:14-26 After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, and all who had gone up with him to bury his father. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead,…
As we have studied Genesis over the last year one thing can be seen as we traverse the pages of time… what one generation does will impact the next! Adam and Eve bring sin to all mankind Noah’s faithfulness brings life to his family Canaan’s sin against his father brings a curse upon his descendants…
A message on the Providence of God seems more fitting for a new years message. Truth be told this message could be fitting most any Sunday or most any day… YOU AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TOMORROW HOLDS… BUT GOD!!! Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) (Providence) PROVIDENCE: divine…
We begin today’s worship and time together with communion. A coming together as the family of God to remember and look forward. When we think about the heart of Christ I can’t help but recall that He prayed for unity for His church… this family here today. Very little can tear at a heart like division…
Two nights ago we looked at and considered how the common writers of John, Luke, and Matthew responded to the birth of Christ by sharing it in written form and making Him known We looked at Joseph and Mary as the obeyed the Lord’s message and pondered on the things they heard We considered the shepherds……
We often read the Christmas story from Luke this time of the year and almost end with … THE END.... But is it, was it??? The events of Luke are not just a story like frosty the snowman meant to make you feel good This is God recording for us His amazing grace in sending you and I His Son!!! God gave…
This last week I have worked long and hard ministering to a particular individual that I have ministered to for over ten years now. From my vantage point the individual seems to be going nowhere fast, if there is progress it is slower than what can be seen. From my perspective there is little to no desire…
This week I recieved the Voice of the Martyrs Magazine… encouraging prayer for those persecuted, wrongfully imprisoned, going through difficult hard times. Their stories bring tears and bring one to their knees in prayer. How many of us would have had Joseph’s name on our prayer line, prayer cards tucked…
A. W. Tozer, who said: “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”1 Few can fully relate with God’s servant Job … all physical possessions gone overnight, sickness, pain, wrongful statements and accusations from friends, and ten children dying in the midst of all…
The HURTING... A spouse going through a difficult time, wrongful words of hurt pain in the heart A son or daughter who is feeling the pain of a parent who continues to tear down, say things that hurt One who has suffered loss of a loved one, still hurting yet those around you go on and treat you as though…
The psalmist writes in Psalm 139:1-12 O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before…
I want to start out today reading from 2 Timothy 3:16 … All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; Chapter 38 is a bizarre narrative that breaks away from the narrative of Joseph’s life… At first glace it just feels odd and…
One of the most misquoted verses in scripture is found in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord , ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. This passage of scripture is given to Jeremiah for the people of Israel that will be going…
Scripture is clear that Jacob was a man who had faith in God, a man who feared God… BUT HE WAS WEAK. NOW… do not come to Jacob’s life in his weak faith and feel it is okay to mimic his life. With a weak faith, and a life that often revealed actions or inaction that spoke to the contrary to his faith……
When my kids were younger we had a fun game we would play called Buzz and Zurg. I would get down on my knees and the kids would be on the other side of the floor and I would say “I am your father” they would yell “ NOOOO !” and come attack me and we would wrestle. There were times I would let them think…
America yesterday remembered an event that forever reshaped our nation and our world. Many listening today can recall what you were doing that day. Others cannot. September 11, 2001 will stand out as one of the hardest most difficult times in America. It is in times of hardship that it is most often…
In one of His sermons Jesus states these words found in Luke 6:31 “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Paul would later state this concept in Galatians 5:14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement , “ You shall love your neighbor as yourself .” Paul would later…
As I have read through scripture, studied it, discussed it with others, and heard people share their thoughts concerning the things God has recorded for us in His Word i have noticed a tendency… People (myself included) tend to find the faults in those we study . Somehow this is common We can find fault…
Romans 8:5-8 is a very clear and powerful statement that pertains to our subject matter today as we look at Genesis.... For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh…
Alliteration is not my thing… I am more of a practical say it as it is kind of guy. However it just came out better today as we look closer at part two of Land Love & Legacy. We took an overarching approach last week to these three chapters of the epilogue of Abraham’s life and I would like us to look…
LEGACY = Has been defined as… “A gift, something transmitted by or recieved from an ancestor or predecessor, or someone given special status because of a familial relationship.” THE GIFT = we will be considering is the blessing from God to Abraham to Isaac and the descendants to come. This gift and blessing…
As we come to chapter 22 we come to the climatic portion of Abraham’s life in the scriptures. In fact, when you get to verse 20 it begins in the portion of scripture that would be considered the epilogue of Abraham’s story as it prepares to transition to Isaac’s narrative. Consider Abraham’s journey…
I appreciate so much that when you and I listen to a sermon, or read a passage of scripture… When God gives us instruction or teaches us a lesson in life… that we MASTER it, we LEARN and OBEY ! I love that as a parent… when I tell my kids something or instruct them in a matter that they learn and obey…
As I approach this message today I have to confess that father’s day sermons are some of the hardest for me. There are numerous personal reasons and there is also the overwhelming request each year that comes asking for “ an encouraging message not one that is convicting ”. Well over 20 times this last…
As we embark into chapter 18 one might ask… “ What is there for me to learn today in this chapter? ” I would encourage you to approach this chapter as you should any chapter of the Bible. Remember this is God’s Word given to us in order that we may know Him better and how He interacts with us His creation.…
On stage here with a volcano behind me, first of all is really cool! Secondly I think about and consider the immense power that is demonstrated by a volcano… when it decides to erupt you don’t see people scold or rebuke it, as the molten lava flows down the side into the sea below you never see anyone…
As we take time today to recognize and honor our graduates, I felt it was fitting to approach today’s passage with them in mind. That being stated, we all know that the wisdom from God’s word passed on to one stepping from High School to the next stage of life is wisdom that is just as applicable for…
What promises of God do you hold onto when you are struggling, going through a harder time in life??? I will never leave you or forsake you Vengeance is mine, I will repay I will uphold you I will renew your strength I will give you rest I will build my church, Satan will not prevail After three days…
God’s Word… the Scriptures are absolutely amazing! We find ourselves in a book that answers the questions of the origins of life, introducing us to this Creator God who loves us yet hates sin. We are engaged in the life of a man known for his faith, we see his struggles and growth. Now we come to chapter…
Open with reading the article in VOM magazine... Consider the following quotes from those who understood prayer intimately… Prayer is a time of refreshment. Howard Taylor says of his father, Hudson Taylor, “For forty years the sun never rose on China that God didn’t find him on his knees.” —Howard Taylor,…
There is such a wealth of lessons to be learned in our chapter today and so little time to express it all. I feel like God was trying to help teach me something this week as I strived to put this message together. Our dishwasher died this week… due to this failure through a series of events our downstairs…
I have been in ministry long enough and experienced life to understand that men fall, heroes let you down, and even the faithful find themselves failing. There are dangers when we place people on a pedestal: We place burdens and expectations on them that cannot be met We find ourselves disillusioned,…
I wanted to start this mornings message by sharing the video from the church and pastor we as a church family are working together with to plant a church. I remember the first time I was introduced to church planting... I was about 12 years old… about 1990 and my mentor challenged me to pray for a church…
The words “ Once upon a time... ” or “ I remember when.. .” spark intrigue to the listener. I love this time of year until about late fall… It’s camp fire time! The family gathers around a fire pit instead of a TV or other electronic device. Stories are shared dreams are expressed. Laughter is heard…
TOMORROW… Is shrouded in the unknown masked by uncertainty It holds anticipated joy, ease, and freshness for some While for others Sorrow, difficulty or or mundane For some it brings fear yet for others it offers HOPE… Why? I would submit to you today that tomorrow is best approached by our remembering……
Worship Team reads… Isaiah 52:13-53:12 See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— so he will sprinkle…
Songs help us not forget. A truth put to melody… A song of promises and truth “Jesus Loves Me”. The children of Israel would sing too… these songs were well known by young and old alike… We find Jesus weeping… Luke 19:41-42 When He approached Jerusalem , He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If…
The question posed “does life matter” is a very important one for each of us to consider. Before we started Genesis I was asked by some… Is an old book like that really nessesary to teach from? Is it even pertinent to today? Why not preach something practical for our day and the issues we are seeing…
The late President Calvin Coolidge returned home from attending church early one Sunday afternoon. His wife had been unable to attend, but she was interested in what the minister spoke on in the service. Coolidge responded, “Sin.” She pressed him for a few words of explanation. And being a man of few…
- To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root. — Chinese Proverb 2. He who has no fools, knaves, or beggars in his family was begot by a flash of lightning. — Old English proverb Over the years I have learned a great deal about the family I come from. Research,…
The owner of an RV in Seattle was shocked one day to come out and see a man who was trying to steal gasoline from his motor home by attaching a siphoning hose to the vehicle, he was hard at work with it but quickly ran off; police found him shortly afterward writhing in agony in the street. Seems he…
The Day of the Lord 2 Peter 3:10-16 (Part 1 of 2) -- While we wait we should have holy conduct and godliness 2 Peter 3:10-13 -- El Día del Señor 2 Pedro 3:10-16 (Parte 1 de 2) -- Mientras esperamos debemos tener santa conducta y piedad 2 Pedro 3:10-13
I was in the kitchen with my mom after church one Sunday… my little sister Ginger came into the kitchen crying. I felt relieved because I had done nothing to her this time to make her cry… or so I thought. My mom asked what was wrong and she shared that they learned in church that day about those who…
The holy prophets or the mockers 2 Peter 3:1-7 (Part 1 of 2) -- The true prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ 2 Peter 3:1-4 -- Los santos profetas o los burladores 2 Pedro 3:1-7 (Parte 1 de 2) -- Los verdaderos profetas y apóstoles de Jesucristo 2 Pedro 3:1-4
Last week we discussed the six days of creation… and God resting on the seventh. When we look at the world around us that He created … WE SEE DESIGN !!! We see the precision and impressiveness of a bats sonar The very eye of the human body has greater functionality and focus capability than any lens…
False prophets and teachers 2 Peter 2:1-22 (Part 5 of 5) -- Do not eat the contamination of the false teachers and false prophets 2 Peter 2:20-22 -- Los profetas y maestros falsos 2 Pedro 2:1-22 (Parte 5 de 5) -- No come las contaminaciones de los falsos maestros y profetas 2 Pedro 2:20-22
GOD CREATED… this is a powerful phrase! God brought into existence, created, made life! ( John 1:4 … “ In Him was life ”) Psalm 33:6 ; 9 the psalmist states powerfully.... By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded,…
False prophets and teachers 2 Peter 2:1-22 -- The slavery of the unrighteous 2 Peter 2:17-19 (Part 4 of 5) -- Los profetas y maestros falsos 2 Pedro 2:1-22 -- La esclavitud de los injustos 2 Pedro 2:17-19 (Parte 4 de 5)
As you and I come to scripture we need to approach our study appropriately… 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus state that an elder should be one “ able to teach ” Today will feel a little more like teaching than preaching This information is vital to our understanding of God’s Word Let the text speak for itself.…
False prophets and teachers 2 Peter 2:1-22 -- The characteristics of the unrighteous 2 Peter 2:10b-16 (Part 3 of 5) -- Los profetas y maestros falsos 2 Pedro 2:1-22 -- Las características de los injustos 2 Pedro 2:10b-16 (Parte 3 de 5)
Research shows that as many as 50 percent of adults in the United States make New Year’s resolutions, but fewer than 10 percent keep them for more than a few months. https://www.westernconnecticuthealthnetwork.org/newsroom/article-listing/new-years-resolutions#:~:text=Summary%3A,more%20than%20a%20few%20months.…
Who is Jesus? Exodus 3:13-15; Psalms 45:6; Isaiah 12:2 -- Jesus Isaiah 12:2; Matthew 1:21(Part 3 of 3) -- ¿Quién es Jesús? Exódo 3:13-15; Salmos 45:6; Isaías 12:2 -- Jesús Isaías 12:2; Mateo 1:21 (Parte 3 de 3)
My wife and I were camping one time. We had hiked all day. It was a warm summer evening, clear sky so we decided to leave the rain fly off of our tent giving us an open view of the heavens above us. In the dark mountain night we gazed at the stars in utter amazement of the beauty and wonder of the stars.…
As we gather on the Eve of Christmas I want you to imagine with me for a moment if you can… A season or period in time where things are MESSY : People around you have their own opinions and even expectations ranging all over the spectrum Civil unrest is rampant There are no wars occuring YET… peace is…
Who is Jesus? Exodus 3:13-15; Psalms 45:6; Isaiah 12:2 -- God Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 45:6; Hebrews 1:8 (Part 2 of 3) -- ¿Quién es Jesús? Exódo 3:13-15; Salmos 45:6; Isaías 12:2 -- Dios Deuteronomio 6:4; Salmos 45:6; Hebreos 1:8 (Parte 2 de 3)
LIGHT… it is just fitting around this time of year. In the winter months we seem to miss the light more than ever. In our home we have a tradition where we load up in the car, sometimes we pack hot chocolate, we turn on Christmas music and we go driving around looking for Christmas lights. Sometimes…
Who is Jesus? Exodus 3:13-15; Psalms 45:6; Isaiah 12:2 -- I AM Exodus 3:13-15; John 4:26; 8:58; 18:5-6; 8:24 (Part 1 of 3) -- ¿Quién es Jesús? Exódo 3:13-15; Salmos 45:6; Isaías 12:2 -- YO SOY Exódo 3:13-15; Juan 4:26; 8:58; 18:5-6; 8:24 (Parte 1 de 3)
As we approach our celebration of Christ coming this Christmas season, I desire for us to focus on the passage from John 1:1-17 . As we look at it over the next three times together we will look at: How He Planned to Come The Light in the Darkness The Mess He Came To Each time asking the questions: When…
The Lord knows how to free the godly from temptation 2 Peter 2:4-10a -- El Señor sabe como a librar los piadosos de tentación 2 Pedro 2:4-10a
Corrie Ten Boom recounts her time in Ravensbruck concentration camp with her sister Betsie… We lay back, struggling against the nausea that swept over us from the reeking straw. ..Suddenly I sat up, striking my head on the cross-slats above. Something had pinched my leg. “‘Fleas!’ I cried. ’Betsie, the…
In this message we look at the general will of God for the believer. En esta mensaje miramos la voluntad de Dios para el creyente.
We cover how as brothers and sisters in Christ we have a responisibility to take care of one another. En este mensaje hablamos sobre como hermanos y hermanas en Cristo tenemos un responsabilidad de cuidar unos a otros.
I have made the statement over this past year that “I would rather take a decade of 2020 over six months of 2019”. I’m not saying that the difficulties we as a family went through were more or less difficult than what God may be allowing you to go through What I am saying is that life brings struggles,…
False prophets and teachers 2 Peter 2:1-22 - False prophets and teachers introduction 2 Peter 2:1-3 -- Los profetas y maestros falsos 2 Pedro 2:1-22 - Los profetas y maestros falsos introducción 2 Pedro 2:1-3 (Parte 1 de 5)
Peter is always ready to remind them these things 2 Peter 1:12-21 - Prophecy in Scripture 2 Peter 1:19-21 (Part 3 of 3) -- Siempre Pedro estará listo para recordarles estas cosas 2 Pedro 1:12-21 - La profecía en la Escritura 2 Pedro 1:19-21 (Parte 3 de 3)
I thought after a roller-coaster week we could use a little light hearted approach. It has both thrilled me and concerned me how Christians have approached this last week: Some have expressed how grateful they are that they know not matter who sits in the oval office… God sits on His throne Others have…
Peter is always ready to remind them these things 2 Peter 1:12-21 - The importance of Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1:16-18(Part 2 of 3) -- Siempre Pedro estará listo para recordarles estas cosas 2 Pedro 1:12-21 - La importancia de Jesucristo 2 Pedro 1:16-18 (Parte 2 de 3)
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the…
Role: a socially expected behavior pattern usually determined by an individual’s status We are the Bride, Body, and Family… The CHURCH Responsibility or Responsible: moral, legal, or mental accountability / liable to be called to account… able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations What does God’s…
Believers we have the tools that we need 2 Peter 1:1-11 - The warning to the believers 2 Peter 1:9-11 (Part 3 of 3) -- Creyentes tenemos las herramientas que necesitamos 2 Pedro 1:1-11 - El aviso a los Creyentes 2 Pedro 1:9-11 (Parte 3 de 3)
With today’s topic surrounding the theme of FAMILY, I thought I would begin by introducing my family Picture of my family My Wife My Sons My Daughter We have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles We have family we are close to, other family not so much FAMILY It spans time, culture, nations, and language……
Believers add the tools of Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1:5-8 Creyentes añadan las herramientas de Jesucristo 2 Pedro 1:5-8
Final Words My mother passed away about a year ago… I still have saved her final voice mail message. It would be the last words I would hear her speak. My grandfather passed away when I was just 7 years old yet I can still recall the last time I spent with him and the words of wisdom he spoke into my…
It was December of 2000, Christmas Eve. This was a night I had been looking forward to! Before we went to church that evening I gave Lisa Thompson a GIFT … The gift extended an offer, an invitation to be my bride… “Will You Marry Me Dec 24, 2000” I dropped to one knee and presented her with a ring… She…
As we embark on this study of THE CHURCH: Who & What Is It… we need to take a look at the God we serve. When it comes to approaching God we need to come with a humility. In our western thinking and mindset we often approach with an arrogance in this area of God Almighty... ar•ro•gance \ˈer-ə-gən(t)s,…
Series: God gives grace to the humble 1 Peter 5:1-11
Elders shepherd the flock that you have been given 1 Peter 5:1-5 (Part 1 of 2) -- Serie: Dios da gracia a los humildes 1 Pedro 5:1-11 -- Los ancianos pastorean el rebaño que se les ha dado 1 Pedro 5:1-5 (Parte 1 de 2)
We come to our final book in our look at these shorter books of scripture’s postcards... Malachi is one of those books that causes one to examine their heart… The tone is heavy, we see just as we did last week in Nahum this is another oracle not to Nineveh but rather this time to Israel, God’s chosen…
As we look at the book of Nahum this morning we will be looking at an oracle… Nahum 1:1 The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Oracle: It was a weighty or burdensome kind of message to deliver. It is a common term in the prophetic writings This oracle is a threatening message…
Webster defines time this way: a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events ( priorities ) which succeed one another from past through present to future “I don’t have enough time” “I will get to it when I find time” “I wish I had more time” Quotes on time Time is free, but it’s priceless.…
We are looking at another letter this week. This letter has been classified in a particular group of letters known as the “Pastoral Letters”. Instructions from God to those who lead the church and what should be taught in His Church. Paul is by training a man who is skilled in the art of communication…
Proverbs 6:16-19 states in a very clear and powerful way this message: There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness…