Jesus did not preach an easy-listening message. He didn’t come to be popular. He taught repentance and that life was only found in Him. Just as many today can be drawn to different aspects of Christianity, there are those who turn away from the gospel because they don’t like its teachings, demands, exclusivity, or the…
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35 This past Sunday we looked at John 6 where Jesus begins a discourse with the crowd. In verse 27, He tells them not to work for the food that perishes…
For the grace of God has appeared… Titus 2:11-12 For us to truly, in our hearts, want to repent of our sins, repent of our screw-ups—for us to truly want to turn our backs on our old selves, on the self-indulgent people we’ve been—we’ve got to first trust that we can change, that we can…
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 1 Timothy 2:8 We fight a battle every day; with our flesh, the world, and with our enemy, the devil. These battles can leave us tired, bitter, angry, or just a sense of being overwhelmed. Without daily…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 When Paul wrote these words, he meant the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things. And, of course, he meant the works are good for…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 God gives us natural talents and spiritual gifts and hearts with unique passions. God also shapes us through trials and circumstances in our every day lives. When we are using our…
. . . if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself—Galatians 6:3 It usually takes men a while before they realize that we are built for community. What I mean is that many of us were taught that we need to make our own way, don’t admit our weaknesses and…
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Have you ever felt rejected? Maybe by someone you trusted or a family member? It can leave us feeling worthless. In the scriptures, Joseph felt…
I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, Jesus. In the 1990’s Matt Redmans’ pastor, Mike Pilavachi, asked, “When you come through the doors on a Sunday, what are you bringing as your offering to God?” He then removed the sound system and the band from the service because their…
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 God’s Word is more than just letters on a page – they are life. Romans 15 reminds us that whatever was written was written for our instruction and that through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.…